The Edge Of Forever

04| tainted blood

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o3

t a i n t e d  b l o o d  : 오염 된 피

THE RAYS OF SUNLIGHT BEAMED DOWN to kiss the wind which calmed at the touch.

But I wasn't calmed by the sun. My blood was running, faster than I was threading through the people. I had grabbed onto Dal's arm as he raced forward, turning back to check on me to ensure I was behind him. Ki was also behind us, trying her best to keep up.

After a short while in the main city area, we turned into the woods, and they didn't welcome us with open arms. I held tighter onto Dal who had slowed down considerably. We walked in deeper for a while before an almost shattered hut came into view. 

When I stood before the door- two slaps of wood bound together by a rope- I turned to Ki.

"Do you want to come in or stay out?" 

She hesitated, only for a second then answered. "My Lady, I shall come in with you." 

Clenching my jaw, I nodded to Dal who pushed opened the door and walked in. 

I strode in behind him. I wasn't allowed to show the fear that was going to begin leaking soon, my mind had me put on the blatant expression and I held my chin high. 

The room raked, of burnt wood and the stench of stale blood and alcohol barged in my nose but I couldn't even flinch away from that. 

In the middle of the room Chen stood straight, his sword out and on the shoulder of a battered man, all in black. His bruises and cuts called out for death. He lifted his head, of what he could manage and a throaty chuckle gurgled out of his lips, like wood being chewed out.

I narrowed my eyes at him and without taking my gaze off him, I spoke up. "What have we gotten off him so far?" 

"Not much, My Lady." Chen replied. "He's only said that he rather be killed." 

I let out a breath, one filled with mock humor.  "You rather die, huh? How romantic." 

I took a step forward, the menace in me was now beginning to spill and no barrier would stop it. 

He heaved a sigh and winced, the pain of the wounds he had received already was taking its toll, working like poison on him. "I..." He began, trailing off to gather his breath. "I am devoted to only one person and it is only that person whom I shall answer to." 

"What a pity." I cocked my head to the side, staring at him with a mock frown. "You'll have to break the devotion today since-" I took another step forward but not for him to feel anything but so I could collect myself for what I was about to say. "-your family didn't devote themselves to anyone." 

Click. 

It was the click in my heart-quenching threat that caused him to suddenly burst, and he attempted to grab me but the restraints holding him pulled him back. There was an ache in my mind, sent by my heart for what I had just said. I bit my lip and balled my hands into fists.