IGNITE | Sukuna

Chapter 4: An Experiment

"Always walk three paces behind him."

"Don't ever talk unless he gives you permission."

Subuhi's mind buzzed with the white-haired servant's orders. She scoffed. Why should she? Who the hell is this man? she thought, trailing behind him. His tall figure obscured most of the night city, especially since her veil covered half her face. She followed him by the scent of his cursed energy, which was surprisingly strong even in the crowd.

He led her into what seemed like a vacant alleyway. The capital was full of such alleyways. She followed silently. He wore a veil too, hiding the tattoos on his shoulder. He was carrying a dead boar but Subuhi recognized it to be different from the one he hunted.

"Did Uraume tell you not to speak?" His voice echoed in the empty alleyway. Only their footsteps could be heard. She remained silent, accidentally bumping into him. Damn this veil.

He let out an amused laugh. "Walking behind me, waiting for permission to speak—I didn't take you for the obedient kind."

His laugh irritated her further. "So can I?" She raised her head to look at him. His scarlet eyes were barely visible under the veil as he smirked.

"Can you what, brat?"

She crossed her arms in annoyance. "Can I speak?"
He continued to smirk and nodded.

"Where are we going?" she finally asked, curious about the nature of this experiment.

"The Imperial Palace," he responded, resuming his fast pace. Subuhi followed close behind.

Excitement filled her heart. From childhood, she had always wanted to see the palace. She'd heard stories about it from Yuina for most of her life. Seeing it on the first day she escaped from her clan felt like a dream. Her face glowed with happiness, and Sukuna seemed to notice.

"Don't get too excited. We're going to the royal kitchen, not the glittery side of the palace," he said.
A frown appeared on her face. Every time this man spoke, her dreams got crushed. Was he cursed?

"Why? What's there?" She asked as she stopped behind him. He had stopped walking.

"See for yourself," he urged.

Subuhi looked ahead. There it was, in all its glory. The imperial palace stood with its mighty power, lit up like something from a fairytale.

"It's beautiful," she exclaimed.

"It's a hellhole," He interrupted her dream yet again.

Seriously, what is his problem? She thought as she looked at him. She saw something unexpected: a cold rage, a fire in his eyes as he looked at the palace. She wished she could unread emotions because this rage could burn down the palace with one look.

"Don't invade. I know you can sense," he said, making her freeze. Her heart skipped several beats as he came closer, his face inches away.

"Do not ever read me. I know you can sense emotions," he whispered, a cold threat.

She had never been caught before. No one had ever known she could sense emotions. Her breath caught in her throat as she looked at him. He was dead serious.

"How did you know—"

"If I catch you again, I'll kill you on the spot. Understand, brat?" His little fangs showed as he spoke each word carefully.

She nodded slowly. He gave her a charming smile. What in the cursed realm was that?

"Now, we'll take the secret passage to the royal kitchen," he said, walking to the entrance of a small passage. She stood there, bewildered by what had just happened.