Looking back on it I should have seen how Ridley never quite focused on anything, but I was too caught up with worrying about living to pay attention to the subtle way he hid his vacant eyes. These musings were interrupted by Ridley clearing his throat.

“Well? I'm assuming you figured it out, but you haven't said anything.” He looked expectantly at me.

“Ridley,” My voice sounded small even to me, “are you blind?” He froze. A look of shock plastered on his face. As the silence stretched on, I started to panic. Maybe being so blunt wasn’t a good idea. Then he snorted.

“And, here I thought I was doing so well.” He was laughing now. “Yes I am blind, but I try to not let people know. It’s a weakness they could use against me. I especially didn’t want you, a random guy I just met, to know so quickly. I guess I underestimated you. That, and you seem pretty cool, so I’m not even mad.” I was stunned, listening to his laughs echoing off the walls.

“I’m sorry.” Was all I could say.

“Why? You were more observant than I gave you credit for. If anyone should be apologizing it should be me.” He had no idea how being so observant had literally saved my life back home and got me into serious trouble. You quickly learn how to notice things when you live on the streets, but Algea helped me get away from all that. Even if she didn’t know it.

My attention was suddenly drawn to the metal door that had just been slammed open to reveal an angry Foxglove. She stomped over to where I was and shoved me back. I could feel some of the scabs on my side crack. Placing a white leather combat boot on my chest she forced me to stay on my back. The worst part about my situation was that my chained hands were under me, and this position made the cuffs press into my wrists to the point I thought my skin would split a little.

“What brings you here Foxy?” Ridley tried to get her to turn to him, but she didn’t move. Instead, she leaned over me glaring.

“I saw Algea tonight. You know, at the party.” I did not know what party, but I was too scared to ask. “And, guess what the wretch had the audacity to do? She had the nerve to ignore me! The bitch, but what was worse was that she had wrapped Aurelio around her finger. Ya see, I overheard Algea and Aurelio arguing. She had the nerve to demand to see you.” I was worried that her sanity was gone. Why would Algea trying to see me piss her off? She was making no sense. “Gah!” She shoved her foot down hard. “It’s always Algea this, Algea that. Why does everyone love her? She is nothing but a cold hearted bitch! I just wanted her to notice me, but when she looked at me she had the audacity to look sick!” She got off me and started to pace. “Why would she want to see you, but look sick when she sees me? I was her protege after all.” She looked at me. “Why would a mentor look at their pupil and look like they were going to vomit?” I was starting to have sympathy for her when Ridley spoke up.

“You know why Foxy. She probably realized you had seen him and wasn’t too happy. It’s because she respects you that she looked sick.” She seemed to relax at that.

“You could always sweet talk a girl.” She went over to Ridley and cradled his head. “Maybe when this whole Algea thing is over we could make this real.”

“It’s not real now?” I was starting to feel uncomfortable just being in the room.

“I have to turn in for the night. Reports to write, and stuff like that. I’ll see you both tomorrow.” She kissed Ridley and left.

“What just happened?” I finally asked.

“Algea must be fighting for Aurelio and she must have seen Foxglove at the after party. She put two and two together and figured Aurelio gave you to her. I bet she was not happy.

“By the way, what do they call you? I just realized I never asked you that.”

“Algea gave me the name Anakh.” He nodded.

“How interesting. You see Algea picks names with meaning. She loves the idea that your name can reflect your soul. I think they're just names, but she takes a lot of joy in learning the meanings behind names. She must think that name suits you.” He shrugged. “I guess we’ll just have to ask her what she thinks when we get out of here.”

“How long do you think that will be?” I wasn’t looking forward to potentially being here for months. I was usually the one to order others to interrogate people, but I don’t think I can withstand these people. They seemed a lot more ruthless than I was willing to do back home. Then again, people kept saying I was a soft leader and that I needed to be just as harsh as my competition. I just couldn’t live with myself if our way of life got someone seriously hurt. I always made sure they had compensation when they signed on, but sometimes it wasn’t enough. This trip down memory lane was interrupted by Ridley’s answer.

“I have waited fifty years for a way out. Don’t get me wrong, I did try to escape, but I was always caught. However, if I have to wait a few more days I’m fine with that.”

“Wait, fifty years! You guys have been in this situation for fifty years? How did Algea not fix this by now?” I was floored. “I’ve seen what she can do, and she just hasn’t gotten you out.”

“Believe me, she is good at what she does, but when it comes to politics, strategy, and charisma Enyo is by far the superior. It also doesn’t help that she is probably the most wanted demigod at the moment. She probably has been running nearly the entire time, and she doesn't like asking for favors unless it’s for someone else.”

“So, when she got the cabin it was only because I was hurt?” It was barely a whisper, but Ridley heard.

“She actually collected that favor! Were you on your deathbed? She said that she would only use that cabin as a last resort.”

“No, I was taken by some demigods. I think the two she named were called Willow and Ruby Blood. I was pretty out of it, so I might have misheard her. They had broken my leg when I tried to get away and kicked the girl with long black hair.”

“Wait you kicked Black Flag! Well, that takes some guts.” He laughed. “But, that doesn’t explain why she would collect on that favor. What else happened?”

“I saw her kill.” My head hung low with embarrassment. “Now, I’m no stranger to death, but seeing it up close made me freak out. As a result, I lashed out at Algea when she tried to help me.” Ridley nodded wisly.

“It is one thing to know of death or see a corpse, but seeing someone kill, even in defence, can be shocking. I remember when I first saw someone kill another. They were teaching someone a lesson, but it went too far.” He paused, taking a breath before continuing. “My friend succumbed to his wounds not an hour later.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” I heavy awkward silence was all that followed. After a while I looked up at Ridley. He was fast asleep.

Smiling, I whispered. “Goodnight.” And, tried, once again, to find a comfortable position to fall asleep.