Honestly.

“Hell no, I can’t change in one day.” Keira scoffed, causing Alaric to burst into laughter.

The blond man walked back to the car, where Hope sat looking even more annoyed, then before. Keira blew her a kiss, causing the pretty redhead to blush and look askance. With a giggle, Keira got in the SUV, and started the car.

The three of them drove back to the school and brought their prisoner down into a dungeon in the manor’s basement. Walking inside of it, it wasn’t like any dungeon or prison Keira had ever seen before. The room they walked into was fairly normal, with brick walls, and a thin tall table sitting against the wall near the doorway. On top of the table was a large ornate dark lacquered box. The cell was large, with ornate gilded gold bars, gold brick floors, and walls, with runes placed strategically across the gold bricks. Even the vaulted ceiling had gold brickwork, and arches, along with a gilded chandelier with candle shaped lights. The room had a large plush bed tucked into one corner, and a table, near it, with a door leading into a nice bathroom done in the same gold motif.

“Hell of a prison.” Keira noted in awe, as she walked inside and laid Samara down on the bed.

“It’s layered in protective enchantments.” Alaric told her, as he opened the box and withdrew a gold gilded collar. “Once closed the room is nearly impenetrable, regardless of if the person is trying to break in or out. The collar…” He said holding it near the frozen woman’s neck. “Prevents someone from accessing their powers.” The collar opened of its own accord and sealed around Samara’s neck.

“That seems, wrong.” Keira frowned at him, noticing that even Hope was taken aback by the setup.

“It’s a necessary evil.” He sighed. Snapping his fingers, a chime-like sound echoed from the collar, and the ice dispersed into mist, leaving them in a thin cloud, as Samara regained consciousness. Glancing around she looked from face to face, and around the cell, as she **** herself up into a sitting position. “Name?”

“Samara, or Phase.” She replied watching him intently.

“Who do you work for?”

“Abyss.” She shrugged.

“Why do they want the dagger?” This time she shrugged but was not forthcoming. “Where do we find Abyss?” Again, she only shrugged at him. “What is your power?”

“Ask her.” Samara nodded at Keira.

Keira glanced at Alaric. “Molecular Vibration.”

Hope frowned. “How did that effect my fire?”

Samara smiled at her. “Your fire uses oxygen; I created a wave like vibration that emulated a sonic fire extinguisher. It pushes the oxygen out of the flames, removing its fuel source.”

Alaric pointed at the collar. “The collar prevents you from using your powers.”

“I’ve notice, it is, deeply disturbing.” She frowned, her distress peeking through her façade of strength.

Keira frowned as well. “Sorry.”

“I know, but I am still mad at you.” She smiled at her.

“You could switch sides.” Keira teased.

“Perhaps I have a thing for someone on my side.” She teased back.

“What about me?” Keira feigned injury.

“I can have a thing for more than one person.” She giggled, playing the game through, causing the other two to stare at them confused.

Alaric sighed. “The bathroom is right there, you can’t hurt yourself or anyone, nor will you be able to escape. I’ll have dinner brought to you.” He said turning to go.

“How long will I remain here?” She asked.

“Till you tell us what I want to know.” He said, ushering the girls out of the cell, so he could shut the door.

“That is a very long time.” She sighed.

“I am a very patient person.” He shrugged, ushering the girls upstairs. “You two should go get cleaned up, before dinner, but no talking to the prisoner.”

“Why not?” They both asked simultaneously.

“Because I don’t want you to have to deal with it, and because I don’t trust her, not to try to play mind games with you, now go.” He said sternly.

The two walked away annoyed.