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The Prophet

A cool breeze caused by the heavy rains swept through the opened windows in the kitchen of Teton manor, causing a shiver to slice through Cedar's body despite how warm and humid it still was.

Once Hannah stopped in front of the long wooden table she gently squeezed Cedar's arm, prompting him to not only look up into Alden Wright's eyes, but also Raya Reyes's...

"Raya...". He murmured as he locked eyes with the woman, feeling the air get knocked out of him as Carlos walked over and punched him in the gut.

"I asked you to return him to me unharmed". Alden snapped as he rose from his seat a bit, taking notice of Cedar's missing finger.

"He was like this when we found him boss". Carlos replied, a hint of fear seeping into his voice as Alden stared him down.

"In that case I'll have to thank whoever did it". The red haired man remarked as he sat back in his chair and gestured for Hannah and Carlos to do the same. (Isaiah was not in attendance since Alden had sent him back outside to keep watch)

Cedar was about to sit in the chair on Hannah's left side but stopped when Alden nodded at a cushion that had been placed on the floor at his left side. "Over here".

Holding back angry tears, Cedar silently and swiftly walked over to the spot and positioned himself so that he was knelt at Alden's side, just like Hannah had said.

The meal dragged on until well past nine o'clock, and Cedar's legs were just about to fall asleep when Isiah came rushing into the manor with a panicked look. "Boss! We have a problem!".

"What is it?". Alden asked coolly.

"Boone's on his way, I spotted him and another man a few miles out". Isaiah reported.

Alden looked totally unfazed as he grabbed his Walkie - Talkie, looking down at Cedar's kneeling form with a smirk as he pressed the Hold To Talk Button "Let's give your daddy an update...".

- Five Miles From Teton Manor.

"How much further?". Boone asked anxiously as he and Tommy kept walking.

"An hour and forty minutes to go". Tommy replied. "Were getting there, I promise".

Boone nodded and jumped a bit as his Walkie Talkie crackled to life. "Hello Booney".

Boone's remaining eyes went wide with fear as he looked at Tommy, unsure of what he should say back.

"Make Cedar sound like a person to him, we both know he'll dehumanize him as much as he can to taunt you, don't let him get to you". Tommy instructed.

Boone nodded and pressed the HTT button on his own Walkie. "Alden, I know you have Cedar, I just wanna know if he's alive".

"He's alive, for now". Alden replied nonchalantly.

"I know you're doing this to get back at me, but you don't need to hurt my child! If I come to you, I swear I won't try to escape again, please... just let my son go". Boone pleaded, trying to keep his voice from shaking.

"He's not hurt Booney, he's actually been quite cooperative". Alden replied as he reached down with his free hand and stroked Cedar's cheek.

"Please, he's an innocent kid, he's nothing like me!". Boone cried, feeling his resolve start to break as Tommy tried to comfort him.

"You're right about that, he's not weak like you, he reminds me a lot of myself actually". Alden taunted. "Both of us have violent hearts".

"Alden please, I just want to speak to him". Boone pleaded once more.