We make our way inside. The room beyond is another cavern, similar in size to the one we just left. There’s no light, and we’re shrouded in darkness.
I try to step forward again so I’m standing next to Sin, but he reaches out, keeping me tucked behind him.
“Welcome,” a smooth voice drawls out.
I stiffen, and Sin squeezes my hand. I hear his blade leaving its scabbard and draw my dagger, just in case.
“Forgive me, where are my manners?” the voice calls out again, and with it, torches around the room blaze to life.
I blink at the bright lights, and my eyes settle on a figure in the far wall. And I mean quite literallyinthe wall. Most of his body is encased in the stone, with the exception of his head and forearms. His face is almost translucent; it’s so pale, contrasting against his jet-black hair and piercing ice-blue eyes. His features are sharp, giving him an ethereal look.
“You’re a little less walled-in than the last time I saw you,” Sin notes in the way of a greeting. He doesn’t lower his weapon.
The man in the wall’s lip tilts up. “A very recent development, I assure you. Though one I am eternallygrateful for.” He flexes his hands before continuing, “Did you like my improvements to the place?”
“What improvements?” Sin asks, sounding on edge.
“Nothing too serious, I assure you. The Pit of Nightmares, for a start, which I’m sure you enjoyed. Oh, and my little key to enter this prison.” He grins at Sin, and it isn’t a friendly expression.
Sin stiffens, and the man in the wall laughs before continuing, “Not to worry, the effects are temporary. Your powers will return in a few hours, Destroyer.”
“Why?” Sin asks, evidently still a bit upset about the whole powerless thing.
Is magic a crutch?
I could definitely see it becoming a crutch.
Why do stairs when you can apparate?
The man in the wall grows serious. “I’ve just regained some of my power for the first time in longer than you can possibly comprehend. I am rather loath to allow any magical creature into my cell who may want to try removing it.”
My brow furrows, and I finally squeeze past Sin. He glares at me, and I smile at him before turning back to the man in the wall. “Why didn’t your traps affect me?”
Sin’s glare bores into the top of my head. I’m assuming it has something to do with me drawing attention to the fact that the strange man clearly missed a target.
The man in the wall shifts his gaze to lock on me, and he smiles, appraising me, before answering, “Because, Vivian, you belong to me.”
I have had enough experience to realize that diplomatic relations are not a strong suit in Destroyers. Maybe not in most men who suffer from excess testosterone in general. Sin’s answering growl is menacing enough that I reach back and squeeze his hand reassuringly.
“Care to elaborate on that?” I ask simply, not letting him draw a reaction out of me.
The man in the wall smirks. I quirk a brow at him, unimpressed.
“Ahh, it’s delightful to have good company for a change. Are you quite certain the Destroyer needs to be here?” he asks, casting a self-satisfied expression at Sin.
My gut tells me this man won’t hurt me, but I’m not about to leave Sin. “He stays.”
The man in the wall sighs before asking, “Very well. Tell me, Vivian, do you know what I am?”
I purse my lips.
Don’t do it, Viv.
“A little stuck?” I answer.
Why am I like this?
The man in the wall laughs again, this time sounding delighted. “Beyond that, Vivian, I am a god.”
