Excerpt: Fire Eyes

Mildew. That smell was most definitely mildew. So overwhelming was the smell, she retched what little was left in her stomach. The scent of vomit was now stronger than that of the mold, but she felt better after throwing up, oddly enough. Groggily, she pushed herself to a sitting position and took in her whereabouts. It was soon made clear while mildew had been allowed to grow. Clearly, this room, or cell rather, for one side was just bars, was not often used. A water leak kept the place moist, feeding the moss and mildew that covered the stone wall and the rotted wood of a cot in the corner.
She realized was not in Hara, or this was somewhere far within the confines of the castle. Even the thickest of walls could not keep out the sounds of the street. And her prison was silent except for her breathing and the skitter of rats' feet.
"Zane!" Suddenly remembering her friend, she ran to the bars, trying to look down the hall. Perhaps he was in one of the other cells... But no, except for a skeleton in a neighboring confinement, she was the only captive here. Then he had gotten away. That was it. She would not consider the alternative. That he was not here because he had been...
A dark chuckle interrupted Ariana's thoughts. An instinctive snarl tore from her, which only made the man in the darkness laugh again. It was a bitter sound, harsh upon her keen ears.
Her eyes, far more powerful than a normal human's, could not cut through the sheer night in the basement farther than a few feet. All that could be seen of her captor were his eyes, shining yellow. She stiffened. Felindae eyes gathered light, which caused a reflection. Human eyes did not. This man was not really a man. He was of her kind.
"Ah, I see your face, young Chulos. How foolish your clan is! Do you think that all Felindas would so readily sacrifice themselves for your war?" She bristled at his mocking tone. What did he mean by this? Fallos had the support of all the great clans. Was this stranger a member of some obscure family, as Zane was? One who was bitter because his clan had not gained recognition among the Old Blood?
"Your confusion is plain on your face. But soon, you will understand, youngling. You will help us to shape this Empire anew." And with that he was gone, leaving her alone to ponder his words. The first. Of what? With a great sigh, she sank to the ground, leaning against the bars for support. She was alone, with no idea where she was, and a Felindae was aiding the enemy. Unwanted tears formed.
Ariana wept.