The Alchemist's Starling

A Deal That Seals Fate...

Chisa's POV

My mind was racing...

A deal...?
Why would anyone want to willingly make a deal with Joseph?
Ashen Eye seems to know about Cartaphilus...
So then why...?

I know he's staring at me. I can feel his gaze burning holes into my head. I look up reluctantly, meeting his blazing eyes immediately. I wince at the intensity of his stare, his mouth is set in a thin line, eyebrows furrowed.

"Do not say a word. I mean it, puppy."

My eyes widen and I inhale sharply. Did he just- I just heard him inside my head! I guess I shouldn't be surprised, but I wasn't expecting that. My eyes reflect my shock and if it's possible, Joseph's eyes harden even more.

"Chisa..."

I gulp, fear creeping into my mind again. I instantly drop my head, letting my purple hair act as a curtain, shielding me from his penetrating gaze. I have to submit to him, I have to. After what he's just done, I never want to suffer his wrath again. I let my hand fall on my stomach, remembering how excruciating the pain was.

"I won't..."

I say inside my head, hoping it's enough. My hands tremble slightly, showing my nervousness.

"Do you promise, puppy?"

Out of fear, I don't think twice before quickly replying:

"Yes..."

"Good girl. I hope for your sake you honour that promise."

My hands grow cold at his words. I sink deeper into Ashen Eye's arms, trying to make myself appear smaller. I try to stop a shudder that threatens to reveal how scared I am. Ashen Eye still hasn't put me down yet. Joseph's probably angry about that too. I wish I could just disappear right now...

Joseph struggles to his feet, holding his arm tightly. He obviously did not want to appear weak in front of an Ancient Fae. Ashen Eye seems to stiffen slightly. He must be thinking that Joseph may try to attack him again. They both stare at each other for a long time. Their gazes were so penetrating, they made my want to curl up into a ball and hide - they weren't even looking at me!

Joseph's voice cuts through the tense atmosphere: "Very well. I will listen to your 'deal', provided that you let go of my Sleigh Beggy." Joseph's tone left no room for negotiation.

Ashen Eye chuckled. "Very well."

He shifted my small frame in his arms, setting me down upright. But the second my feet hit the ground, my head started spinning and my limbs felt like jelly. I clutched my head with my hand, leaning on Ashen Eye's arm while he held my other hand to keep me steady.

"Come here, puppy. Now."

It was a command, not a request. But not wanting to anger him, I fought against the pounding inside my head, stepping forward. As soon as my foot made contact with the ground, it buckled, and I started to fall. However, in the same second, I felt two arms wrap around my waist gently, supporting my weight and keeping me upright. I was pulled back into a warm chest - Ashen Eye.

I was too weak to protest, but I knew Joseph wouldn't be happy. So I tried to wriggle out of Ashen Eye's grip. But my thumping head and wobbly legs didn't help the situation. I groaned, pressing my hand on my temple, a vain attempt to ease the pain.

"Careful child! You shouldn't move rashly like that after losing so much blood. You really are quite a fragile little thing."

I slumped into his arms, giving up. It was only then when I noticed how long his arms were. He was able to clasp his hands together without squashing me at all. Ashen lifted his third hand up to my hair, grabbing a few strands and caressing them lightly. Through heavy eyes, I looked over to Joseph. I shivered slightly at the scowl on his face, knowing he was livid.