a gorgeous white by Heather_anare

308: The search

The rough ceiling was akin to the wild barren land, a hopeless wasteland. However, like stars that blanketed the night sky, countless gems and crystals filled its surface. It appeared as though jewels resurfaced from beneath it-a wondrous sight for all to see. The magical glow from the sea of gems was enough to fill the halls with light. People, mostly orcs, bathed underneath its brilliance.

The audience streamed all over the area, exploring with intrigued expressions. They dragged a few slaves for entertainment, taking the opportunity of amusing themselves before the festivity commenced. Their eyes often glanced at the most eye-catching area in the halls, the throne. The steps beneath the elevated platform were filled with men and women, skin exposed to every gaze in the room. They took turns entertaining the masters seated on the platform. The Lions were more than pleased with the attention-especially the lone orc sitting on the throne.

Before, this was once a hall filled with righteous leaders. The celebrations held under the crystals were mostly to welcome brave pathfinders or hold feasts for the hungry. Now, every bit of its decency was stripped away.

A roar filled the halls, silencing the chatter and pausing every movement. The Orcan Lord had risen from his seat and signaled the celebration to begin. Of course, the feast would have to wait until later. He wasn\'t the only one to be savoring their new livestock. The crowd cheered, applauding before they settled to their seats. Two rows of soft sitting cushions were placed before the extended walls of the halls, and as the audience had settled on their seats, the center of the halls were vacated. Excitement bubbled in each and every one of the people. They heard the entertainment prepared would be wonderful, a delicious sight. They certainly could not miss it.

With a ferocious look and his platinum strands cascaded down his bare chest decorated with only a necklace of fine gold and the tattoos of his clan, the Orcan Lord leaned back. His leonile ears perking at every sound that comes to him. His nose sniffed the air for anything peculiar.

As the music began to ring in the air, behind the curtains of the performer\'s passage, a particular group waited for the announcement of their entrance. Peeking Between the layers of gauze curtains, Selia\'s lips thinned as she eyed the eager audience. The first batch of performers have already entered, their nearly-bare forms, swayed and the chained coin belts jingled. A singer stood in between, and her voice graced the air beautifully.

Everyone was so enchanted and immersed in the performance that none of them noticed a long black serpent climbing up the pillars. Not even the masters could detect it.

Malyana\'s eyes opened slowly. A smile curved on her lips. "Harow is taking action."

"Good," Jagra mumbled, bothered by the tight sash around his waist.

The rest of the men were as restless as him, but their expressions were calm. Within the presence of a particular Lord, they could not help but keep a strong front. Lord Hadrian Hercullio stood at the back. His dignified posture was intimidating as well as elegant. The robes he wore made him look regal, gold against black, swirls of embroidered patterns climbed from his waist up to his chest. Hair combed back, and a mask painted with gold concealed his handsome features. He held two tasseled swords at his side. Selia swelled with pride at her work.

"It seems Nhero and his others have successfully entered the inner palace," Jagra spoke, turning to Hadrian. Moulin and his company kept a tracking stone with them. The mana around the palace was potent enough to disintegrate the stones once they touched the barrier. Jagra could no longer sense their presence. Therefore, he assumed his friend, as well as the others, had hopefully succeeded.

"Splendid." Malyana closed her fan. Hopefully, Harow could finish his job quickly. They needed the perfume pouches to be planted as soon as their performance started. There were more Orcs here than she thought. The perfume could hopefully null their sense of smell without them suspecting it. "Moulin and his company should be heading to your comrades at this moment. Let us hope to give them enough time for their rescue."