The Girl in the gilded cage (A Tom Hiddleston story)

Bravery

*Tom*

The sound of my heart thundering in my chest drowns out the faint rustle from the shadows. I take a deep breath, reminding myself to stay calm. I can't let fear take over. I have faced my demons before and come out stronger... this time would be no different.

Suddenly, the darkness shifts. A low growl cuts through the heavy silence, and my instincts flare to life. I turn, my eyes straining to see through the dim light. There, just beyond the shadows, I catch sight of a pair of glowing eyes... intense and predatory.

The tiger slinks into the cage, muscles rippling beneath its sleek fur. It is the largest of them of course. Panic surges again, but I force myself to stand my ground. I can't show weakness. Not now.

"Easy, buddy," I murmur, slowly backing away, my eyes locked on the majestic creature. The last thing I want is to provoke it. "I'm not here to hurt you."

The tiger sniffs the air, its whiskers twitching as it assesses me. My mind races, plotting my next move. I can't let Ioan win. This isn't just a physical test; it's a battle of wills. I need to outsmart him and find a way out of this nightmare.

But as I inch backward, the metal bars of the cage clang against my back, a stark reminder of my imprisonment. The tiger prowls closer, its amber eyes narrowing. I can see the intelligence in its gaze, a predator sizing up its prey.

"Alright, let's think," I whisper to myself, my heart pounding louder than the growl of the tiger. If I can keep it calm, maybe I can find a way out of here before it decides I'm a threat. "You're just a big cat, right? Just... a really, really big cat."

The tiger tilts its head, almost as if it's considering my words. I can't believe I'm talking to a tiger, but desperate times call for desperate measures. My mind races back to the stories I have heard from the circus performers about how to read animal behavior.

"Look, I'm not your enemy," I say, my voice steadying as I take a deep breath. "I'm just a guy who needs to get out of here."

In a moment of sheer bravery... or more likely foolishness... I reach out my hand slowly, palm facing up. "See? No harm intended."

The tiger pauses, its growl fading as it inches closer. I can feel the tension in the air shift, and for a moment, it feels like we're locked in a silent understanding.

Just then, a noise at the entrance of the tent catches my attention. My heart sinks as I see Ioan's silhouette looming in the doorway, a smug smile etched across his face. "How's my favorite performer doing?" he taunts, leaning casually against the entrance.

"Let me out of here, Ioan," I demand, trying to keep my voice steady despite the rising fear. "This isn't funny."

His laughter echoes through the tent, cruel and mocking. "Oh, but it is. You see, I wanted to see how brave you really are. If you can handle this little test, maybe I'll let you walk away. But if you don't... Well, let's just say the tiger might find you more interesting than I do."

The tiger shifts closer, its massive paws padding silently across the dirt floor. I can feel my pulse quicken. "You think this is a game?" I shout, anger and fear mingling within me. "You think you can just toy with my life?"

Ioan straightens, a glint of malice in his eyes. "Life is all about the fun, Tom."

Just then, the tiger lets out a low growl, and I can feel the danger escalating. I can't let this be the end. Not when Malina is waiting for me. I refuse to let Ioan win. I need a plan, and fast.

"Get out of here!" I shout at Ioan, desperation creeping into my tone. "You think I'm afraid? You're the coward hiding outside a cage!"

Ioan's eyes narrow, and for a brief moment, I see uncertainty flicker across his face. Perhaps I've struck a nerve. But before I can capitalize on that, the tiger lunges forward, and instinct kicks in. I turn and sprint, backwards, towards the far side of the cage, adrenaline surging through my veins.