CHAPTER NINETEEN

Since Taemin left me alone in my poorly lighted cell, I spent most of my time trying to feel the new tattoo seating at the back of my left ear. By just touching it, I could tell that the tattoo was not made with just a simple line of a crescent moon but it was actually made of complex of designs. I really wanted to see it but I can't do that without any mirror, and it will be absurd to try borrowing one from the sentries stationed just outside my prison. There will still be next time for checking up the mark though. 

Boredom has been my problem especially with no one trying to visit me here. Minutes melted into hours, and hours turned into days. I don't have any idea on how many days has already passed since I was locked up in my cell, I couldn't even tell whether it is morning or evening since there's no window that can be seen around. It's too dark and to silent for my liking. I will hear light scratching from a far and I waited but no one really comes unless someone will bring in food for me. 

​​​​​​I suddenly heard the clicking of the lock of my cell that made me stand quickly on my feet, two wyvwalker went inside and yank both of my arms forcefully. Their grips won't even budge as I tried pulling my arms away, they're abnormally strong! 

"Let me go!" I said but their grips only tightened. 

"Our master requires your presence in the throne room. Cooperate you filthy human girl or we'll have both of your arms chopped off from you."

I did what the wyvwalker has told me not because I am afraid that they might chop off my arms but due to the fact that faeries and other creatures were staring intently at me as I walk through the dimly lit hallways of the castle.

There was also a deafening silence hanging around,  and I could sense that everyone was tensed. And for what reason? I don't really know.

I just let the two ugly creatures me towards the heart of this hell and kept my head as low as possible to avoid catching anyone's eye. Everything here today seems make my skin crawls and walking felt like forever. 

​​​​​​Finally, I am already seeing the familiar curve of the throne room but my relief was gradually diminished as I take a look around the chamber. The situation inside was much more unbearable compared in the hallways. Everyone is serious except for the devil seated on the throne.

Thamuz is watching me intently as I cross the room and finally settling down into the floor. The grin on his face vanished as he took me in, perhaps he is wondering why all my injuries had magically disappeared. 

"Tell me, how did your bones and wounds mended?" The devil Thamuz started but I only raised one eyebrow at him.

"Oh, why do you care?" I said acidly and I earned a hard slap from one of the wyvwalker holding me. I can taste the metallic blood forming inside my mouth and I grin widely as I spat it on their master's feet. 

"You are really something, mortal girl. I see that you're trying to play brave, huh? Let's see if you can still act all cool when you see my special present for you," it was now Thamuz' time to gave me a terrifying grin and then he continued, "Bring her in."

Another pair of wyvwalker entered the throne room half dragging a petite looking figure with a sack tied on her head. I don't give a damn about what was happening until one of the wyvwalker removed the cover  and all the blood circulating in my body has drained.

A small yelp escaped my mouth as I look at my sister's tear-stained face and I could see how frighten she was. My sister looked around with panic and whimpered as she beheld me kneeling in front of our captor. I am fully enraged and I swear that if I will be given a chance, I'll kill Thamuz. Brutally. 

"What is my sister doing in here, Thamuz?!" I asked loudly but the devil laugh out even more louder than my words. 

"Now, you lost your composure," he said as he stood up and walks towards my weeping sister. "I've asked my men to find your beloved sister and have her killed as a result of your stubbornness. But," he pause as he dared another step closer to Chorong, helding out a finger to caress her cheek and continued, "But the Night Lord Taemin suggested to keep her alive instead and use her for your very first task."

The mere mentioned of the Grand Duke of the Night Kingdom's name got me snapping my head towards him and found that he was watching us with a bored look. Prick, prick, prick! 

​​​​​I knew I did a wrong choice of tangling myself into a bargain with this evil night lord. I should have known! I should have known that he is up to no good but I got blinded of the chance of saving everyone. Stupid, you're such a big stupid, Naeun! 

"Leave my sister alone. She doesn't need to be included on this mess." 

"Oh no, no, no. I think including her would make everything a lot more interesting!" 

"I said leave her alone!" 

"Kai has suggested a good sport for you, mortal girl. Your first ever test will include flying! I am starting to love the creativity of my grand dukes, isn't it going to be fun?" 

"F-Flying? W-With what exactly?" 

Thamuz gave me a smirk and said, "You will find out later."

Minutes after the encounter with Thamuz, both my sister and I were dragged into a separate rooms. My filthy tunic was then changed into a some sort of a leather suit, and when I tried flexing my limbs, I am amazed on how freely I can move.

I assume that my first every task will include a lot of motion—or more like, a lot of flying. The moment that Thamuz revealed the nature of my task, I can't stop thinking about the possibilities that I might encounter, I don't really feel nervous since I've been airborne already twice but what if this one will be different from the other two?

All preparations has been complete, my hair was braided tightly in my