Empty Eyes: Book 1

Chapter 13

Once dinner came to a close, I tried to sneak away from the small party that was moving toward the family room for tea and conversation, but Madara noticed me and spoke above the light chatter in the dining hall so everyone would notice, "Where are you headed, Miss Sakura? Perhaps to grab a book before joining us all by the fire?"

My hands curled into fists behind my back and I forced a smile onto my lips. Everyone was staring.

"I simply wanted to take a moment to freshen up, Sir."

I glanced at Sasuke, who returned my look with one that made it obvious he wished to escort me, but was stuck listening to Kankuro explain in detail the difference between the behavior of women in Konoha compared to his home. I tried to reassure him wordlessly before offering those paying attention a quick yet respectful bow and skipped away in a hurry toward the staircase.

Before I could take the first step up, I noticed the laundry room's door was ajar and a broomhandle was lying on the floor. The room was also where the cleaning supplies were stored. I glanced behind me in time to see the last shadow of the party turning the corner into the hall and felt slightly more comfortable now that I had a moment to myself.

A sigh slid past my lips as I bent to grab onto the forgotten broom before pulling the door the rest of the way open so I could see where it was supposed to go. I rested the wooden piece firmly against the wall next to the mop and its bucket and went to leave the room, only for something under said mop bucket to capture my eye. The corner of what seemed to be a door was peeking out from under it.

I chanced a glance out of the door to make sure I was still alone before closing it so no one would interrupt as I let my curiosity get the best of me. Careful as to not make a lot of noise, I rolled the large mop bucket away from the wall to reveal exactly what I'd thought it was: a door.

It was large enough that a person could very easily fit through it, but not so large that it was very outstanding visually, which was probably why I hadn't noticed it until now.

I inspected the two latch-locks, one on the right and one on the left of the door, very carefully. Neither was rusty or covered in dust, so this door must've been used recently. Maybe this is the wine cellar! The latches came undone easily and I lifted the door up just enough to slip down onto the awaiting stairs and gently set it back in place above me so it wouldn't slam.

What I'd thought to be a wine cellar was clearly anything but. The floor was concrete and wall sconces every yard or so left the hall dimly lit just enough that one could make their way without running into any walls.

The hall went on for what felt like ages, so much so that I was tempted to just turn back and head upstairs so the group didn't notice how long I was taking, but again my curiosity took control and I eagerly tiptoed forward. I finally came upon a turn in the hall that split off left and right. I opted to go right and walked for another minute before coming upon a small open room.

Fear froze me in my tracks at the gruesome sight that waited for me there. A man, seeming to be somewhere near Itachi's age, with dark brown hair, dark eyes, and light scarring covering nearly half of his face was chained by the ankles to a bed. The shackles and chain were much thicker than usual ones and looked really heavy. His tan skin was dusted with cuts and bruises.

A gasp slipped past my lips in shock and his eyes snapped open to lock onto mine.

Before I could move a muscle, a snarl left his lips and he lunged toward me. My eyes squeezed shut and I prepared for the pain that was surely about to come, only for it not to.

Opening my eyes just a creek, I saw that the chains on his ankles had stopped him just far enough away that he couldn't reach me with his extended arms. The expression on his face was terrifying to behold and animalistic snarls came from his mouth.