Rogue shifted in her seat. “How do you know?”
“Because I have something Senator Douglas and General Sikes would kill to have,” Bones said.
“What’s that?” Rogue asked, though she already knew.
“Information. I know enough about the Zoo to make a full-scale invasion possible. The Exiles don’t stand a chance.”
A knot formed in her throat. A vision of the Zoo in ruins flashed through her mind. All the Exiles, dead. The ground stained with their blood. “You realize they’ll kill all those people, don’t you? Innocent people.”
“Not necessarily. They could become subjects of Prime. In return for their lives, they can provide the city with goods,” Bones said. “Meat, hides, fruit, and vegetables. They’ve got it all.”
“Maybe, but it shouldn’t have to be that way.”
“Why not? The strong survive in this world, Rogue. They survive, and they take what they want.”
Rogue struggled to keep a straight face. “And what am I? Strong or weak?”
“You’re strong. That’s why I chose you. With you at my side, I can accomplish anything,” Bones said, his intense gaze roving across her face.
“I see,” Rogue murmured, though every cell in her body screamed at her to run.
He took the tin cup and filled it with the herbal concoction. “Here, drink that.”
Rogue accepted the cup with reluctance. “What’s in it?”
“Just a few things to numb the pain and prevent infection.”
“And what do you want in return for your information?” Rogue asked, taking a sip of her tea. It was bitter but created a soothing glow in her stomach.
“I want a full pardon for us both and a respected position within the Watch,” Bones replied.
“And you think they’ll grant your request?” Rogue said, her eyebrows raised. She did not believe for a second that either Douglas or Sikes would give Bones what he wanted. They were cruel and merciless. They’d use him then toss him aside like a broken toy.
“I don’t see why not?” Bones said. “I’m handing them an entire city on a platter. A lifetime of ease and luxury.”
“Built on the backs of slaves, yes,” Rogue said.
“It’s the way of life, Rogue. The sooner you learn that, the better.”
Rogue chose not to reply. At that moment, her hatred for Bones knew no bounds, and she itched to toss the hot tea into his face. Steady, Rogue. Hold your horses.
“Just think about it,” Bones said, leaning forward. “We’ll have it all: a home, respected positions, anything we want. No more stealing and scrounging for scraps like before. We’ll be together, at last. Forever.”
“What if I don’t feel the same way? What if I can’t?” she said.
“You will,” Bones said with utter confidence. “It might take a little time, but you will.”
Rogue stared at him, aghast. It was clear that he believed every single word. He truly was crazy. I have to escape. Tonight, if possible. I can’t let Bones have his way. I’d rather get torn apart by a pack of raptors.
With her mind made up, Rogue finished the last of her tea. She looked at Bones. He seemed relaxed, dreaming of a future that would never be. Now was her chance to butter him up. Once he got distracted, she’d run for it. He’d never find her in the dark.
“What else do you see in this future of ours?” she asked, leaning back.
Bones began to talk. He droned on and on about how perfect everything would be once they were together.
Rogue listened with half a brain, the other half occupied with plans of escape. As the minutes passed, she grew aware of a buzzing in her ears. A languid feeling stole over her body as her muscles melted into the ground. Realization set in too late, and she gasped. “You drugged me!”
“I had to, my sweet. I know you’ll run if given a chance, and I can’t have that,” Bones said.
Rogue struggled to keep her eyes open. “You bastard.”
“It’s okay. You’ll forgive me,” Bones said, moving to her side.
“I…I hate you,” Rogue said, the words slurred. She sagged to the ground, her eyes closing against her will.
“Sleep, my love. When you wake, it will all be different,” Bones said, brushing the hair from her face. “You’ll see.”
Chapter 17
The trip back to Prime City passed in a drugged haze. Whenever she woke up, Bones forced more of the herbal concoction down her throat. Half the time, Rogue didn’t know where she was or even who she was. She existed in a permanent fugue state filled with dreams and delusions.
Bones kept her tied to the stretcher during the day, and at night, he trussed her up like a hog. He never left her alone, and they were always on the move. First through the forest, and then the abandoned city ruins.
One morning, Rogue woke to find herself clear-headed and alert for the first time in days. They’d spent the night in an abandoned apartment, and for once, Bones forewent the awful tea. It worked its way out of her bloodstream during the night, and she felt like herself again at last.
She tilted her head and looked around. It wasn’t hard to spot Bones, his lanky frame pacing the room like a caged tiger. “Can you untie me, please?”
He stopped in his tracks and glared at her. “You took your sweet time. The sun’s been up for ages.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know I had an appointment at dawn,” she replied, her temper stretched to the limits.
“Well, you do. Prime City is only a short distance from here,” he said, hunkering down to loosen her bonds.
“I can’t wait.” Rogue sat upright, rubbing her hands and feet to restore circulation.
“How do you feel?” he asked.
“Much better now that I’m not being drugged,” Rogue replied with an acid tone.
“Good, because you’ll need all your strength when we reach the walls. The climb won’t be easy.”
“Yes, Master.”
“Drop the attitude. When we reach Prime, I expect you to behave with the proper respect toward
