Fate

Fifteen

After hurriedly whispering his plan to Ruby, they both settled in for the long wait, pacing the tiny stone room. The cut on his face had long since stopped bleeding and the blood had dried in crusty streaks. He decided to leave it, to add to the effect. It had been days since they'd been left there, only given stale bits of bread shoved through a small hole in the door. His thoughts often trailed to Elyssa, and the lord, which only served to make his blood boil. He hoped desperately that he wasn't too late. They were taking far longer than he had expected to come visit. Surely the ridiculous lord would want them taken care of and out of his way sooner, rather than later. But they still saw not a soul.

The sun had just started to shine the full midday light in their minuscule, barred window on the fourth day before his ears perked up at the sound of heavy booted footsteps coming towards them. A few words were exchanged, but he didn't bother to listen. Not when he could clearly smell who it was.

The Captain finally stood just outside. Freedom was close.

He nodded to Ruby, who took her place by the window.

Keys jingled, and locks turned before the door swung open. The Captain's large form filled the doorway, commanding attention. His face was full of malice and Tonius knew that whatever this man was planning, would not be pleasant for him.

He allowed the first blow to hit its mark, snapping his head back with such a force that his vision swam. "How are you, boy?"

Tonius spat on the stone floor, the mixture of blood and spit creating a dark spot. "I've been better, to be honest. Service here is terrible."

The Captain laughed, binding Tonius' wrists in shackles. "Don't fret it. The service is much better where you're going. Some might even say that it's to die for!"

"If you're taking me to where I thinking you're taking me, then that joke was in poor taste." The Captain's good-natured smile faded, and he shoved Tonius forward by his shoulder.

"Get to movin'. The gallows won't wait while you take your sweet ass time."

"So, we are going to the gallows. Wonderful."

"Never seen a man so eager to die," the guard standing over near Ruby muttered. Tonius fixed his wild stare on the man, allowing Beast to momentarily take over.

"That is because I am no man," it said in his voice, eyes flashing grey to yellow and then back again. Startled, the guard stumbled back into Ruby, who pretended to help him back up while effectively swiping set of his keys.

"It's some kind monster!"

It pouted, "Now that wasn't very nice. One might even go as far to say that it hurt my feelings."

"Stop playing about!" the Captain roared. "Or else you'll be late to your own hanging."

"And we can't be having that," Beast purred from Tonius' mouth. "Be seeing you, little sister."

"Be seeing you," the girl echoed as Captain led them away. The guard that Tonius had spooked kept his distance behind them, not wanting to be too close. Beast angled Tonius' body to stare at the frightened man.

"Don't be scared. Monsters only come out after dark." It smiled then, its teeth bright in the low light. "Mostly." It laughed when the man faltered once again. Tonius was surprised to find that he relished the rush of power from making this man afraid of him.

That is because we are one and the same. The feeling was gone as quickly as it had come. He didn't like being reminded of that blurred line.

"Keep up, Reynolds!"

"Yes...sir."

Tonius made Beast leave the poor man alone after that, staying silent as he wondered if Ruby was able to execute her part of the plan. He chuckled to himself. Execute. What a choice of words. Although, judging by the sudden spring in the Captain's step, he imagined that they were nearing the place where his death was intended to happen. Meaning that Ruby's disappearance should soon make itself known. As if on cue, a guard came running towards them, his face flushed from running so far in all his gear.