Court Of Shadows and Lies

33. The Dark Chant

I sat on the ground, sweat dripping down my face, the heat pressing in on me. The other boys kept their distance, whispering amongst themselves, their eyes darting my way occasionally.

Is it because I am a slave?

It wasn’t entirely false. Even though she denied it, I knew the truth. When they shoved me into that cell, it was clear—my purpose was to serve the whims of nobles.

A shadow fell over me, and I didn’t need to look up to know who it was. The weird scent of sweat alone gave him away. The man whose name started with T towered above me.

"You’ve got thick skin for such a young boy."

His voice grated on my nerves. "Malnourished, weak, yet your body... it holds something magical—"

"Can I go back?" I cut him off, my voice flat, impatient.

He paused, studying me for a moment before letting out a laugh. "Calm down, you’re sweating."

"I’ve finished. I want to go." My tone didn’t waver.

I want to go back to Cessalie.

"Where do you want to go? To Lady Cessalie?" he asked, his voice mocking.

I lifted my head and nodded once, expressionless.

He burst into laughter, loud enough to draw attention from the others. "What are you, a puppy?" he sneered, clutching his stomach as if it was the funniest thing he'd ever heard.

I stayed silent, staring ahead. The sweat continued to trickle down my face, but I didn’t bother wiping it away. My clothes stuck to my skin, but I refused to soil them further. Cessalie helps me dress every day. She’d be disappointed if I ruined them.

Even though they were already ruined, thanks to this weird man.

"Sir... Serene... Sir Serenus?"

A voice called out from behind. It was distant, but I recognized it easily—Cessalie’s maid. Her name started with an 'R'... Runa? No... I don’t know.

I stood up, brushing off my clothes before walking toward the entrance. I saw her running toward me, her face lighting up when she saw me.

"Sir Serenus!" she called, breathless. "Lady Cessalie has fainted. Suddenly. She was in the kitchen telling the chef your—"

I didn’t wait for her to finish. My feet were already moving, faster and faster, until I broke into a full run.

As I neared Cessalie’s room, voices became clearer through the door.

"She’s...fine. There is no problem with her body, Lord Rylan."

"Then why the hell did she faint?" Rylan’s voice sounded impatient, sharp.

"I... I don't know. There’s nothing I can see. Perhaps it’s just weakness."

"Hmm... When will she wake up?"

I stopped just outside the door, my breath heavy, heart pounding in my chest. I pushed the door open without thinking.

Inside, a tall man stood at the foot of the bed, and an older man sat beside Cessalie, who lay unconscious.

What are they doing?

The tall man turned, his face darkening as he shouted, "What the hell!? Who are you!? Get lost!"

As I walked into the room, I made a point to ignore the tall, irritating man looming in the doorway.

“What happened to her?” I asked the person sitting in a chair nearby, who looked a little kinder, more approachable.