Experiment Gone Wrong

Chapter 5: Beyond the Wall

Kesstar pov
She falls limp in my arms. Her tiny body relaxing and heart rate slowing. I let out a long pained sigh. Why did she have to run? I begin to move into the forest, hiding us away beneath the tree cover. She ended up getting us both out yes, but she was just going to leave. Disappearing again, far from my grasp. I tense my arms, the muscles squeezing her tighter. She whimpers in her sleep and I release. How could she just leave?
I smell the air trying to pinpoint where we are, my anger making it difficult.
They had just tried to take her from me. Was me killing those that wished to harm her not enough? I remember the terror on her face as they tried to drag her away... the same look of terror she had just given me.
I glance down at her, her head lulled to the side, resting in the crook of her shoulder. It reveals the spot on her neck I've bitten her over the past few days. The skin is angry and bruised. It'll be better soon enough. She does it to herself.
My senses perk when I breath in a familiar smell. We're not too far off. Excitement begins to build. Two days travel and we will be there. Along the way I know of enough hideaways to keep us safe from any search party's they send out. We're finally going home.
It's long going through the jungle, even with my size. For a human on foot, this journey would easily take five days if not longer. Night begins to fall, the rain falling harder. Not too many animals are out in these conditions. I appreciate the quiet. The doctor stirs every now and then. I end up shifting her so she's laying in my arms, her body curled into me.
Such a small creature. She fought so hard only to get nowhere. It honestly surprised me, she managed to get free of my hold with relative ease. I'll have to get a new collar for her when I get home. I smile at the idea of having my home and all its riches back. The small drafty cave will seem like a distant memory after my finery is restored.
My speed increases at the excitement of my palace awaiting me. I dart through the jungle, getting closer to the hidden temple in the mountains. I get higher, the air gets chillier. I see goosebumps rise on the doctors skin. I hold her closer, hoping my body heat will keep her warm enough till we reach the temple. It should have blankets and possibly some spare clothing.
I reach the large cave mouth as snow begins to fall from the sky rather than rain. The atmosphere is thinner up here. The sky is just beginning to lighten. I slip inside and pause in humble awe at the familiar place. The two ancient statues of our eternal ancestors hold up the ceiling, large bowls with oil waiting to be lit. I slither to the large stone doors, easily pushing one open, the scraping sound echoing through the cavern. Inside, the alter stands in the center of the hall, candles still lit and burning. I'll have time to worship and give thanks later. For now I need to get us into a bed.
I find the royal resting place, the same I used years ago when I came to visit. My large bed still lies, completely made up with luxurious blankets and thick cushions. I wash us both lightly with the provided basin and pitcher, making sure to clean any debris from her small bare form.
I settle us amongst the cushions, covering her with the soft silken blanket. She instantly clutches it closer, pulling it up to her nose. I wrap my arms around her, pulling her into mine and locking her in. I make sure to wrap my tail around her ankle and calf so if she stirs at all, I'll know. And I settle in to sleep.

Anne pov
I begin to wake on the softest mattress I've ever felt. Where am I? I try to move but feel Kesstars strong arms as well as his tail around my legs. My ribs ache and my back feels scraped up. Why?
I can't remember anything. He must have given me a lot of his venom. I let out a soft sound, hoping he'll hear and loosen his grip.
"Mmm." I hear him groan groggily. He shifts onto his back and I'm pulled with him so I'm laying on top of him. From here I can at least look around.
Where the hell are we? I look around in awe. Thick stone walls, painted with beautiful and vibrant murals of kesstars species posed on the wall. Similar to the paintings on ancient Egypt. A large oil lamp hangs from the ceiling unlit but the housing seems to be made of precious metal. The bed we are on is plush and thick. The blankets are expensive and made of fine fabrics.
"I thought you'd sleep longer." I feel the rumble in his chest.
"I... I think I should have." I say, gingerly touching my neck and wincing from the pain of the bruises I'm sure are there.
He sits up abruptly, sending me sprawling on his lap. "What do you remember?" He grabs my chin in his palm, turning my face up to his.
"The men came and you... they died.... We went back to the cave and... and you left..." I pause. "I can't remember anything after that." But I do remember something. I remember the plan I had to escape the next time he left. And I know deep down, I did something stupid.
"Nothing else?" He raise an eyebrow.
"Not that I can remember... but..."
He strokes his thumb across my lips. "But what prey?" The coldness in his voice says it all.
"I tried to escape... didn't I." I say defeatedly.
"You did indeed." He smiles hungrily, his hand begins to play with my hair but not at all in a friendly way. In a way a hunter would admire the pelt of their target. I gulp. "You managed to get beyond the wall however. I'm highly disappointed you didn't tell me about the escape route." He yanks roughly back on my hair exposing my neck. "Why didn't you tell me?" I open my mouth to speak but he quickly forces it shut. I'm terrified. "And the only thing out of your mouth better be the truth or I will rip it out of you. Do you understand?"
I nod and he yanks back harder.
"Say it." He hisses sharply.
"I understand." I carefully consider my next words. "I... I wanted to go home. To, to get away from all of it."
"It?"
"From the lab, the mercenaries... and, and..." I can't say it, I'm to scared.
"And what doctor? Say it."
Any kindness I knew in his voice previously is gone. Instead it's quiet anger and immense power behind threatening words. There's no resisting him.
"And you." I whimper.
"Thank you." He breathes, leaning in to kiss my neck softly. "I know you're telling the truth. You said something very similar when you wouldn't stop fighting to get away from me yesterday." I breathe a half sigh of relief. "Your punishment will not be nearly as bad." The sigh was too soon. "Prepare yourself."
What? "Agh!"
The most intense and powerful pain erupts in my neck and shoulder as Kesstars jaws sink into the flesh. I clench my jaw hard, the piercing power of his teeth causing them to sink gradually deeper into my muscle. Tears pour down my face as I feel a mass of warm heavy venom enter my bloodstream. What has he done to me? His fangs finally retract and he carefully pulls away. I see my blood streaming down his chin. I reach up to touch my wound. He snatches my wrist, holding it in place, away from the bite.
"The pain will fade in a moment." He hisses.
"Why did you do that?" I sob, my entire body shaking and hot, beads of sweat beginning to form on my skin. "Am i going to die?"
"No, it's just a marking. It will never go away, and the venom inside makes it so anywhere you go, no matter how fast or far you run, I will be able to find you. Our scents are intertwined."
I try again to touch the wound but his arm barely sways. I give up and slump, dizziness begins to overcome me and I feel so so hot. I moan mournfully, feeling like the worst fever has overcome me.
"Shhh, the fever will lower soon, your little body will relax and sleep to regain its strength. Just let it take it's course." He rolls over, laying me down amongst the cushions and blankets.
My vision is blurry and making me dizzy. I close my eyes, the feeling subsiding slightly. I whimper as a blanket rubs against the open cuts. He clicks his tongue as if disappointed in my handling of the situation. I feel his hand beside me and I flinch away, by breath catching in my throat.
"Shh my little one," he cups the side of my face. "Your punishment is done, I swear it." He kisses my forehead, his kiss surprisingly cold compared to the heat pouring from my skin.
The sounds begin to fade. I can't sense him near me anymore. Then I feel a cold wet cloth laid across my forehead. I'm in heaven for a moment. The closest I've been in far too long. My body fully relaxes, my temperature finally feeling like it's come down.
"Now sleep my little prey, I will be here to take care of you when you wake." I hear him whisper.
When I wake up we're moving again. It's late in the night, the stars glitter through the tree branches above. A thick blanket is wrapped around me to my surprise. I clutch it closer snuggling into the soft fabric. A wave of pain from my shoulder making me whimper.
"Where are we?" I croak, my throat dry.
"Spare your voice, little one. We are deep in the forest now. We will reach the kingdom outskirts by morning. From there it will only be hours till we arrive home."
"What's it like?" I try to keep my voice steady, my head feels like it's spinning. I close my eyes. "Your home."
"I said save your voice." He reaches down, closing my lips with his thumb. "It's beautiful. We have large markets, pools teaming with colorful fish and large stone bridges that arch across."
"Mmm." His voice is somehow soothing and makes the dizziness go away. A calm smile slowly comes to my lips as I fall back into a feeling of tingling floating.
"And my palace stands at the center of it all, towering over the city and its occupants. Its steps are gilded with precious metals and sculptures inset with jewels the size of your fist." I can hear the longing in his voice as he speaks of it.
"You live in a palace?" I question sleepily.
"I do." He takes a long pause, seeming to think for a moment. "I never told you, did I?"
"No... you didn't tell me anything about before." My mind flashes back to the day we were separated by a pane of ballistic glass, when I was debatably safe.
"You should know now. After all, it will be your home too." My stomach twists as yearning for my old life grows stronger. "I am of an ancient and noble race. We've been around longer than humans and will continue to live long past their expiration. I myself am over 100 years old." He plays with my hair while speaking, his claws gently massaging my scalp making me feel fuzzy. "I am descended from one of the oldest bloodlines, our golden scales a symbol from the gods of our blessed blood. The throne passes down through blood and if there are multiple children, it is granted to the best choice in the eyes of the parents and elders. I was chosen over my brother for my skill and prowess in combat as well as my negotiating skills in the throne room. I've ruled for many years and done quite a lot in my time. I had just embarked on a solstice hunt in celebration of the sun god when I found myself kidnapped by your kind." He says your kind as if we're the most disgusting bug that crawled on the face of the earth.
I feel my heart beat speed up as I begin to wonder if all of them feel the same way about humans as he does. Will I be killed? Ripped apart and eaten alive? Strung up as an example.
"But you're not like them." He lays his hand over my heart. "I will take care of you, no one will touch the property of the emperor." My eyes flash open and I'm gazing into his of molten gold.
He bows his head and brings his lips to mine. My lips part in surprise his tongue slips inside. It wraps around my own, playing with it as he continues to kiss me.
Something inside me feels different. Instead of pain radiating from the bite, it's heat and a warm and familiar excitement most call horniness. And it feels like all I've ever needed in my life. I hate it deep within my brain but I can't deny it deep within my body. I moan softly into his mouth, kissing him back. He stops his movement along the game trail. I feel his fingers slowly drag down my chest, gently across my stomach, and carefully drop down between my legs. A gasp leaves my lips as his finger circles my clit, playing with my womanhood gently. I bite my lip, holding back the soft moans as he plays with me.
"Let me hear you." He whispers heatedly, pulling away from his kisses for a moment to pull lightly at my bottom lip with his teeth. "You were so adamant to speak before."
I obediently moan as he slowly pushes a finger inside. I can't hold any of the ecstasy back as he smiles and continues his pumping in and out, my moans getting louder as he builds my pleasure. His thumb strokes my clit, his lips dragging down my neck as he begins to kiss my breasts. He pulls the nipple into his mouth, pulling at it with his lips and gently circling with his tongue. His other hand massages the remaining nipple, pinching it with his fingers. I arch my back, a cry echoing in the night as I cum hard. My body spasms, the pleasure too much to contain. And then I'm panting, looking up at him with glassy eyes as he slowly removes his fingers. He wipes them off on my blanket, kissing me softly once more.
"You did very well." He breathes, brushing my hair out of my face.
My head lulls against his chest as he begins moving again. He makes sure I'm fully covered once more. I fall in and out of sleep. Every time I wake, the sky is lighter. Finally we come out on a high ridge. My stomach twists at the height and the view of the small far off valley below. I can just make out a couple of large statues scattered on the hillside below. They look very old, moss and vines growing on several while others have pieces broken off such as a nose or hand. Their faces look towards us. The sun breaks over the horizon, rising between the distant mountain peaks. It's beautiful. And completely remote. Looking back the way i assume we came, I can see no sign of the enormous compound that didn't seem so far off.
"It's far behind us now." Kesstar holds me closer, his arms curling around me to hold me to his chest. "See those statues ahead?"
I nod.
"They mark the beginning of my kingdom. We will be there soon."
As much as he tried to rest my fears of it earlier, I can't stop them coming back. My heart rate speeds, I try to fight it back down. It doesn't work.
"I promise you, all will be fine." He whispers, kissing my neck.
"Ok." I whisper, snuggling closer to his chest.
He begins to climb down into the valley, his tail giving him easy traction as he slips between stones and slick grasses wet with dew. The sun is fully risen when we move into the tree cover. It grows warmer, the shadows from the trees keep it bearable. I can hear running water nearby. It doesn't sound larger than a stream. I can smell sweet flowers, their nectar thick in the air. It's all sort of intoxicating. Kesstar begins to gently rub my back. I glance up at him, finding him smiling at me. I pause, my own smile faltering.
"Hey, it's alright. You're so precious the way you're looking around. I'm simply enjoying you." He strokes my cheek. "Just wait till you see the palace. Covered in gold, filled with precious stone and hardwoods with blankets of the finest silks and wools."
I almost don't believe him. But I know he would never lie about something like this. I listen intently, laying my head in the crook of his neck.
"You were always interested in my people, now you'll actually get to see it."
"How many of you are there?" I ask timidly.
"More than you ever thought." He purrs, kissing my head. "
The small game trail we've traveled along begins to grow larger and more pronounced, the mud and dirt turning to gravel then to brickwork road with vines crawling across its surface here and there. I hear them before I see them. The soft clinking of metal.
"Halt in the.... Emperor!" The loud voice breaks the quiet, and more clanking of armor fills the air as several creatures like Kesstar approach frantically. My breath catches in my throat. They're not quite as big as him but still larger than I'll ever be. They wear thick armor of plated bronze colored metal. Intricate designs formed into it. Helmets with plumes of exotic bird feathers sit on their heads, hiding a majority of their faces. Most of them wear gauntlets with metal claws that extend their own existing ones. Others have flails and maces inset with what looks like obsidian and more of the bronze.
"Shalal, it is good to see you." Kesstar smiles, moving closer. "Now please, after a year, I would very much like to go home."
"At once sire." He shouts a command in some language I cannot recognize. It has to be their own.
The rest of the guards fall into line, surrounding us in a protective stance, marching us forward. A few of them give me a curious glance. It's fleeting however because if Kesstar catches any of them, his mouth forms into a snarl. Anxiety builds.
The road widens and two enormous statues flank either side. Armored warriors holding mighty spears entwined with vines. Up within the helm, where the slits for the eyes would be I can make out archers peering below at the train of people. Two large gates of wood and metal are nestled between. We don't have to stop as they begin to creak open.
My jaw drops as the road expands into a beautiful city. Beautiful towers of light colored stone, gilded in gold with enormous glass windows that glisten in the sunlight rise above large jungle trees. Small homes of the same stone with carved murals and designs are nestled amongst ancient roots. Stalls decorated with brightly colored fabrics, dried flowers and herbs, and painted pottery line parts of the street. And several of Kesstars kind go on busy with their days. I feel Kesstar kiss the top of my head and my face snaps up to him. He smiles down at me.
"Do you like it?" He questions me quietly.
"It's incredible." I breathe, looking back at the glittering city that lies before us. In the distance I can see a stepped golden pyramid overlooking the entire area. "Is that your home?" I nod towards it.
"Our home." He corrects sternly. "It is."
The guard procession begins to lead us down the street and an up cry begins. Calls of the emperor returning ring through the streets. The locals stop what they're doing and rush forward to the edge of the road eager to see if it's true. And when they see it is, they cry out in pure excitement. Most don't notice me. They only see him. He smiles and nods to the crowds, holding me closely. I feel him pull the blanket tighter around me. I catch someone it the crowd staring at me and pointing. Kesstar turns to a guard and whispers something in the language I can't recognize and we begin to move quicker through the crowd.
I still feel feverish and the intense commotion and intensity of being in such a new and insane place begin to make me feel dizzy. The crowd around becomes a blur. My head lulls against his chest. He shifts me so my face is nestled in the crook of his neck.
"We're almost there." He whispers.
"Mmm." I close my eyes, listening to his breathing.
I don't open them again till I feel him nudge me gently.
"Look."
I turn my head and stare at the incredible palace. A doorway stands in front of us. Massive and beautifully carved and gilded in gold. Staircases rise on either side of it, leading to other levels and doorways up the pyramid. A stream of turquoise water flows down, forming a small waterfall that pours into a large reflecting pool with lily pads. Enormous white lotus flowers bloom in their centers and I can see large koi like fish swimming in the waters.
"Just wait till we get inside." He kisses my bruised neck, making it almost feel better for a second.
Guards are stationed at the doors and I can see a few up the steps on the other levels. The entourage that brought us here halt and turn around. I assume theyre returning to their original posts. Two others open the heavy doors at the base and we enter alone, kesstar pausing to whisper something to one of them that I can't understand . The doors close loudly behind us.
A beautiful palace spreads before me. Intricate stone floors with thick woven rugs. Large pots with flowering ferns and decorative palms. Large wood furniture with trinkets inside. An insanely large throne sits in the center of the enormous room. Bathed in sunlight it stands raised on golden steps. It's draped in the furs of big cats, leopards and tigers. It's incredible, something like Solomon's temple. It takes me a while to notice the lone figure in the room.
"I knew you'd come back eventually."
I feel kesstar tense for a moment before he chuckles. "You always knew me better than most, Kahlziz."
Kahlziz? The figure rushes forward, arms outstretched. Kesstar moves to meet him but turns so it's half of a hug. Kahlziz, I assume his brother from the resemblance, looks at him quizzically before his eyes trail to me. I gulp.
"Is that a... human?" His eyes narrow as he glares at me. His fangs extend. My heart beats faster.
Kesstar turns, shielding me from him. "She is the spoils of escaping captivity and if anyone lays a hand on her, even you brother, I will not hesitate to kill them." He hisses the violent promise.
His brother stares at him for a moment. "Of all the things I thought you'd return with, a human was not one of them." He raises his brow. "What happened?"
"We will have time to discuss this later." He states strongly, stroking my hair. "I would like to get her cleaned up and in bed before we begin discussions."
Discussions? I wonder what exactly they want to talk about without me present. I know everything. Or at least, I think I do.
"We'll let me not bar you any further. I assume you'd like to become comfortable as well after your ordeal." He smiles, patting kesstar on the shoulder. He's only slightly shorter than kesstar but still extremely imposing. "I'll wait for you in your study." And he slithers away down a corridor.
Kesstar sighs softly and begins to make his way down another corridor that ends in a pair of doors. They open slowly and he steps inside the small square room. The doors shut and we begin moving upward. An elevator? How? It must be water powered. I recall the aqueducts I saw earlier. We come to a stop and the doors open once more. He slithers out into a beautiful room hung with thick curtains and tapestries. Artwork hangs on the walls. A large fire pit sits in the center of the room, it's smoke rising through a hole in the center of the ceiling. We're at top of the pyramid. He brings me through the center of the room. I see a huge bed against one wall. The drapes hanging over it open to reveal the luxurious covers. We enter a separate section of the room and a deep sunken pool sits at the far end. Several small bottles, vials, and jars sitting beside it.
"You'll enjoy this." He whispers into my hair. He lowers himself in first, settling me at the edge of the tub. My feet dangle in the water and I flinch in surprise, finding it warm. "Is it too hot little one?" He asks in concern.
"No, I just wasn't expecting it to be warm." I smile.
He moves closer, his hands slowly moving down my legs. "We are not different in all ways from you humans."
I feel my splint fall away beneath the water and it feels incredible. I let out a sigh of relief. He massages the spot where it sat gently, the area still tender.
"I told you that you would enjoy it." He chuckles, slipping me off the edge and into his arms in the warm water. His tail rises up to cup me, holding me halfway above the surface as he picks through the items at the side. "Hold your breath." He commands.
I do as he says and am dunked beneath the water, rising back above it only after my hair is thoroughly soaked. He pulls the hair out of my face before using one of the liquids provided to wash it clean. Bubbles begin to surround us in the pool. He kisses me softly as he cleans me. I look around the room still in shock at this whole turn of events.
"Breath."
Huh? I only hear the last part before I'm dunked beneath the water again. I hardly manage to hold back my coughing fit when I break the surface again. Kesstar laughs softly.
"Should I have given you more warning little one?" He laughs, pulling me to his chest.
He's so much more comfortable here. I never realized that he was on edge since the time we met. Now he's relaxed, easily joking.
"No I'm... im ok." I cough softly. His laughter rumbles in his chest, vibrating me.
He rubs my back. "Are you certain?"
"Mhm." I nod, looking up at him.
He smiles down at me. I stare at him for a second, finding myself tentatively raising my hand. He eyes it curiously as I touch his long brown hair darkened by the water. His eyes instantly soften and almost glaze over. He relaxes into me as I massage his scalp. I realize just how large he is as the weight pushes me deeper into the water. I hesitate, pausing.
"No... don't stop." He breathes, nuzzling my hand.
I obey. He brings us back over to the edge of the pool, pushing me up against it. His hands begin to wander down below the water. I feel his fingers brush between my legs. I gasp softly, flinching away.
"No, don't resist. You know better than that." He sighs, moving me back with his clawed hands.
His fingers return to what they were doing. I feel them search out my slit, their tips dragging forward along it. I let out a sharp breath as they brush my clit. My fingers tighten in his hair. He hisses softly a smirk playing on his lips. He brushes it again, a wave of heat begins to flow up my body. He begins to circle my clit with his finger causing shivers to run through me. I rest my forehead against his arm, the tensed muscles making it feel like a rock wall. Kesstar slips a finger inside and I can't stop the moan that tumbles from my lips.
"I love your voice." He purrs into my ear. "Let me hear it again." He pulls out slowly before quickly driving it back deep inside.
"Mmmm" I moan, my back arching.
He snatches me closer, quickening the speed of his thrusts.
"Good girl." He removes his hand, pulling my hips so they are rubbing against his.
I can feel his two members brush against me. The typical jump of fear I feel before they stab into me begins to rise up. His hand goes to my breast. The thumb playing across my nipple. I glance up at him, my eyes accidentally meeting his. I gulp.
He stares down at me heatedly. His tanned skin, dotted with tiny golden scales is covered in a thin sheen of water. His thick brown hair is free of its typical bun and cascades to his shoulders, the ends wet almost black as they brush across the surface of the water. His face inches closer and I feel his hand wrap around my chin. He tilts my head to the side, his eyes trailing to my shoulder where his deep teeth marks still remain. He leans down and kisses it gently. Warmth blooms from the spot. He trails his kisses up my neck across my cheek before locking his lips on mine.
Slowly He presses his hips into me, his dick barely slipping inside. I gasp softly, the feeling of the other member sliding against my ass. He nips gently at my neck as he thrusts again pushing deeper. I moan weakly, unable to compose myself as he presses further into my tight pussy. I gasp as he shifts, the second of his large penises now pressing threateningly against my asshole. His hands go back to my hips locking around them. I've been with him long enough to know what's coming. I hold my breath. But instead of thrusting me downward and fully impaling me on both of his massive members like he usually does, he slowly raises me up, unsheathing himself from my womanhood. He sets me on the edge of the pool. A disgusting yearning remains. I look at him quizzically.
Then there's a knock at the door. It echoes in the small room.
"I will return shortly." He kisses my cheek before rising out of the water. He grabs a large towel from beside the pool as he leaves.
I sit alone. I debate getting up and searching around but I don't know how long he will be gone. I simply look around from where I sit. Large windows lie behind me. They're covered by thick curtains hiding the outside world from view. Once again I'm locked away inside. I mournfully kick at the water around my feet. How the hell did I end up here? A year ago I was happy at home in Arizona with my 20 plants and college bio researcher job. A world away. A lifetime away.
I hear soft speech from the next room. In that same language I can't understand. I hate not knowing what they're talking about. The door closes and I hear soft jingling and the scraping of scales across the floor. He seems to do something in the other room before returning to me. He smiles when he finds me in the same spot he placed me. He slithers up behind me and I begin to try and stand. He snatches me up before I can, his arms encircling my waist with my back against his stomach. I struggle for a second but his immense strength locks me down without him even having to try. I give up and allow him to carry me back into the bedroom.
I instantly notice a small tray on the bed with a steaming bowl of rice and some sort of sauce with a piece of flatbread beside it. There's also a large golden goblet with intricate etchings and a ceramic decanter of some sort. A glittering light beside the tray catches my attention. The excitement of food is overtaken by a sick feeling inside as I see the coil of golden chain that ends with a metal collar.
"Are you hungry?" He questions, his warm breath tickling my ear.
"Hmm... oh, um..yeah." I force myself to break the gaze. "I could eat." I finally say with certainty.
He sets me down on the plush bed, pushing the tray closer to me. I place it on my lap catching kesstar out of the corner of my eye. He retrieves the gold chain, disappearing for a moment. I eat. I can't let the inevitable make me anxious or it's all I'll ever be.
The curry-like food tastes incredible. Full of flavor and spice. With the first bite I realize how hungry I am. I eagerly eat everything provided before eyeing the cup curiously. I attempt to pop open the corked ceramic decanter but struggle to get nowhere. The bottle is snatched out of my hands. I jump, my head snapping up. Kesstar easily pops the cork, smirking down at me as he does so.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome, my little one." Instead of handing it back to me he pours it into the provided goblet, filling it entirely. "Drink up." He holds the cup out to me.
I timidly take it from him, the cup heavy in my hand. The liquid inside is dark, almost black. It smells sweet. I take a drink. Wine. An incredibly sweet almost juice like wine. I gulp some down, stopping for a moment when I notice I'm already beginning to feel its effects. How... strong is this? I quickly put the half empty cup down, wiping my mouth on the cloth provided.
"And I thought I had a drinking problem." Kesstar chuckles behind me.
I try to turn but feel something cold wrap around my neck. I hear it click closed. Fuck. My hands go to my neck and I find a new collar in place. This one a bit looser than the first but made of solid metal of some sort. There's engravings and stones inlaid from what I can feel. It feels... permanent.
"What did you do?" I whimper, tracing the collar with my fingers, trying to find a weak point.
"What did I do? Are you serious?" His voice becomes more stern and a strong hand wrenches my fingers away. I whimper as I feel my bones threaten to break from his grip. "You tried to run, to leave me. You did this to yourself." He releases my fingers to grab the chain at the base of the collar, using it to force my head roughly from side to side. "You're lucky it's not tighter." He snaps my head back. "You should be thanking me." He growls.
My eyes grow wide. I can feel the blood leave my face. I have no idea what will calm him down so I dare not say anything. He reaches down, stroking the skin on my neck. My body trembles.
"I have other matters to attend to. I'll return soon. If you try anything, stupid or otherwise, I will drape you in chainsss. Understand?"
"Yes."
He smiles at my terror, kissing my cheek. "I will return shortly." And he leaves with my dishes, shutting the heavy door behind him. I hear the heavy turn of the lock and I am alone.
I stumble to my feet. My ankle can hold my weight but I'm still careful not to put too much on it. My palm still smarts, the gash is clean now but deep. I know with every movement of my hand it threatens to reopen. My gaze darts around the room. I see several cabinets and containers. I consider searching through them. Who knows what's there though and what he'd do if I got into something I wasn't supposed to. Instead I peek back into the bathroom and find a rag to wrap around my injury for the time being. The chain drags across the floor, jingling like bells as I walk. A pretty sound if it weren't the sound of captivity.
I slowly walk back to the bed, pausing by one of the curtained windows. I could spare a look out the window at least. My fingers play with the silken curtain debating. The fabric ripples, allowing shimmers of sunshine in. That's enough to drive me to push it to the side.
I see the emerald expanse of jungle. Splendidly colored exotic birds flutter from tree to tree. I can barely make out the figures in the streets below. The sun catching their scales and making the walkways and squares sparkle. It's beautiful. I notice a glimpse of a patio beyond the windows. There must be a door. I look for it for a moment finding it covered by thick curtains as well. I try to open. Of course it's locked. Why wouldn't it be? With the sense of failure I return to the window, settling myself down on a soft cushion to peer out at the world I can not enter.