I looked down at the blonde-haired girl strapped to the bed. Just last night, Elise almost split her in two. If I hadn't stepped in, she'd be dead.
She looked rough—starved, weak. Honestly, I almost felt bad for her. But there was always the chance she was a spy... though I doubted it. Still, I had to question her before making any decisions.
She started to stir, groaning and fidgeting. Her eyes fluttered open, squinting against the dim light. I noticed Elise tighten her grip on her sword, ready for anything. I raised my hand, signaling her to stand down.
After blinking a few times, the girl's gaze landed on me and Elise. Panic hit her fast. She struggled, yanking at the restraints like she could somehow break free. She was flailing like a fish on dry land, desperate to get loose. She looked really desperate.
I shot Elise a glance. She stepped forward, sending a small jolt of lightning through the girl's body. It wasn't enough to do real damage, just a small giddy up to make her stop.
The girl froze, her body stiffening as the realization set in. She wasn't getting out of this. Elise stepped back, and I moved closer, keeping my expression serious.
"My name is Aiden, I am the prince of the Demon Kingdom. What is your name?" I tried to sound intimidating, but it wasn't easy when you're still a kid.
She didn't answer. Just stared at me, lips pressed together.
I frowned and leaned in. "What... is... your... name?" I repeated, trying to put more weight behind my words.
Still nothing. I could feel the frustration building, but I kept it in check. I glanced back at Elise, who gave me a look that practically screamed: told you so. She'd argued earlier that she should handle the interrogation, and now I was starting to think she might've been right.
"Fine," I muttered, stepping aside. "Go ahead."
Elise stepped forward without hesitation, her patience far shorter than mine. "What's your name?" she demanded, her voice sharper than before.
Again, no response. Elise didn't wait this time. She sent another jolt through the girl, this one stronger.
The girl gasped, coughing as she finally broke. "My... name is Charlotte Rasphere." Her voice was dry, raspy, like she hadn't had water in days. She probably hadn't.
"You're a spy, aren't you?" Elise's eyes narrowed, her tone leaving no room for discussion.
Charlotte's eyes widened in fear. "N-no, I'm not a.. a spy! Please don't kill me!" Her voice cracked, shaking as she tried to plead and beg.
"Then how did you find us? What's a human doing in a forest this close to the demon kingdom?" Her words came out harsh, each one hitting like a blade.
Charlotte swallowed hard, eyes darting between us, desperate. "I... I was attacked. I ran away. I'm being accused of murder." The confession spilled out of her in a rush, like she was scared the words might kill her if she kept them in any longer.
"Lies," Elise hissed.
Stepping forward again, her hand crackled with sparks, ready to unleash if she didn't like what she heard next.
"No, please! You have to believe me!" Charlotte's voice was shaky, tears brimming in her eyes. "I'm not a threat. I was just looking for shelter. That's all! Please don't kill me.. I'm begging."
She looked so desperate, like she'd been running for ages with no hope in sight. It reminded me of how I used to feel. The hunger, the fear, the sheer exhaustion—it was like staring at a ghost from my past.
"You'd better be telling the truth," she warned, raising her hand as flames erupted from her fingertips.
Charlotte's voice cracked. "Please! I mean no harm!" Tears spilled down her cheeks as she begged for mercy. She wriggled, trying to get free, it was a useless attempt of course.
"If you're lying—"
"Enough," I interrupted, stepping between them and stopping Elise's onslaught.
"Elise, take care of her," I ordered, turning my back on the girl.
"Yes, Prince Aiden," Elise responded, her tone neutral as she gripped her sword with both hands.
I didn't need to stick around for what came next. I was too young for this kind of thing—or at least, that's what I told myself. Either way, it didn't matter.
As I left the cabin, the door clicked shut behind me. A scream echoed from inside, but I didn't stop. My footsteps quickened as I made my way back to my cottage.