midnight's rage

m i d n i g h t ' s r a g e | t w o

[ c a p t i v e ]

The sudden raucous noise of the double sliding doors rang clear throughout the room, capturing the attention of three silhouettes previously engaged in conversation. Though they were aware of a presence, no heads turned in greeting for they were all expecting such a delayed entrance.

Two of admirable physique stood abreast in iron-clad armory. Hands positioned and overlaid to each hind, a gesture of honor and obedience towards the man they served. Both individuals shared akin postures yet their guise differed greatly. One don flaxen locks whilst the other had hair the color of bronze.

"Well, someone's punctual as ever." Blatant sarcasm laced the brunette's gruff and hardly conscious tone. His rude thought earned him a cautionary look from his blonde comrade and a look of askance from the man he referred to as master.

Eyes the color of cerulean narrowed, becoming callous slits, towards the boy responsible for the comment. Nobody was allowed to address him in such a discourteous manner; he thought he had made that perspicuous on their first encounter. Despite the boy's barely insensible state, his acrimony was inexcusable. "There had been a delay." It was a bare statement from the lad that seemed to be addressed to the general audience, but what followed his announcement was an intimidating gaze as if inviting anyone to protest.

A soundless moment pass without one daring to speak, nonetheless argue with the unpredictable teen. Even the haughty boy who previously spoke with audacity was shunned to silence. A smug grin made its way to the teen's lips, when he saw the effect he still held; nothing pleased him more than obedience without objection. "Please, Slade, continue with your request."

Taken slightly aback at being addressed suddenly, the gray haired man seated in the throne by the three, let out a tenuous cough. He then proceeded to bring his folded hands and intertwined fingers up to the brim of his nose where the midpoint of spectacles lied. "Precisely a week ago, a group of men was sent out in search of a particular female." As he spoke, wrinkled fingers unwind to press against and slide a folder lined gold across the table.

In just a few seconds, the belated blue-eyed figure stepped up to obtain the documents. "They returned just yesterday without success, instead left fatal evidence in the enemy's grasp. Another group was sent out to properly retrieve her-" A knock from the set of doors interrupted him in mid-sentence. A vein popped by his forehead and the eyes beneath his specs twitched in irritation. He was not having a satisfying week, and his tolerance right now hung on a mere thread. "Enter." Despite, his growing vexation, his voice was monotonous.

The door swung open revealing a man gripping a lady by her frosty pale hair through the entrance. Her wrists were crossed by her rear, twisted with agonizing force and bounded with thick ropes. A gaping gash traveled along her left arm, still fresh and unattended, leaking opaque copper liquid to stain her ivory skin. Stray maroon locks that escaped the man's grasp fell upon the frame of her tarnished face. Features that could've once been alluring or exquisite was now vigilant and filled with abhorrence.

"I brought her just like you've requested, Sir." The man's voice was guttural as he tugged at the fistful of blonde. The impact of the sudden yank by her hair caused the girl to stumble forth. "Bow down, women." She felt vigorous pressure being applied to her scalp, almost compelling her to collapse on her knees. Only her pride defied to do such a degrading deed, with bulking knees she managed to withstand the withering compression. Her audacious resistance earned her a click of the tongue and a harsh shove at her head as her hair was momentarily released.

Taken aback, the girl staggered about, even more imbalanced than previously; she closed her eyes, preparing for the collision of her body with the floor. She waited for the ache that would pulse through her system, but that pain never came. In a matter of seconds, she found herself steadied by a set of sturdy arms.