A Game Of Cat and Mouse

chapter Twenty one

*Soifon's P.O.V*

Upon regaining consciousness, Soifon observed Ace positioned before her. 'Are you awake?' he inquired, a smirk playing on his lips, while firmly grasping her cheek. Several days had transpired since both Soifon and Erin were abducted, and despite the passing time, Soifon remained suspended by chains in the same precarious state, with blood coating the floor.

Soifon's body was coated in dry blood and perspiration, causing one half of her shirt to adhere to her chest. Her wounds remained covered in blood and continued to inflict pain with each movement. Furthermore, her condition was aggravated by the onset of a gradually intensifying feverish state.

Soifon observed him with a resentful gaze, attempting feebly to free her head from his grip. "Please refrain from giving me such a disapproving look," Ace murmured softly, his hand gliding through her damp hair. "Before you can set eyes on your beloved, it is necessary to endure another round of punishment." His words caused Soifon to struggle against her restraints, but she halted as her energy dwindled and sweat cascaded down her face.

Ace gently tapped her cheek before proceeding towards the same medal table that he had visited two days prior. Soifon observed him with a piercing gaze and inquired in a raspy tone, attributed to her dry throat and heavy breathing, "Have you had your fill of this? I understand that you emerged victorious. Now, kindly permit us to depart." Despite her coughing while speaking, Ace disregarded her plea.

"Please, Ace, I implore you not to disregard my plea. In light of your victory, I kindly request that you release Erin and myself from this situation." Soifon pleaded earnestly, as Ace approached with a leather whip, amusement evident on his face.

"I'm afraid that won't be possible. I shall only grant your freedom once I have dealt with you and Jack has satisfied his desires. After our purposes have been fulfilled, you will be released momentarily. However, be aware that we may choose to pursue you again at a later time." Ace responded, cruelly running the whip along her neck before slowly tracing it down her body, savoring the fear evident in Soifon's blue eyes.

Ace leisurely traced the rope along Soifon's frame, briefly pulling it away. Soifon observed his every move and attempted to speak but was met with a sharp, agonizing pain as Ace forcefully cracked her with the whip.

"Were you planning on saying something?" Ace inquired, a smirk gracing his lips. Soifon bit her lip as the whip connected with her once more, followed by another crack.

Ace smirked every time Soifon emitted a cry, as he repeatedly struck her forcefully with the whip. Mocking her, he uttered, 'Atta girl, cry.' After one final whip crack, he casually returned to the table to retrieve something else. Soifon, with her vision blurred and blood dripping from her recently inflicted wounds on her chest and stomach, watched him. Her shirt was barely intact.

Ace placed the whip down on the table and approached Soifon, who mistakenly believed the torment was over. However, he shattered that hope with a powerful punch to her abdomen. He interrogated her, 'Did you think I was finished?' Catching her eyes, Soifon turned her head away, provoking another fierce blow to her stomach. Ace hissed, 'Don't turn away when I'm addressing you, you wretched woman.' He forcefully grabbed her chin and directed her gaze back towards him.

Soifon struggled to liberate her face from his grasp," she pleaded, "Please release me." Ace tightened his grip on her chin, a smirk adorning his face, and responded, "You can continue to implore, but I will not grant you freedom, little one." Releasing her chin momentarily, Ace struck her forcefully across the face before exiting the room, leaving her hanging. "Thomas will arrive in a few hours to escort you to the larger room, where you will have the opportunity to see Erin," he stated, closing the door behind him.