Moana
I tried to push aside the thoughts of last night's events, but my body still lingered on the memory. I couldn't shake off the question. Why was Jericho soaked in blood and yet seemed unfazed?
As I continued with my chores, a maid approached me, "Master has added to your tasks. You're not allowed to leave until you're done,"
My eyes widened in alarm, knowing I was supposed to meet Lucas today.
Nonetheless, I nodded reluctantly and tried to work faster, hoping to beat the time. Four hours passed, and I felt weak from hunger. A slave, Floria, approached me with a warm smile, "Hey, let's eat together,"
I hesitated, but my hunger got the better of me. We sat on the floor, eating our food, "So, what did you do to offend the master?" Floria asked, eyeing me curiously.
I hesitated before responding, "I came late to him," This makes her raised an eyebrow, "That's not it, is it? If that were the case, your punishment wouldn't be so lenient," Floria explained.
"Okay, fine. I yelled at him last night," I admitted, feeling my body burned with anger, "And that's why you're stuck here? That's a surprisingly light punishment,"
"What kind of punishment would he normally give?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, "Physical punishment. Chaining, assault and sometimes, they're forced to do things that could kill them the next day," She replied, knowing that I was tense up.
I felt a chill run down my spine, grateful that my punishment had been relatively mild. Floria gazed at me skeptically and tapped on my shoulder, "We'll share my food portion while you're stuck here,"
"Thank you so much. I really appreciate it," I mumbled, thanking her profusely.
Floria offered to assist me, assuring me that Jericho wouldn't find out. We continued working together.
Just then, Betty approached us majestically, "What do you think you're doing, Floria? I'll report you to Jericho. You know what happens to slaves who disobey,"
"Go ahead. I'm not afraid of him," She declared, boldly. So out of anger, she turned her face towards me, "Light up the cooker. Now,"
I obeyed, my hands shaking as I struggled to cope with my exhaustion. Before I could ask what she wanted me to prepare, Betty dropped a paper into the burning flame. Guards immediately escorted her away.
The smoke emitting from the paper triggered a severe reaction. My body weakened, and I struggled to breathe.
"Floria, help," I wheezed. But then, Lucas burst in, responding to Floria's frantic screams.
Lucas rushed toward me, sweeping me up in a bridal carry, "Hold on, Moana!" He exclaimed, carrying me away from the smoke as Floria followed closely behind.
"What happened?" Lucas demanded, voice tight due to anger, "It was Betty. She did something to trigger her reaction," Floria explained, briefly, making his face turned stern, and anger fuming on his face.
"I'll take care of her. You make sure you're safe," He said to Floria, who left after some minutes of reluctance. As Lucas hurriedly exited the area, I weakly mentioned, "I still have work undone,"
His grip on me tightened as if I was leaving his arm anytime soon, "Don't worry about that, Moana. You're not going back there. Not now, at least,"
Lucas walked into Jericho's room, the smell of smoke wafting through the air. Jericho sat motionless, eyes fixed on some distant point.
"One of your slaves needs medical attention," Lucas announced, firmly, but respectful.
Jericho didn't flinch, still in his his unreadable gaze. Lucas knew he was aware of the slave's identity.
"Jericho, I urge you to allow her to receive medical care. At least permit her to take some medication," Lucas pressed on, sending Jericho's eyes snapped towards him, "Why do you care about her, Lucas?" He growled.
"She's your slave. I will also be responsible for her well-being. I support all your actions, and I believe it's in your best interest to ensure she receives proper care. I wouldn't want your investment to go to waste so quickly,"
His expression softened slightly, though he casted a calculative gaze on Lucas, "See to it that she receives the necessary medication. I'm only doing this as a reward for your successful mission," He replied, after the long silence.
Lucas smiled, relief washing over him, "Thank you. I'll inform the head maid immediately,"
With a nod, Lucas exited his room, determined to ensure I received the medical attention I desperately needed.
~•~~
I woke up after several hours, feeling weak and alone. The door creaked open, and Jericho walked in, sitting in a distant chair. I knew that without his approval, my recovery would be hindered.
"Thank you for allowing me to receive medical attention," I said, trying to sound sincere.
His gaze was icy, that alone seems to bore into my soul. I flinched, stopping mid-sentence. Why was he always so cold and distant?
Suddenly, footsteps echoed outside, and his demeanor changed, "Be quiet," He growled, pulling out a gun from his waistband.
He strode out of the room, firing shots profusely. I cowered, frozen in fear. His skills were undeniable, but his brutality was terrifying.
When he returned, he was injured, but his expression remained unyielding. A body was dragged into the room, the imposter dead body. He delivered a vicious blow to the imposter's head, and I screamed, recoiling in horror.
His gaze snapped to mine, and for a fleeting moment, I thought I saw a glimmer of awareness. He seemed to realize the effect his actions had on me.
After what felt like an eternity, Jericho approached me, confidently and menacingly, "You've never seen someone die before, have you?" He asked, gravelly.
I shook my head hastily, eager to escape the conversation, "I'll just go now. Since I'm not needed," I slutttered, he seemed to noticed how my body tense.
His gaze dropped to my chest, and he smirked, "Adjust your dress. You're exposing yourself," I hastily complied, feeling a flush rise to my cheeks.
"I'm keeping you alive because you're my slave. And I'm the only one who gets to torment you. But I also want to explore you. Deeply. However, I fear you might not survive the experience, and that would spoil the pleasure," He declared, hoarsely.
I was taken aback by his candid admission.
"You're free for the next two days. I have business to attend to. Don't do anything stupid. Or you'll face the consequences when I return,"