Excelium II: Hunting Season

Kabanata 27

It was already night and the golden lights of the Entertainment City seemed brighter than before. Carriages are stopping one by one in front of Fedrino's mansion, carrying some elites dressed in fancy clothes.

Tumigil ang isang itim na karwahe at binuksan naman ng tauhan ni Fedrino ang pinto nito. The man offered his hand to the lady who was about to get out of the fancy carriage. All eyes were glued on her as she walks down the carriage. Maski ang lalaki ay nakatitig lamang dito na may paghanga.

Zai set foot on the red carpet heading towards the door. The elites kept on staring at her like she was the lady of the night. A boy wearing a short suit came out of the carriage and held her other hand. The staff's gaze switched to his hand when someone else held the lady's hand, removing his hold from it. He looked up only to be intimidated by a former general's sharp eyes. He's wearing a black tuxedo that fitted well on his well-toned body, his posture is also eye-catching. Asta chuckled, "Now ain't this interesting?" she's wearing a revealing dress that defined her curves and suited well with her complexion. Unlike before, she's not wearing a wig but she still looked astonishing. "He was even kind enough to give us a ride and clothes."

"Hm.. Is Shane still alive though?" asked Trois who is wearing a gray formal vest and white polo underneath with a gray tie.

They walked on the red carpeted floor to the door. Every person who sees them immediately knew that they're criminals but no one dared to say a word because this is Rotrine. The city where Fedrino has all controls. You can't touch a walking million-worth of gold without his permission.

They were greeted by golden lights and fancy music. Even the ambiance feels fancy. The spacious ballroom was filled with guests' chatters and the sound of wineglasses slightly bumping into each other.

They were escorted to their table and they had nothing to do but sit down. They already noticed some bounty hunters among the crowds looking at them. The place is heavily guarded but the guests act like it's a norm. They just kept on chatting with each other and some are even starting to dance.

Asta chuckled, "Shane is such a pain in the ass. Making us walk to an enemy's trap like this." she joked. Even though they know it's a trap, they could care less. Itinungkod nito ang sariling siko sa lamesa at inilagay ang pisngi sa kamay, "Well, him getting kidnapped is pretty much expected since the beginning. Though I didn't expect that the big fish would be the one who'll swallow that tadpole."

Zai glanced at the dance floor and already saw the man behind Shane's abduction. He was already dancing with a woman. Zai caught him glance at their direction and smirk. Nalipat lamang ang kaniyang paningin noong may kamay na nakalahad sa kaniyang harapan. She looked up to see Sinbad's stoic expression. She put her hand on his and they walked to the dance floor.

As they walk, Sinbad whispered, "Don't do anything hasty."

"I won't."

They joined the others who are dancing. Zai put her hand on Sinbad's shoulders and the other was held by the former general. Although hesitant, Sinbad put his hand on Zai's waist and they began to dance along with the others. They're close to Fedrino and they made sure that their distance is close enough to see him.

Sinbad winced when Zai accidentally stepped on his foot, "I can see that you're no good in dancing."

"I'll get the hang of it in no time."

"My foot will break before that happens."

Sinbad lowly groaned when Zai stepped on his foot again and spin just like the others. Zai smirked, it was already time to switch partners. She spun to go to the next dancer. "That one was intentional, wasn't it?" Sinbad said and groaned again.

The dance continued until it was time to switch partners again. Zai stared at Fedrino's eyes as the man look down at her with an amused smirk on his lips. "The dress do suits you, Ms. Haines."

"Where's Shane?" mabilis nitong tanong.

"Don't worry. He's safe, if you don't do anything that'll ruin the night."

Zai squinted her eyes at the middle aged man when his hand started to go down to her thigh. "Keep your hand where it should be, Fedrino. You might lose it."

The man laughed and kept his hand on Zai's waist. Zai continued to speak, "What do you want from us?"

"It's not me who wants you," Fedrino smirked, "Lady Shaera would be glad to have you walk in her dungeon."

But Zai smirked as well, "Why do I feel that you have another intentions other than that? You damn old fart."

Fedrino chuckled, "Yes. You see, we need an entertainment tonight and I'll be happy if you would grant my request."

Zai showed an amused smile, "You better keep your hands off the kid or I'll make sure you won't ever touch gold with your wrinkled hands again."

Fedrino smiled, "Then let us set up the stage, shall we?"

In an instant, Zai's hands were shackled with chains that suddenly popped out from the concrete floor. Fedrino stepped back and so as the other guests who are dancing. Zai glanced at Sinbad and the man just nodded his head and went back to their table.

Metals started to come out from the concrete floor, surrounding the dance floor. It formed into a birdcage, a golden one and a maiden with a black dress was caged inside with her hands bound by shackles and long chains. Zai's hair is tied in an elegant bun and some strands are falling on her face. Her light skin and curves were defined with her black dress although only the skin of her hands and face can be seen. A beautiful woman trapped in a gold cage is like an art in their eyes. Just the sight of her is already an entertainment.

Fedrino raised his two arms and smiled, "Let the show commence!"

Some parts of the floor began to open and tigers slowly walked out of it. Four of them was circling Zai who was just standing there, not even giving the predators a glance. The guests grew excited of what they are seeing. Fedrino smirked. He'll make sure that the girl won't die but Shaera wouldn't mind if the girl lose a limb or two right?

One tiger began to run to Zai as it roared, he jumped as he opens his mouth to bite. Zai glanced at it and just used her arm as a shield. The tiger bit her arm, making her bleed. Zai stared directly at the predator's eyes, "I don't mind losing my left arm. Satisfy your hunger."

The tiger's teeth dug deeper as he stare at Zai's plain expression. But the crowd was surprised when the tiger opened its mouth and let go of Zai's arm. He walked to Zai's front and lain his body down. The other three also walked to her and surrounded her, laying their body down beside her.

Fedrino gritted his teeth, he's sure that the girl didn't use an excelium because the metals that are binding her are made out of Yule. She can't use her ability.

"How boring. Bring him out!" sigaw nito at muling bumukas ang isang parte ng sahig ngunit mas malaki ito kaysa kanina. They all heard a loud thumping sound as if something huge is coming out.

Zai stared at the huge panther that just came out. He stare down at her, "A lady huh? This is boring." the panther said that only Zai could hear. She squinted her eyes, she's pretty sure that the sacred beast won't have mercy on her.

She looked at Sinbad and the others' direction. They nodded and in an instant, they disappeared from their sight.