Uncovered

Chapter Four - Nyrie

Standing on trembling legs in front of her Master, Ivan Edgar, Nyrie waited uneasily for him to address her.

His office was small, but it branched off into different rooms, and every wall was covered in stuffed animal heads. His head was down, sitting behind his desk, engraving his latest masterpiece and she was thankful for a moment that his attention wasn't directed on her. The high-pitched buzzing sound emanating from the engraver always petrified Nyrie. There was something about the sharp needle that scratched its way through the wooden mount that made her blood run cold.

She imagined it chiselling through flesh and bone and her body responded by going hot and clammy.

He finally stopped the engraving and looked up at her. His long, wispy, grey hair moved back from his face and her eyes were drawn, as always, to the large scar that crossed down over his right eye down to his cheek, and she always wondered how it'd happened. He was middle aged, and as far as she knew, didn't have any family.

Pinning her in place with his bright, ice blue eyes, Nyrie watched as he took a moment to scan her entire body. She froze.

His eyes were cold and calculating and she hated them.

The lion scrutinizing his prey.

"Hello, Nyrie. What a pleasant surprise."

His low, calm voice made the hairs on her neck raise.

"I'll admit I was not expecting you,"

He cocked his head to the side with a cruel grin and continued,

"What do I owe this pleasure?"

Inhaling deeply, Nyrie took several breaths before she chose her words and answered carefully.

"I'm sorry I have interrupted you, however I came to report an incident that happened in the dining hall this morning. Master."

Quickly adding that last word. She'd forgotten to use it once and wouldn't be making that mistake again.

He only continued to look at her.

Taking the silence as her cue to continue, Nyrie went on warily.

"One of the guards slapped me." She watched his eyes scanning her face for any marks. "On my arse."

Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment and she prayed to the heavens that he wouldn't ask her to turn around and show him.

Ivan's jaw feathered and something shifted slightly in his facial expression.

Nyrie knew from personal experience that this meant he was restraining his anger, and this made him unpredictable and terrifying.

She shifted uncomfortably waiting for his reply. What felt like eternity passed until he finally spoke.

"Who?"

One single word. A single question. With an answer she could not provide.

Her heartrate accelerated and her breathing went shallow. Maybe she could ask him to allow Brax inside to answer the question instead. She sure as hell wasn't going to lie and give a false name. Ivan would find out. He would find a way to punish her. Not physically, not when he needed her in pristine condition to satisfy her paying clients, but by torturing someone else while she watched.

Seconds passed in silence as she didn't have an answer, and she was sure that her hesitation would bring doubt upon her story. He would not believe her if she didn't speak soon. So, she decided to tell the truth. At least if she got punished for this, she would have a small slither of confidence in her morals.