Freedom (2)

Kaila’s gaze lifted, her eyes drifting past the scarred face of the man before her. The vibrant glow of the crystals overhead filled her pupils, painting them with a kaleidoscope of color. Her lips parted slightly, her expression one of wonder as her mouth curled into a faint smile. She turned ever so slightly, her bare feet stepping into the warm, viscous puddle of brown blood pooling beneath her. The blood clung to her skin, trailing down her legs and back in slow, glistening streams.

The man, clad in a dark, reflective hood and cloak, reached for her with gloved fingers. He pressed the cold edge of a blade against her throat. “You’re coming with me,” he said, his voice as sharp as the weapon in his hand. The sword he held was long and slender, its blade resembling that of a katana, though now stained with dark, viscous blood. A single drop fell, splattering onto the stone floor below.