Tainted Bloodline...🩸

2.

Asher woke up in an unknown location, tied to a chair. His movements were restricted, and his voice was muffled by a seal over his mouth. Despite the alarming situation, the sweet smell of pancakes wafted through the room, filling his nostrils and triggering a sudden hunger.

A few moments later, the door to the tiny room creaked open, and Asher squinted, his eyes adjusting slowly..he noticed it was still night time

A man, likely in his late 40s, approached him. His features were striking: piercing blue eyes, a strong jawline, sharp cheekbones, and dark hair flecked with gray. A trimmed beard framed his face, adding an air of authority.

The man's smile, however, was unsettling-

Untying Asher, the man led him to a table filled with food. Asher remained quiet, observing his captor.

"Where were you running off to at such a time, lad?" the man asked, his tone gentle.

Asher swallowed, his throat sore. "I was... uh... looking for something."

The man's smile grew wider. "Lies," he said softly, setting a glass of water before Asher.

"You must be Asher, right?" the man asked, his voice low and soothing. "Adopted by that wretched family?"

Asher nodded, surprised the man knew about him.

The man's smile, however, was unsettling-a gentle, knowing curve that hinted at secrets.

He pushed a plate of pancakes, bacon, and eggs toward Asher. "Eat. You must be starving."

Asher hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. The man's piercing gaze seemed to see right through him.

As he ate, the man leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers.

"I've been watching you, Asher," he said.

Asher's fork paused mid-air.

"Watching me?" he echoed.

The man nodded.

"You see, Asher, you're not like other boys. You have... potential."

Potential? What did the man mean?

Asher's mind whirled with questions.

Asher opened his mouth to ask another question, but the man rose to his feet.

"Enough for tonight, Asher. You've had a long day."

He guided Asher to another room, lit only by soft candlelight.

The warm glow and soothing shadows calmed Asher's racing thoughts.

"Rest now," he said, his voice low and soothing.

Asher's mind whirled,first he was tied up like a prisoner but now he's been treated differently...slowly exhaustion took over...

Asher's sleep was plagued by nightmares. Dark visions of glowing eyes, twisted figures with horns and wings, and eerie chanting in foreign languages haunted him echoing through the darkness, sending shivers down his spine.

He woke up drenched in sweat, gasping for air. The candlelit room seemed suffocating. Asher needed fresh air..it was nearly dawn..

He opened the door, stepping onto the creaky wooden stairs. Muffled voices drifted from below.

"...get the kid, don't worry," one voice came

A low, menacing voice responded, "You've taken long enough to get him here. We won't wait any longer. The Order is growing restless."

The other man's tone turned urgent. "I'll bring him to you, just leave."

The other voice growled, "Before the clans find him, Cal. You know what's at stake."

Asher's footsteps creaked on the stairs, and the man spun around.
The other man vanished into thin air.

Asher stumbled, his mind reeling.

"What...how...?" he stuttered.

The man's expression turned cold.

"What are you doing here?" he growled.

Asher tried to explain, "I-I had a bad dream. I wanted fresh air...did he just fuckin disappear!?"

The man's face twisted in anger.
He aggressively dragged Asher back upstairs.
Asher screamed, struggling.
Cal threw him into the small room, slamming the door shut.

Asher pounded on the door, yelling, "Help! Let me out!"

Tears of frustration streamed down his face.

"Why did I trust him?" he cried.

Regret washed over him.

"I should have stayed home. Endured all the cruelty... Anything but this."

Asher slid to the floor, feeling trapped.
The candlelight flickered, casting eerie shadows.

To be continued...