Captive. (ls)

3. Smoke

I felt my own eyes wander across his face and take in the flawless features. He was small and fragile, but I couldn't help to wonder how it would feel to have his back pressed tight against my chest on a cool winter eve, with his elbows red from sitting on his hands and knees for so long. Throw in some Christmas lights in the background, too.

"Have you celebrated Christmas before?" I inquired, moving my hand down to cup under his jaw and tilt it upwards.

He shook his head, a burning desire to learn the definition in his eyes; "What's C-christmas?"

I laughed quietly, his innocence always surprising me, "It's a holiday where people give gifts and get presents. People come together to eat feasts and give thanks for everything in life."

His mouth gaped slightly whilst he listened. The boy's attention was now adverted from the board game on the table and locked on me, and this is how I like it.

"No, sir, I've never had christmas. I wish I did. It sounds amazing," he whispered in awe.

"Oh, it is, my darling," I cooed, lifting my head when a strange, strong odour tingled my nose, "What is hell is that?"

I got up from my spot on the couch and frowned, peeking out the window. It smelt like smoke, and dear lord, that stank! I've never smelt such a horrible stench in all my years-

"Master Damien! Come quickly!" A high pitched, worried voice squealed.
I felt a small hand press against the small of my back and usher me quickly down the halls.

"Dear god! What is going on?" I growled, knowing of the crease between my brows and small lines defining the same blue eyes I've had since I was a child. The overpowering scent grew fainter as we walked.

"The entire perimeter is red hot!" She responded, twisting me down the many corridors and out a small passage way.

A frown made its way upon my lips while I attempted to translate her odd phrase.

This is exactly why I insisted on having no foreign workers. What the hell is 'red hot' supposed to mean?

Suddenly, I froze in my tracks and I swear that I could feel my heart drop to my feet. Fearfully, I turned around and backed up as the image of my home engulfed in flames flashed through my head.

"No.." I mumbled, hands brushing up the sides of my face and into the thick hair atop my head, "No! This can't be happening! Where are the guards? Where are my subjects!"

The small woman beside me stared in slight fear, trembling visably, "I'm not sure, your Honor. Either they've escaped, or they're burried beneath the building. One of the cooks must've left something burning!"

I looked back towards the way I came and my mouth suddenly became dry with realization.

I left him in there. My precious, darling Him is in there under all the smoke and fire.

I sucked my bottom lip between my teeth before ripping a piece of cloth from the ladies dress, pressing it to my mouth, and rushing in.

As I ran, I could hear the faint calls and warnings from her but I didn't care. I would either save him, or burn in this place trying.

"Him! Where are you!?" I yelled, coughing and attempting to stay low to the ground.

Why did I insist on having so many god-damn hallways?

The closer I got to the basement doors, the clearer the screams of pure horror echoed. I ached to race down, to save so many souls that were trapped in their cells, but I had to save him first.

My feet pushed forwards and finally, after what seemed like eternity, I pushed open the large door to my bedroom.

My lungs burned and I dropped to my knees in order to breath partially, "Him!" I cried out, my eyes burning and brimming with tears from the heavy smoke.

I felt around for the firmilliar objects and furniture in search for the beautiful boy. I couldn't breathe, and my eyes stung like a thousand bees. Reluctantly, I felt my knees cave in and my body hit the floor with a distinct thump. Not that it mattered. Nobody would hear.

This is it. Is this what I've lived for?

I felt my eyes slowly closing as desperate gasps of oxygen were sucked through my lips, but waste was all that was inhaled.

A set of arms suddenly wrapped around me and lifted my body up off the floor.

I peeked my eyes open with all the energy I had left and the outline of a man appeared.

He was the last picture I saw, and his voice was the last thing I heard, speaking, "I'm sorry, Master."

**

Hyelloh. I'll be posting some over Christmas break, now that I'm back. (: Hope you all enjoy this short chapter! Leave a comment with your thoughts. 💕