Red Lilies

Chapter 17

I am going to start producing longer content, now that we are in the chapters that hold more meanings. Enoy!

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Chapter 17

Her mind raced like time was running out, there was more about these people that she knew about – or remembered.

She could not predict what will happen next, it was a completely unexpected turn of events. She could not stomach the rest of the conversation, so she stayed quiet.

Listening and observing.

With her chin high and shoulders squared, she waited patiently for the room to fill with those who she knew nothing of. Those men who brought her to the traditional wooden and paper panels that surrounded her were quite observant of her. Every breath she took, they noticed; for each cautious bite she took of the delicious meal, they studied.

Her hands did not tremble, she would not give them the power over her fear. Calmly, she pushed the bowl in front of her, the tallest took the plates away, leaving her alone with the man who smiled at her like he knew everything about her identity.

- "Haruno Sakura. I have waited a very long time for this." – her eyes narrowed at his statement, sharp green knives cutting every word he spoke. – "Now, now." – he smiled even wider, tilting his chin in amusement to her demeanour. – "It's nothing to worry about. But I must say..." – those chocolate eyes hardened, studying the slightest movements of the soft breeze coming from the window as it waves her long strands of pink around her hear-shaped face.

Their staring contest was interrupted by the soft push of the sliding door. A tall figure approached. Dark onyx eyes with a hint of red stared right at her, Sakura kept her body as still as she could. Those sun rays were turning into bleeding orange hues that blended with purple and blue on the horizon. Lean muscle covered by those dark velvet robes of the Soul Rippers; a blade neatly tucked to his side.

The pale complexion of the man in front of her only caused his features to become more prominent. V-shaped jaw and a straight nose made him seem more like royalty than she has ever seen before. Long dark lashes belonging to sharp eyes. His features adorned by long and straight strands of hair lazily held by a low ponytail.

He stared her down – not like an enemy – but like a measly commoner who held no power over him. A little annoying for her taste. He seemed to study her just like the other man in the room. Sakura felt like some animal in a laboratory. She did her best not to shift in her sitting position. Her legs neatly folded under her for support as her back stayed as straight as a board.

She was nervous under the scrutiny of his eyes. But she did not cower. Never. – "Did I interrupt your beauty sleep?" – mocked the redhead. – "We just couldn't wait to summon you." – those chocolate eyes stayed on her, his posture relaxed as ever as he kept a small distance next to her, at the end of the room. His back to the wall as he sat cross-legged with his chin resting on his hand, slumped forward like he wanted to get closer.

She was only glad they kept a distance. The new arrival replied with a short "Hn" before glancing to the other side of the room and took a seat, his eyes finding hers once more. – "You are one of the Rioca." – another voice gasped. Her attention was pulled to the entrance, the doors still open.

Big bright blue eyes that reminded her of the sky caught her by surprise. Sakura loved the blue sky to a point she would catch a sunburn by laying on the roof staring at the sky, occasionally counting clouds like she would when she was a child.

His soft boy-ish features only stood out by the fact he wore his uniform a little more revealing than the rest. A strong chest exposed by the opening of his clothing. If it wasn't for this detail, Sakura would have confused him with a woman. His dark lined cat-like eyes along with the long blonde hair held halfway up was confusing her. By all means he would win in a contest against her with such eye-catching features.