Ashes of Fire (#1)

Chapter 4: Behind These Bars

I wake up as I find myself wrap in a warm and cozy blanket. I pull it to the top of my head; covering my own face. I open my eyes when it covers. Inside, it is humid and dark; there are only silhouettes of the light.

“That is such a weird dream,” I mutter. I then finally dare to push my blanket away and expect to see my usual room: posters from my favourite books, paintings, quotes and simply pastel-color-painted wall.

            I stay in my lying position to examine the room closely. It’s so bright that I have to blink my eyes several times to adjust. Is it just me or my room never been this bright before? Plus, it’s scorching hot here! My eyes finally adjust and see what’s in the room. My jaw drops.

“Bloody…,” I cover my mouth. Instead of a wooden door that I have, it’s more like a cell door. Am I in a prison? I look around once again, checking it twice. It’s not a prison. I know what it is now. It’s a bird cage. I’m about to scream, but that’s not a smart thing to do.

The bars are made of gold and the tiles are made of crystals and stones. I stare at it in awe. But I shake my head, trying to remind myself that I’m kind of a hostage here. I walk towards the cell door and wrap my fingers cautiously around the gold bars. I look down. Then I realize that this birdcage is somewhat hanging and I’m so far away from the building’s ground.

People are here and there as I observe them from up above. Who are these people? There are hardworking looks on their faces. Girls and guys are busy working there, people doesn’t even bother that I’m hanging up here in a damn birdcage. Someone suddenly looks up and quickly spot my figure. I jolt and try to hide, but it’s too late anyways.

“Hey, Josh, she’s awake!” the girl shout. Who’s Josh? “She might want to eat. Just grab the fancy dessert for her!”

The moment she says that, I realize that my stomach has growl and scream for food.

“Okay,” he says—I bet it’s the Josh guy. A moment later he appears at the door of the birdcage with black wings on just like the Asian guy’s. I jump backwards as if someone pushes me. The guy has blonde hair with sweet hazel eyes. “Sorry to surprise you.”

“It’s okay…”

“Hey, I don’t have the key and there’s no way this door will budge,” he chuckle. Then he pushes the breakfast between the bars as he offers me to eat. But before I react, the Asian guy comes as he glares to Josh.

“Who told you to talk to her?” he spats. Josh seems to cringe just by his presence there.

“Hey, what’s your problem?” I shout.

Both of them ignore me.

Then the Asian guy breaks into sudden laughter. This guy is like a foreign-language book that I will never understand. “Chill out Josh,” he assures.

“Damn, you scare me,” Josh sighs in relive.

The Asian guy’s face suddenly tightens again. “But no one talks to her besides me. I’m in charge by Ruby,” he announces. “Go flirt with another girl.”

With that, Josh trembles as he quietly leaves. He’s not glaring nor giving a blood-shot but I’m sure Josh pee his pants just by looking at him.

“Hey again,” he says. “I told you I’m not a robber.” He scoffs; half mocking.

“You’re even worse than a robber,” I squint.

“What am I then?”

I think for a while, but eventually give up.

“You give up already?” he laughs. “Fine. My name’s Gemini Redwine.”

“Redwine?” I snort.

“At least it sounds cooler than the name Essie.”

“How do you know my name?”

“Oh I know everything about you,” he smirks as his dimple compliments.

“Yet I don’t know a single thing about you and this place,” I pouts. He nods in amusement, as if he just won a debate with me.

“I’m in charge, so I can tell you whatever I want.”

“Wait you’re going to tell me?” I grin.

“I’ll just start with what we are,” he breathes. 

A/N: So, I finally updated, so sorry if it's kind of boring to you, cause it's fantasy and it'll be confusing at first but you'll fit in in no time ;) Lubs you all xx