The Secrets We Keep: A TBC Flash Fiction

Even though she's limping and shaking, she still sounds like a commander. All business.

"Kora," I say softly. My voice almost gets carried away on the wind, but she hears it and turns to look at me. She's smiling, even after everything, ready to embark on a new adventure, ready to fight against the only family she has left. Ready to stand at my side no matter what.

If only it were that simple. If only she knew the real me.

"It's going to be fine,” She tells me, misreading my expression. I shake my head before cupping my hands around my mouth. "Tani!” I call out, loud enough to hear over the wind. Now. Before Kora has a chance to ask what's happening, three cloaked figures pour out from the cabin and rush toward us. Lin, Artemis, and Scarlett.

Kora draws her sword, but she's still weak from the swim and the climb, and shock slows her movements. Artemis knocks it from her hand without any effort. Heron shoves her down onto her knees and drags her arms behind her, binding them with a length of rope.

"If you hurt her, I'll kill you all," Kora spits out, struggling against them.

I find my voice. "Kora,” I say again, and she drags her eyes to me.

It's then that she realizes they aren't hurting me. Blaise comes forward to wrap a blanket around my shoulders. Confusion flashes across Kora's face but it's quickly replaced by a coldness and hurt I recognize only too easily.

"Take her below," I say. "Let her change into something dry. Se won't make a very good hostage if he's dead."

Kora is slumped against the far wall, an open porthole the size of my hand above her head the only source of fresh air. Heavy, rusted iron manacles are clasped around her wrists. She's wearing the same clothes she wore the last time I saw her.

She doesn't lift her head when she hears us enter, though she does flinch away from the sound.

"Vivi...Vivienne?" Kora's voice is hoarse and cracked, barely stronger than a whisper. She tries to lift her head but winces in pain and lets it drop again.

I reach out to touch her face, and she flinches. “You let your family use me, abuse me, and so many other things I will not speak of. And you, you, did nothing to stop them. You are a gomar and will never have my love. You had your chance. You and your family will pay. Your father took my rightful crown and invaded my country. You helped him, and so did your family. You’re lucky i’m merciful.”

Kora looked away.

“I’m sorry for everything, my Dashuri. I would change everything if I could. I’m sorry for everything.” Kora replied.

TO BE CONTINUED

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