Arcana

Chapter 15

An intense pain radiated from her head as she slowly regained her consciousness. Grogginess that she had never felt before assailed her whole body. Catherine slowly opened her eyelids that felt so heavy and was welcomed with nothing but a hazy image of her surroundings. Only light was distinguishable with her current state.

"Uggh."

She wanted to puke but was unable to, due to her stomach that lacked nourishment. Catherine could faintly recall that whenever a party was held at the castle she once lived at, people who drank too much would suffer the same consequences she was enduring right now. But then, she had never drank alcohol or even any kind of beverage that could contain liquor.

"You're awake at last."

Feeling as if a bucket of cold water was splashed onto her face, Catherine shuddered at the voice that suddenly came out of nowhere. Being in the deepest tone she could possibly imagine, the words conveyed by the voice sounded full of malice. Her body that felt woozy was forcibly woken up, her senses alarmed every part of her body that danger was imminent. Even so, any command she sent to her body had failed to move it. Her arms and legs were impossible to move, as if it was tightly anchored to something. Catherine's felt her body was in a seated position and was unable to get out of it. Additionally, some areas of her chest and head felt ice cold.

"It's alright, take your time princess."

The deep voice, as if mocking her helplessness, casually called her a princess. It seemed that the one who spoke was familiar with her, which made her more curious of his identity.

"Who are you?"

Catherine inquired calmly even though her vision was still blurry. Whichever direction she turned to, a bright source of light greeted her. Similar to the light, the voice resounded in all directions which made it difficult to determine where the speaker was at.

"I am the owner of the land you people had trespassed into."

The speaker identified itself without any hesitation. Annoyance and hostility, clear from his manner of speaking. Catherine's shaky state was forcefully blown away right after hearing that line. Her muddled thoughts became clear as well, allowing her to successfully recall the events that took place.

"We just want to ask for help."

She pleaded to the owner with a voice that was full of desperation. Her vision that was fuzzy became clear all of a sudden which made her aware of the situation she was currently in.

!!?

Multiple windows ,that could unnaturally emit light, encircled her inside a dimly lit room. Even though the windows were numerous enough to fill the whole room, only a single figure was shown in each and everyone of them. A face hidden behind a mask that looked similar to a jester's face. The false face that smiled maniacally with its pearly white teeth fully visible. Red pupils imprisoned within two slits that looked as if it was mocking everyone it sees. And lastly, covering the entirety of the mask was an ivory white paint that made it look pale and lifeless.

"I'll give help of course, but before that."

A head that was covered in a disturbing mask which emitted a voice so deep, one might mistake it for a demonic entity. It playfully weaved every word it spouted and hinted to Catherine that something must be done before any assistance could be provided.

"I want to play a game."

Subconsciously, she swallowed a mouthful of saliva after hearing the condition. The masked entity laughed amusingly at them, glad that he could find a source of entertainment. Terror struck Catherine's mind, a premonition of her being reduced to a mere plaything of the owner filled her still murky head.