Bound To Cazmus

Chapter Seven

𝓒.𝓣𝓪𝓶𝓪𝓻𝓪

Tears cascaded down Chantelle's cheeks as she bolted upright, her heart pounding against her chest, her breaths coming in ragged gasps as she took in the dimly lit room with wide eyes.

"He's not here, Chantelle," she murmured to herself, trying to soothe her racing heart. Placing a trembling hand over her chest, she squeezed her eyes shut and focused on controlling her breathing.

The dream had left Chantelle shaken. It had been about her brother, and she couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. Night after night, she dreamt of her brother being beheaded by Orpheus, and it only fueled her need to continue her search without faltering.

"My lord," she called out as she got up from the bed, hastily gathering her clothing. With no response, she quickly dressed in suitable winter attire.

Before setting out, she swiftly fastened her garter belt, and held her sword in the other hand, and pushed open the creaking cabin door, unaware of what was on the other side, What awaited her was a nightmarish scene of agony – the sky was painted in the harsh glow of raging flames that seemed to surge from the depths of the underworld. The intense heat seared her skin as she beheld the homes around her engulfed in a blazing inferno.

Amidst the chaos, Chantelle's heart pounded fiercely in her chest, matching the chaotic rhythm of fear and panic that enveloped the area. Her searching gaze landed on Tally's residence, which was consumed by roaring flames. Just outside, Tally's mother knelt in the rapidly melting snow, her anguished cries piercing the air as she begged for aid.

"Tally!" Chantelle's mind resounded with the urgency of her silent plea, as if a cacophony of bells echoed in her head. With determination, she sprinted towards the burning house.

Though her instincts urged her to assist the others, her nerves momentarily held her back. Her sword slipped from her trembling hand as she neared the inferno, her mind a blank canvas failing to comprehend the peril she was rushing into. Despite the chaos, her sole focus was on rescuing Tally.

"Please, help my little girl! I-I tried, but I couldn't—" Tally's mother's sobs choked her desperate pleas as she cradled her baby close, her body trembling with fear.

As Chantelle heard Tally's mother's desperate pleas and sobs, she felt a surge of fear, but she didn't hesitate, but instead quickly scooped up handfuls of snow, attempting to cool down before charging into the fierce blaze. The heat was intense, and the acrid smoke made her cough violently, but she pressed on, calling out for Tally amidst the engulfing darkness.

Her adrenaline was pumping so fiercely that she hardly felt the heat scorching her skin. Each step forward was driven by the single-minded focus of reaching Tally and bringing her to safety.

Just as Tally's voice echoed from the bedroom, Chantelle quickened her pace. But before she could make further progress, the ominous black mist from the previous day reappeared, and piercing golden eyes glared down at her, the mist enveloping her once more.

“You reckless fool, do you enjoy pushing my buttons?”

As she heard the inhumane voice growl, darkness surrounded Chantelle. Despite being unable to see its face, she knew the ominous presence belonged to Cazmus.

"Please, my lord, help her," she pleaded, her hands trembling as she collapsed to her knees. Tally, an innocent child, needed Cazmus' help. There was no way he would let her die.

Cazmus didn't respond. Instead, he released her from his mist, and Chantelle found herself back outside. Amidst her disorientation, Amis rushed to her side, his worry evident as he helped her up.