Pain was the first thing Asher felt.
A sharp, cruel burn, which made him grunt when he tried to move. The metallic clicking echoed around him. He opened his eyes suddenly.
A stone ceiling. Engraved, ancient symbols, pulsing faintly with a dark glow.
- Shit…
He wanted to stand up.
The pain exploded.
Chains.
Thick, covered in silver runes, embedded directly into the stone. As soon as he pulled it, an icy wave passed through his body. His skin cracked slightly where the metal touched him.
— Ngh…!
Blood ran down his wrist.
Asher gasped, his gaze dark.
—Rune silver...combined with a magical restraining seal...
He gritted his teeth.
—Ray…
A slow applause echoed in the shadows.
— Still so insightful.
Ray emerged from the darkness, perfectly relaxed, his hands in his pockets.
—Where am I? Asher growled.
— In a place where you can't cast spells, transform, or call anyone.
He approached, leaning slightly towards him.
— Safe… for me.
Asher burst into mirthless laughter.
— Do you really think it will hold?
Ray smiled.
— Oh, yes. These chains were designed for beings much older than you.
- For what…? Asher spat. Why take me away?
Ray crouched down in front of him.
— Because you are an obstacle.
Because as long as you exist... Miria will be in danger.
— You are sick.
Ray smiled.
- No. I am lucid.
And you… you are dangerous.
— Miria will never forgive you.
Ray straightened up.
— She will have nothing to forgive me for.
He snapped his fingers.
A step sounded behind him.
A female figure stepped into the light.
Asher froze.
—…Isabella?
She avoided his gaze.
Ray turned to her.
— Watch him.
Don't let him escape.
And if he tries anything...
He made a vague gesture.
— You know what to do.
Isabella nodded tensely.
Asher took a deep breath.
—If you don't let me go... Miria will get me.
Ray burst out laughing.
— Oh, I hope so.
Asher felt a bad feeling go down his spine.
—What did you do?
Ray straightened up.
— Let's just say… I took the lead.
Asher's
The house was silent.
Too quiet.
Miria looked at the time for the tenth time.
—He should have been there...
Kira frowned.
— Asher never disappears without warning.
KNOCK KNOCK.
Everyone froze.
Miria opened.
— Asher?
But it wasn't him.
A man stood there, stiff, visibly uncomfortable.
"I… I was asked to give you this.
He handed over an envelope.
Miria felt her heart sink when she saw his name written on it.
She took it, hesitated... then opened it.
His eyes scanned the lines.
His breath hitched.
His fingers trembled.
— No...
Kira approached immediately.
—Miria? What is it?
The paper slipped from his hands.
Miria put a hand to her mouth, tears welling up without her being able to hold them back.
— It's… it's not possible…
His legs gave way.
She collapsed, sobbing, her voice breaking with pain and incomprehension.
— Asher…