My heart slams against my ribcage and a shiver trickles down my spine.
The people of Noxia are mere pawns in King Euron’s game—I’m merely a pawn.
I’m about to be sacrificed in order for the king to find a better vantage point.
Blinding light beams in with the scrape of the latch finally pulling open.
This is it.
This is the moment my freedom is snuffed out.
The Devourer’s dark form is quickly encased in the light of the day as he steps through the door before beckoning me forward with his vibrant green eyes.
“I will not go,” I squeak out sharply, “you cannot make me.”
He outstretches his hand, a peace offering.
“Alora,” his voice hushed, “there is no other way.”
My brows bunch together not understanding his meaning.
“Please,” he croaks. It’s enough to shatter my walls, a simple pickaxe against the fragile stained glass.
I step towards the doorframe and am met with dense forest that backs up to a courtyard with ruined walls and forgottenstatues. An old wing of the castle that’s not been used in lifetimes according to our sources.
It’s where the unwanted rubbish lands and where loose ends are tied up.
“What is this Kassiel?” I look around the empty courtyard.
He pulls me out the rest of the way and closes the door behind us.
His words are solemn and his face sober as he looks to me briefly before turning away as he speaks, “I have lived with my life, my body, my magic all stripped of consent.”
A distant bird cry has my skin pebbling with awareness. Oak.
He continues his confession, “I have been stripped of the very reasons to breathe., violated in far worse ways.”
His chest expands with a great inhale before the long sigh escapes.
“I will not have you endure what I’ve been forced to. Thisisthe only way, and I know you’ll never forgive me for it. For that, I am sorry, little warrior.”
My mind reels to catch up with what he’s saying.
“What do you mean, Kassiel?” My voice wavers with the sudden shift in his demeanor.
He squeezes my hand, a sad smile forming on his perfect lips.
I try to rationalize what’s happening with the reality that I’ve misunderstood nearly the whole situation.
Slimy regret washes over me.
His voice tickles my ear as he whispers, “This will be your freedom.”
I snap my head to his and notice a lone tear trailing down his face and my eyes widen with realization.
He slowly unfurls my hand with his fingers, “Without being bound to your damnation.”
His chin jerks towards the closed door. A torrid of shouts and clamour form behind the barrier, urgency lacing their cries.
