𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐀 | 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐨

𖤓𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝟬𝟳 - 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗕𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦𖤓

Drizzling snow dusted the steps beneath your feet as you went down the stairs, your head facing the ground to avoid staring into the pairs of eyes that seemed to watch the scene before them with their undivided attention. No one dared to utter a single word nor sound while the Captain helped you descend the steps, his broad hand clasped to yours to make sure you wouldn't slip from his grasp. The First's grip was firm, unforgiving, as he supported your weight on the last step, his intense focus on you making you feel uneasy and jittery. You begged to the Archons that the ground would swallow you whole, but alas, the divine did not heed your prayers. They appear to enjoy themselves quite well as they observed how you would murmur your gratitude to the harbinger for being so kind to lend you a hand, earning you a short yet courteous response that made you bite your tongue.

Now that you assimilated yourself with your surroundings, you noticed the squadron of fatui agents waiting outside for their lord harbinger. In their custody, you manage to spot the crew that always accompanied you in your performances, a few unknown faces and the bartender. Kneeling on the dirtied snow was a man with a bag on his face, his hands tied behind his back while he wept in pain. You had an inkling of who it was just by their worn garments, but you decided to make no sound that might alert him of your presence. Last thing you wanted was for him to start screaming your name and calling you profanities in front of everyone.

"Lord Harbinger," One of the agents spoke as he knelt on the ground before his superior, fist on his heart and head kept low in reverence. "We have secured every suspect in the perimeter. How would you like us to proceed?"

Capitano did not release your hand from his grasp as he stepped a bit forward, his coat dragging above the frozen ice below the soles of his boots. He was silent, for a moment, as he observed the apprehended individuals, ignoring their mumbled pleas for mercy and forgiveness. Once he appeared to be sure of what do next, he shifted his hidden gaze to your weary eyes, his fingers softening their hold on your hand.

"Come," The harbinger whispered, unable to conceal his command behind the delicate tone. You nodded your head in understanding and kept your lips shut as you followed after him through the alley. The short walk to the carriage offered you enough time to sneak a few glances at him, observing how the tiny drops of snow would taint his inky hair and cling to the edges of his helmet. Sometimes, just like that one fateful night, you would catch glimpses of his face's silhouette. The dark veil framed his features a little; his lips, his nose, the sockets of his eyes. Barely visible yet enough to spark your curiosity. Enough to draw your attention like a magnet.

The carriage stood right outside the alley, with two fatui agents serving as coachmen who greeted their lord with inclined heads and fists resting above their chests. The First acknowledged their presence with a brief nod before pivoting his attention to you, tilting his head to the side as he opened the door to the carriage. You felt the strength of his grip increase while you lifted one foot after the other, slowly maneuvering inside until you sat next to the window. You expected him to follow after you, but instead, you restrained yourself from pursuing his hand as he freed your fingers from his grasp.

"I have matters to attend," The Captain explained, observing how you would furrow your brows with confusion plastered all over your face, with a hint of suspicion as well. Unfortunately, his duty required him to remain on this alley for the ongoing investigation. Had it been under different circumstances, he would've liked to keep you company for the upcoming journey. "Do not fret. I will be there shortly after I deal with the... issue... at hand."

"There? Where are you sending me?" You inquired, worry beginning to settle between the dips of your bones, gnawing until your joints ached.

"The Zapolyarny Castle, of course." Was he replied with before he sealed the door shut, leaving you in a state of shock. Your jaw went slack as you stared at the carriage's door, pondering about how you would approach the higher ranking officials of the palace, and even worse, the Cryo Archon herself. You've never been fortunate enough to meet Her Majesty, yet now... now it sounded more like a death sentence than a privilege.