Chapter 5 MASQUE
She straightened her back trying to catch her breath. She didn’t know what object he used, but she can still feel the impact ringing her ears. She had her eyes closed as she's too weak to open them, and every time she inhales, it felt like her insides were burning. Her body had all kinds of bruises, it's numbing. The same way you feel when you're intoxicated by a powerful liquor.
A couple of heaves later, she tried opening her eyes to no avail. It was a mere squint, but even the darkness was evident. With her eyes half open, not a trace of light can be seen. What's worse is the fact that she's conscious, aware of her being alive but not of the time or whereabouts.
'He should've killed me instead of letting me live false hopes' her mind began telling her.
Hours passed and she remained in the same position, several attempts to move was made but she's simply to weak to breakeven.
The hollowness of her surrounding began to penetrate deep inside her, with the time passing, she grew mindful. By now, she can tell that she's bounded, on her left ankle was a tight burning sensation, possibly a cotton rope, digging through her calloused skin. Both her hands sat on her lap, tied to each other by a heavy shackle.
A river of thought-provoking notions took over her clouded mind.
What's going to happen next?
Why am I still alive?
Where is he?
Just then, a loud creak echoed through the hollow walls. An ear piercing sound filled the room making her flinch and her squinting eyes wide.
She remembered everything, and that loud brittle footsteps were clearly his. She held her head down as the light coming from his lamp illuminated her view. She saw her feet covered in bruise, her dress was tattered and covered in blood too.
He stood in front of her with a clear gall. He slowly kneeled, meeting her eyes as he violently grabs her by the hair. “Ugh!”
They met eyes, and that time he was certain. Agatha had a look of horror, the Viscount who she was smitten by looked the same. Not a trace of the demon he saw that night. He was wearing his elegant clothes, and his hair was styled the same way it always has. His enthralling beauty shone upon her.
“Do you know who you are?!” his question stirred her awake, he had fuming eyes as if he’s wanting to kill her that instance. Agatha didn’t answer, she was baffled by that question. She remained staring at him, finding a way to get herself out of that situation. There must be a reason why he kept her alive, and that's the only indication of her small, glimmering hope.
The Viscount smirked, he licked his lips hungrily and then she realized what he was again, a bloodthirsty devil who killed her master. “Agatha!” she yelled abruptly, she clenched her fist and closed her eyes for a second after seeing that her call seemingly stunned him.
“That’s who I am…” she added.
He stared at her for a second and heaved in vex, “I wasn’t asking your name-“
“-and I fancy you!”
The room went silent, only her loud heaving can be heard. She eyed him with sincerity. He furrowed his brows to hide his flushed self, he leaned back out of surprise. “what are you-“
“Viscount Claude…” her breathy voice stumped him, “make me your slave”
A hefty slap greeted Agatha after her proposal. She was taken aback and with not even a time to react, he snatched her hair once more and brought her close to his face. His eyes turned red, same way it did the night he killed her master.
Agatha feared for her life but with a small glimmer of hope, she took a gamble.
“Do you even know what I am?!” he furiously yelled, slowly letting his tusk show. “I can kill you-huff”
His world stopped as he felt the soft lips of the maiden meeting his. Agatha had her eyes closed, showing her feelings fervently. She pulled away after a second to see him completely frozen. His eyes turned back to normal, and his mouth gaped lightly.
“I know…then kill me if you want. All I know is, I will die for you”
Viscount Claude couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Suddenly it brought him back to his past.
-----------
"And what made you think I'll take your side?" Her cold voice ringed his ears. She stepped away without turning her back. “your kind killed my Father…” she added.
“I-m not like them-“
“I don’t care! You’re a spawn of the devil! You deserve to rot in hell” she uttered then looked at the men standing beside her. "Don't kill him in one go, I want him to taste the pain and suffering they brought to Bridgeton 100 years ago, I want him to die a slow, painful death. Let's see how long he'll be able to hold out"
"Yes, your majesty, bring him back to the Brazen Bull!" Her left hand announced, which was granted in an instant. He was harshly escorted out the hall, but before they reach the door, he took one last peek. The eyes of the woman he loved who once was warm, turned icy. No trace of emotion are shown, he bit his lips as his tears began falling.
Dragged by her men to the torture chamber, he wailed. Not out of pain, but of a heartbreak.
-----------
It was a few hundred years ago, she was his first and last. That occurrence made him realize what he really is and why he shouldn’t meddle with the humankind, especially them. He was brought back to reality when she spoke again.
“Viscount Claude, I don’t care if you’re a bloodthirsty murderer, my love for you is undying… Let me serve you for the rest of my life and I'll be the happiest woman alive”
He stood up viciously expressing his supposed disgust, he walked out of the room wordlessly slamming the door shut.
"V-Viscount!"
Agatha was left alone with the lamp that he dropped, she leaned back to catch her breath. She’s safe for now, but no one knows what’ll happen next. She didn’t know what his reason was, but being alive gave her a little hope for escape.
“Viscount Claude!” Lord Baron welcomed him on his gigantic office, “What took you so long?” he asked.
“I apologize my Lord, I was simply caught in a conversation with the young ladies outside”
“Must be burdensome to be that handsome, eh?” he joked, and they both chuckled. He ushered him to another room to discuss. Just like what others said, the Viscount have amazing persuasion skills. You’d never realizing that you’re being sucked by his words since he delivers every line perfectly.
“Well, does it seem fair?” the Viscount asked. Lord Baron smiled in triumph, “but why? What’s in this for you?” he asked with his upright lips. The joy he felt was immeasurable. The Viscount offered to secretly sponsor the port and let the Lord take credit for it, that’s an opportunity a greedy man like Lord Baron wouldn’t take for granted.
“Well, I just wanted to help you grow my Lord, as I know you’re very friendly with the Duke” he mentioned in emphasis. Lord Baron smirked, “Tell me what you want” he said knowing what he meant. He stood up and ringed the rotary phone. Viscount Claude sat in the sofa, watching the Lord call the Duke to recommend him his business agenda.
“Pleasant evening” The Lord greeted as he looks back at the Viscount with a meaningful wink “may I speak to the Duke of Sordon?”
