Trails of Intertwined Stars: Chapter 74 {Part 1}

~Chapter 67: Their Blight~

Ellen banged angrily on the bars of the tiger's cage; startling it up onto its feet, so it roared in anger at being disturbed.
"Wake up you hideous thing!" She jeered at it.
The tiger stalked towards the back of the cage, furiously; keeping its gaze fixed on Ellen. Leora trembled, clinging onto Jiu's arm as Ellen yelled hideous curses at the tiger, whilst another circus member went to grab the keys to its cage.
"I didn't think she'd actually do it," Leora whispered.
"Nor did I," Jiu groaned, bringing her closer; as if worried the tiger would somehow break loose from the cage," But it's her own foolish fault now, you offered it, it's not like you forced her into it. What happens now falls upon Ellen Blight's hands."
Leora whimpered, hiding her face in her boyfriend's chest, as the circus member returned with the chain of keys.
"Look at this, you old beast!" Ellen kicked the bars, causing the cage to tremble and vibrate," That's right, I'm coming into your den now. And I expect you to flop on your stomach and beg, like the stupid house cat you truly are!"
The tiger let out a low growl, never leaving the far corner of the cage; where the shade practically concealed it from them.

"Ellen, don't do this!" Jiu spoke, urgently," It's foolish, incredibly foolish. Keep the money, just... don't go in there."
Ellen scowled," I'm not like you folk, sir. I keep my promises, and I intend to keep this one. I'm no dirty thief. I work hard for my money. Besides, if this works, this would be a great new act."
"'New act'...there won't be a new act at this rate!" Jiu yelled, gripping Leora tighter," You'll be in that damn tigers stomach, that's where that act will lead you. If not today, another day!"
Ellen snatched the keys off the circus member and threw open the cage door, she slammed it closed and locked it; thrusting the keys to the far centre of the cage where the tiger was. It made no move, simply watched her, eerily low to the ground. Leora gasped, hiding her face in Jiu's chest, unable to watch.
"Tilly, cry you dumb cat!" Ellen yelled.
Surprisingly, on command the tiger let out an obedient roar; still low to the ground. Yet there was no mistaking that hungry look in its eyes.
Ellen grinned, becoming more and more arrogant; she took a step closer," Tilly, pounce onto this spot in front of me!"
The tiger pounced, landing neatly behind Ellen; making no move to attack. Jiu clutched Leora tighter, trembling slightly, his eyes wide.

Ellen grinned, turning her back to the tiger, facing them," See, this hideous beast is a mere, overgrown cat! And for my final act of the night...Tilly, play dead!"
Tilly went lower to the ground; not on her back, like when playing dead. Ellen turned around, angrily.
"TILLY, I SAID PLAY DEA-!!"
The tiger let out a mighty roar; pouncing and swiping at Ellen. The cat tamer hit the floor with a sudden cry; as the tiger dug its nails into her flesh.
"Don't look!" Jiu hissed, gripping Leora tighter; a hand in front of his eyes as he took, couldn't help, but wince away from the sight.
The tiger viciously mauled the body of the foolish woman, crimson staining the cage as many of the circus members cried in horror. Ellen was already dead. She'd left the keys so the tiger was on top of them, as it ate her flesh and gnawed her bones. It spat out the £60 that she had tucked away, and let out another vicious roar as the workers furiously poked at it. Jiu couldn't take it any longer, with a decisive motion he scooped Leora into his arms and turned away; not looking back. The girl clung to him, sobbing into his chest.
"I killed her..." Leora whispered," I killed her... didn't I?"
"No," Jiu shook his head, his expression dark," She killed herself. Her arrogance caught up to her, and she killed herself."

Leora burst into horrified tears as they got into the carriage; Jiu immediately yelled at the driver to take them home as quickly as possible. He was on edge. How could he not be after witnessing that? He ran a hand through his hair, steadying himself, before he calmed down. It only took small gestures to calm himself after seeing people die, he was numb to it nowadays. Though, a death as horrific as that one, had made him feel a little uneasy; understandably. Leora sobbed into his shoulder, muttering bizarre things about being a curse, or some sort of guilt that led to it; about her family being always right about her. Jiu stroked her back, not really saying anything at that moment in time, assuming just being there to hold her would be enough. He stared out at the town, which slept peacefully unaware of the tragedy that had occurred. He had never wanted to get back to that manor so quickly in his life. With bated breath, he kissed the top of Leora's head and held her, wanting the night to end as quickly as possible. Never again did he ever want to see another circus in his life. The thought alone, chilled him to the core. He brushed hair out of Leora's face thoughtfully, glancing down at her. A cold sweat had broken out; she was much paler than the morning before. Jiu's breath caught in his throat, he stared at the girl with wide eyes.
"Leor-?"
Before he could finish her name, the girl slumped against his chest; she had fainted in the carriage.