A Bloodflower in Bloom

Eve hummed a bubbly melody while strolling towards a particular part of the castle. She basked in the sunlight's warmth while feeling the cool breeze blowing her hair. It is also a great day today, she thought. Maybe it would be even better than her date with El yesterday.

She is visibly in great spirits that even the servants couldn't help but cast her a glance as she passes by. They mused to themselves that she is very courageous. That despite the attempted kidnapping and betrayal of her closest maid, she remained unchanged. Their future madam's tough heart is truly exemplary- worthy of their master's iron heart.

Eve didn't know that she had somewhat cemented her claim to such heavy responsibility.

After walking for a while, Eve finally reached her destination.

A tall black door stood in front of her.

The two guards standing on both sides curtsied to her and opened the entryway without uttering a word.

She responded with a smile and stepped inside.

When the door was closed, a new sight presented to her.

Torches lined the long corridor and illuminated the hallway perfectly.

At first sight, it felt like she accidentally slipped into medieval times. Upon closer look, however, the yellow bulbs only mimic the appearance of flames.

Thinking back to the modern interior of the castle, Eve pondered why El has to keep the gothic look for appearance's sake. It seems that even villains have a peculiar taste, she mused.

If Xaphael could hear her silly theory, another black line would be added to his forehead's collection while explaining, " It was Balin."

Eve once again started humming as she traverses the long corridor in an unhurried manner. Her light footsteps and lulling voice echoing in the hallway destroyed the deafening silence within. Not long after, she climbed down a descending staircase located at the end of the passageway. She even trailed her fingers onto the circular wall as if caressing a treasure box.

After reaching the bottom, she took a wet wipe from her space, cleaned her blackened fingers, and threw it back in like a civilized citizen that she is. Anyhow, even if the place looks desolate, it was still a clean desolate place. Besides, she believes that littering is for uglies.

Another guard stood by the dungeon's entrance.

Upon noticing Eve's arrival, he lowered his head and silently opened the door. It was the same black door from earlier but was several times smaller.

Then he watched the little girl who appears like the embodiment of the sun enter that gruesome site. Had he not been informed ahead of time, he would think he was imagining things or seeing a ghost.

When her figure had vanished, he returned to his original spot while contemplating how she will fare inside.

At any rate, that prisoner is heavily secured. It's impossible to lay her hand on the lady. Remembering the gossip he had picked up among the servants, he shook his head. Stupid, he inwardly commented.

***

The distinct sound of doorway unlocking caused every person in the dungeon to shudder. It was like a prelude to their terrifying ordeal, for they knew that once the gates were opened, death follows.

They focused their remaining energy on the person who came in and anticipated which cell he would go to.

***

The scent of rotten flesh intertwined with the smell of dampness and molds assaulted Eve's senses. The revolting odor, nevertheless, didn't even cause her to flinch. The slight furrowing of her brows was simply caused by the insufficient lighting within the prison.

After the momentary pause, she resumed moving forward.

Her light steps are now in a concerto with a variety of sounds. From soft grumbles to sorrowful groans—even the sound of multiple chains dragging on the cold floor. The symphony of misery created an eerie atmosphere within the dimly-lit area.

Her presence instantly pulled every tortured soul's attention. Seeing the beautiful girl in a place that portrays only death and hopelessness was akin to seeing an angel. Some were even confused to see her. They believed that they have already perished, but their souls had remained in this haunting place, never to leave.

Some, nonetheless, saw a rare hope.

The desire to leave the wretched world made them yearn to be rescued. They wanted to beseech her, but they lack the strength to even lift a finger. They can only follow her with their blood-shut eyes and let out pathetic mumbles to voice out their presence in desperate hopes to be noticed.

The anguished cries didn't entice Eve. Her consciousness has always settled toward a particular cell, never leaving.

Eve passed by several small iron doors and came to a stop. She turned around, scanned the person inside, and greeted.

" Ada." An enchanting smile bloomed on her lips.

" I've come for you."

The woman inside was horrified by that devilish grin. She was obviously smiling alluringly, but it felt terrifying instead.

Ada could not comprehend how a person who seems so innocent and pure could beam so horrendously. Recalling the feeling of seeing her gentle appearance as she chastises her crass attitude but was mauling her mouth with her foot sent shivers down her spine. Even her lips that had recovered a bit started to throb.

Seeing her now, Ada only has one thought.

This girl is a two-faced crazy bitch from hell.

The glower directed at Eve was full of hate. Despite being the receiver, she finds it pleasing. It would be best to preserve that kind of look so she can enjoy it more, she reckoned.

" Your magnificent eyes have not changed but your mouth had. It seems the lecture was quite effective, no? " She spoke again while commending her discovered talent for teaching.

" W-What do you want?" The memory was too fresh that Ada's voice trembled, echoing her fear.

" I came to bestow your punishment, of course."

If Ada heard those words before that faithful day, she would only laugh, thinking how nonsense she sounds. But now, after tasting her cruelty, she could only panic.

" Do-don't talk nonsense. Only Master Xaphael has the right to punish me." She raised her chin, trying her best to dissuade Eve.

" Master?" Eve giggled.

" You betrayed him and still dare to call him that?"

Ada paled when she heard Eve's words. She was right. Her not being dealt with since she was locked here gave her the delusion of being spared. Recalling that that person is Apollyon, the ruthless, bloodthirsty bastard, she will die gruesomely for certain.

[ This is bad. I need to escape from here.]

That was the only thing that runs in her mind.

Those people will surely not care about her life and death. Not to mention, she failed on their first transaction.

Her distraught eyes fell once again on Eve.

She was always kind to them, the servants. She has never raised her voice nor reprimanded them. She didn't even bother asking them to remain by her side as long as her requests were met. Everyone even collectively thought that she, the future madam, is a benevolent person.

That realization made her understood that Eve may solely be the last hope to escape her predicament. Maybe her odd behavior was simply the result of her malicious actions that day. She has indeed sinned, but Eve will spare her after she had meted out the punishment, right? After all, she didn't succeed. In the end, her only fault was insulting her, and spending two days and two nights in this godforsaken place is enough suffering, isn't it? The more Ada ruminated on that idea, the more she thinks she was right.

[ That's right. She's merciful. She will surely save me from him. After all, I've always been her dedicated maid since day one.]

Eve watched Ada's emotional journey mirrored through her eyes. From animosity to fake pride, to pure fear then hope. She found it entertaining that she gave her the time to perform one last time. Still, one thing made her curious.

( Hope? Why?)

( Maybe she thought you will rescue her, host.) Halfsie, who's also watching the theatrics, responded to Eve's casual remark.

( Why should I?)

( Host, she doesn't know you well.) [ and was deceived by your illusory humane facade.] It continued on its head. Well, it can't blame the foolish maid. The host's outer appearance is genuinely the epitome of the word sham.

Ada, on the other hand, is already preparing her waterworks to implore Eve.

However, before she could commence with her play, the girl's melodious voice shattered her plan.

" Of course, El can punish you after I'm done."

" What!!!" The death sentence forced Ada to roar at her. She wanted to pounce on Eve and interrogate why in the hell would she give him to that devil child? Wasn't she the ever-kind lady? How could she?!

It's a shame that she could only glare at her. For her limbs were tightly secured as she was forced to kneel towards her executor.

" How could you! You're supposed to save me!"

" Save you? Why?" Compared to Ada's horrendous tone, Eve remained languid.

" Because you're the naive young miss! And weren't you always acting kind-hearted to show you're an angel entering the devil's lair?! You should save me then! If you do, I'll tell everyone you're truly kind!" Ada continuously bellowed like a madwoman. The apprehension and fury that she was destined to die had transformed her into a neurotic.

" Kind?" Eve covered her mouth with a fist preventing a giggle from escaping her lips.

" I'm not kind."

[ I just knew how to keep my demons at bay.]

She examined the once neat and lovely-looking person groveling grudgingly in front of her.

Eyes full of loathing and teeth bearing at her like a predatory beast. Her blond hair is all messed up, and her uniform has been dirtied like a rag.

In two days, she had changed from an adorable maid into a vengeful ghost.

[ Five years of loyalty, all useless in the face of money. ]

Eve narrowed her eyes and fell into meditation.

[ Greed, if uncontrolled, is both useful and scary, huh.]

Suddenly, she felt like Ada is not that entertaining anymore.

She stepped inside the cell while taking something from the space. The only light source was a "torch" on the other side of the hallway, which is currently behind Eve. From Ada's position, she couldn't see what she was holding, nor does she have the interest to focus on the other's hands. She was blinded with hostility that she could only curse at Eve as if her life depended on it.

[ Except for the eyes, everything is repugnant.]

Eve sat on the prepared stool just before Ada.

" That malevolent tongue of yours is truly no good."

She was too close that Ada could just lower her face and bite Eve's knees. Still, the fixed collar prevented her from moving forward and ends up choking when she forcefully bows her head.

Growing bored of the spiteful words coming out of her mouth, Eve stabbed Ada's lip directly with a needle coated in a potent neurotoxin. The unforeseen attack caused Ada to falter in her cussing session. She wanted to lambaste how petty her counterattack was but felt her lip turning numb. The lack of control was spreading rapidly, that she began to panic again. She recalled how the unseemingly unguarded girl counted her that day.

Eve beamed at her aghast expression.

" Ada, you've inflicted me with a five-centimeter wound that day." Eve shook a vial on Ada's face.

" I, in turn, shall inflict it back to you."