The hallway echoed loudly under my feet as I ran, trying to escape. My breath came up in sort huffs and my legs burned, my blood coursing with panic. It was coming.

Gulping another breath of air, I pivot, taking one corner than the other. The grimy walls looked nothing like the palace walls, nor any place I had ever known. A hiss sounds behind me, spurring my movements further. It trailed me without fail, creeping steadily up to my back and sending goosebumps down my spine.

"Come back." It whispers, creeping closer.

"....How could you leave me?"

My feet pounded faster, desperate to seek escape, even while a dreading put in my stomach told me that there was none.

Dead end. The wall closed in front of me, trapping my body between it and the monster.

Desperately, I beat my fists on the wall, crying, shrieking for someone-anyone- to save me.

The creature slowed its pace behind me, a smirk evident in its voice. "How could you? How could you Maxon..??" It mocked.

I fell against the wall, desperately wishing it to open. So I won't have to face the demons of the past. "Please!" I beg. "Please.."

The creature grabs my shoulder, turning my body and forcing me to gaze upon it.
"Maxon....Maxon....."

"Maxon!"

I bolt upwards, shying away from the hand that lay on my shoulder and scooting to the other side of the room.

Kriss watches my retreat, withdrawing her hand with a look similar to one of hurt.

"Maxon..." She says quietly, with a slight sigh.

"Just leave me alone, Kriss." My voice shook in a way I detested. What had I become? "Please..."

"Y-you were crying and trashing in your sleep....I-I thought you could use some company.." She expresses, her brown eyes trying to convince me of her innocence sincerity.

She was the reason I was locked up here.

So much for innocence.

"Anyone's but yours, at the moment!" My face heats up with anger. "I'd rather starve to death, than spend another moment with the likes of you!" I sneer.

She seemed to recoil before my words, crumpling before my eyes. Almost as if she'd been struck. I detested the deep burn of passion inside me that took joy in this.

"Maxon, I understand your anger..." She starts.

I couldn't control the surge of anger that rose within me at her words, and slammed the wall with both my arms, not even minding the pain.

"You understand? You understand what it's like, to have the only person you've ever loved taken away from you? You understand being the only heir to a kingdom you don't want? You understand being held prisoner for this very kingdom and put in the lineup for slaughter, by your own friend?!?"

My rant went on and on, each word of hate wrecking misery on her face and joy on mine. As the words destroyed her, they built me up. A fierce satisfaction engulfs me at the sight of her tears. Of her sadness.

I eventually stop, when my voice runs raw, shaking with rage.

I'm a haze, I watch as Kriss retreats from the cell, slamming the lock into place with shaking hands and fleeing up the stairs, out of sight.

Spent, I lean against the wall, shrinking to the floor.

It is only then that I notice the slight tear sticking to my cheek. I had taken pleasure in that...

I really was my father's boy.

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As always, thank you so much for reading!!!💕💕💕
What do you guys think will happen next? Will Maxon ever find a way out of this situation? What are he and Kriss, right now?
Is America really out of the picture??
Next time I updated on-
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