( Markess PoV )
I had no clue what was going on. None of the slaves/workers here did. We weren't told anything other than what we needed to know. For us slaves... the promise of freedom after the tomb was found, for others.. well the promise of great wealth beyond your wildest imagination was a temptation many could not resist.
But now.. In the face of death.. I realize none of this was worth it. With my status as a slave who says they would even free me when everything was set and done? Who says that the poor men, and children would see a single gold coin when this is over?
"Make your peace with whatever you believe and raise your head. This is a happy occasion, so stop your sulking!" A familiar voice called from above me in a cold, flat tone.
For reasons even unknown to me I couldn't help but follow her command and lift my head to view the gorgeous scenery before me. Polished floors made of the night sky itself, walls of ash colored ice, intricately crafted furniture made from crystal. Rather than a tomb the room seemed more like that of a bedroom of some absurdly rich royal/noble.
However, there was one thing that stood out to me. Amongst all the glittering treasures in the room she alone grabbed my attention as even the shining stars entrapped in the obsidian floors seemed dull when compared to that woman's beauty. Long black hair, lush lips tinged with the perfect hue of cherry pink. Though a bit underdeveloped her body alone could beat out any woman i had ever laid eyes upon. Though I suppose if i had to pick out at least a single flaw it would be her skin. Though pale skin is usually sought after... hers was a deathly pale one would only see on a corpse that had long been drained of the warmth it once held. Well considering she is currently laying still inside of a crystal coffin, I guess that would be normal.
"You first and then the old man... I should like to torture you both but Her Majesty is becoming a bit impatient"
Fear quickly took my mind and erased all previous thoughts. Though I desperately wished to call out in protest no sound would leave my throat safe for the occasional dry heave. Kicking, and swinging my arms proved ineffective as i had already attempted that before being dragged inside, which earned me the threat of having each of my limbs snapped in half.
There was no way out of this... so in the end. In the face of death only one question filled my head.
Was it worth it?
________
*Crrrashhh*
The transparent lid to the crystal coffin crashed to the ground shattering on impact. On the inside one could see a pair of bright amber colored eyes staring out into the distance blankly before seemingly jolting to life.
The amber colored orbs casually swept across the room before landing on the small mound of human corpses piled up before it, each one drained completely of blood leaving behind only a shriveled sack of innards.
"Is this all of them?" A soft, sweet, yet oddly hoarse voice echoed through the chilled air. The only persons left alive in the room all bowed as a young woman, around 19-21 years in age, causally stepped over the dried bodies and into the dim lighting of the room. Her features were elegant and mature without any imperfections in the skin. her long black hair was straight and fell loosely down her back just to stop right above her buttocks. Even without seeing her face her body alone was enough to make entire nations swoon.
"Yes, all humans have either been disposed or used for the rival ritual." The one kneeling in the center was the only one who spoke while the others sat silently allowing her to speak for them.
"Hmm, it seems only one of you have met my expectations. Though predicted seeing it myself is an entirely different. You... who just spoke... what is your name?"
"Answering her highness, I am called Adelia and I have no family name." The tone in which she spoke was filled with noting but admiration and respect. However the women before her seemed not in the least amused.
"So tell me... Adelia.... I know not why you came here with these humans, but tell me.... Was it worth it?"