Not Just An Experiment

--Chapter Sixty-Nine--

Kaira's POV:

One minute I think I have Zane all figured out and then the next, he's like I just met him. What is going on? Earlier, I never would have imagined in my wildest dreams that he would help Max. But yet, he did. He allowed me to help Max and I just can't understand it. What is going through his head?

But more importantly, I need to figure out a way to save my father and Max. This is my fault they are both here. And I have to fix it.

"Max?" I call out quietly.

All I hear in response is a slight moan.

"Kaira, what's going on?" my father asks. Here we go...

"A lot has happened since they took me, Dad," I tell him quietly.

"I can see that. But why did that boy let you help? He was the one that took you from me! I just don't understand it." I can hear the pain in my father's voice and it makes my throat constrict.

"Dad...I-" I pause, trying to collect my thoughts, "He used to love me." There. I said it.

"What? Are you serious?"

"Yes, at least, I thought he did. But something happened, and now he doesn't."

"Kaira, that really doesn't make sense."

"I know, I know, it hardly makes sense to even me, but that's the truth. And to answer your question, I don't know why he let me help Max. I really don't."

My father is silent, seeming to think through what I said. And when he finally says something, it surprises me. "Do you love him back?"

How can I answer that question? It isn't as simple as yes or no. I thought I loved him, but now I can't be sure of anything.

So instead, I choose to be evasive, "I love Max, Dad. Zane doesn't matter anymore." My heart lurches in my chest and I gasp, the pain so real. But why? Why is there pain after all he has done? How could I ever care about him?

I just don't understand.

Kaira's POV: Ithildae