Lucia's Point of View

Unknown Location

“Let him go!” I cried out

Rolling her eyes, she replied. “Oh, stop. He just woke up to join us! Give him a moment before you start worrying him.” Alwin thrashed about, and I saw his magic activate before it diminished instantly. “That’s it. Let the situation sink in.” She whispered to him in his ear gently.

Alwin’s breathing was hard as I could see his chest heave. His eyes were narrowed as he looked around. Anger quickly welled up along with concern as he studied me. Eventually, it dawned on him how bad our situation was when he saw the blood dripping down my arm. He paled at that, and he even grew more irate when he examined the table separating us that held multiple Zugal wings.

I would like to say he calmed down, but he merely stopped thrashing about as he seethed in a more subdued manner. That is until our captor held up my finger in front of his face. His eyes widened as they quickly shifted from the detached appendage to the blood dripping down my arm.

“I really do like beautiful things.” Her eyes latched onto mine. “Don’t you?” Then she squeezed harder and shook his head a bit. “He is almost perfect, isn’t he?” That caused Alwin to try and glare at her.

“What do you want from me!? I already told you I’d do what you want! Just leave him alone! Don’t hurt him anymore!”

“Oh, child. You still don’t understand. Both of you have your roles.” Her magic ignited as she removed her hand, but Alwin had a spell placed over his lips now. “The thing is, I don’t think you know anything. A girl who never wanted for anything. Well, almost anything. The freedom to come and go as she pleases took a while, but it finally came!” A small smirk returned to her lips. “Although, that in itself got you into this mess.”

I tried to struggle once more in vain. “Why are you doing this? If what you believe is true, why take it out on me?”

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A giggle escaped her lips. “Because that’s the only way I can get back at anyone.” Slowly sauntering over to me, she placed my finger on the table before she traced her bloody knuckles down my cheek. “You, who knows nothing, are everything to some.” Then she looked over her shoulder at Alwin. “Some, who are very important.” He let out many mumbled protests as his chest heaved. “I doubt you know anything worthwhile.” She said as she tapped my nose gently.

My eyes followed hers as she stepped back. “Then you plan on torturing me to get back at Arceana?”

Her head bobbed back and forth as she gave a vague response. “Kind of. Arceana is definitely a bonus, but General Alwin Farro…” She trailed off as she gestured to him. “His knowledge could be worthwhile.”

“Do you realize that your time is limited?” I asked her.

“Why? Do you believe that Arceana is coming to rescue you? Maybe some reinforcements are coming, and they’ll somehow stumble upon us?” She questioned back. “I have you as a hostage. That’s where your role comes into play. If Arceana cares about you, she won’t react rashly.” Giving her a weak chuckle seemed to irk her as her eyebrow twitched. “Does this amuse you?”

“A little.” I answered honestly.

She examined me a minute before she chuckled herself. “I must admit, I did not think you were one to laugh in this situation. Is it because you’re slowly losing your wits and have given up, or is it perhaps something else?”

My eyes focused on hers with an intensity that made her frown. “You’re going to die.”

“And how did you come to this incredible prophecy?”

“It’s no prophecy. When a week passes, maybe two, you will be hunted down.” Then I gestured to some of the guards around the room. “Many of you will be.” Another weak chuckle escaped my lips. “So, no matter what you do to me, just know that your time will come.”

The woman was quiet for a moment, but only a moment. “That is interesting!” She said as she burst out laughing and made her way across the room in a few strides. “I’d love to hear how it’s going to happen, but first, you’re in need of a lesson!” Stopping next to Alwin, he seemed to steel himself as he knew what was coming.

Realizing what was about to happen, I whispered out shakily. “Wait- I-I was wrong! Please don’t hurt him!”

“Threatening your captor is not the smartest thing to do.” Tracing her fingers across his face, she continued. “He really is handsome.” She stated.

“It was me! I said it! Please!”

“You know, I think I could probably match the scars right this time.”

“No!” I screamed and tried to break my restraints once more.

I watched in horror as she placed her finger on his left cheek. “What do you think?” She activated her magic.

“I take it back!”

“You don’t need to! We need to get his face more symmetrical, remember? Give him that perfect ruggedness.” Then she shrugged as her finger dug into his cheek, which got him to flinch. “It may take away from some of his softer features and retract from how handsome he is, but I bet it’d still be endearing.”

“Pleas-“ My voice caught in my throat.

Blood sprayed out across the room. Alwin cried out in pain as she instantly ran her finger across the entirety of his face. Through his nose, skipping his part of his eyebrow, and continuing across the upper right of his forehead. Blood dripped down half his face as I watched wide-eyed. It was careless and cruel. Thankfully, it didn’t seem like it got his eye, but he was writhing in pain. My heart ached as I could only watch as his eyes were shut tight as blood continued to pour.

Another giggle escaped her lips. “Wow! I really messed up that time.” She looked at me and shrugged. “My bad.”