Chapter Nineteen ★ Prepare

｡☆✼★━ Luna ━★✼☆｡

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The doors to the room burst open and a croc-man came rushing through it. He stopped just before the witch and bent over. Breathing in heavy breaths he said between them, “He’ssss… gone.”

“Gone?” The witch’s voice volume increased. “What do you mean, gone?”

Croc-man winced and threw his hand over his head and cowered towards the floor. He replied, “Wolf-man and sssseawitch tooks him.” 

The chain rattled in her hand and she lashed out at the crocodile. A whimper escaped his lips as the metal bit into his flesh and came away with droplets of blood. Her voice seethed as she said, “Then go get him back. I need him.”

He groveled on his knees then backed away towards the door and said, “Yesss masssterrrr.”

“Tsk.” She said through clenched teeth. “Worthless.”

Yanking on the chain the witch hauled me to my feet. She pulled me closer to her and gazed into my eyes. A wry smile crawled across her dark lips and she said, “Defiant little one, aren’t you?”

I didn’t reply but continued staring at the wall beyond her. No need to talk to this one. I knew who she was based on the files back at the base. 

Her name was Tarot Shade. Part of the third tier to the witches hierarchy which was a total of five. Subordinate to the witch, Evanora Darkmire.

She’s the reason for many mer-people’s disappearances. What we didn’t know was how she was able to get her hands on them. Now, I knew.

Tears threatened to fall as Pearl came to mind. How could she? To her own kind? What made her turn?

“Emotions have no meaning with me mermaid.” She rattled the chain then gave it a good tug and begun walking. I stumbled forward but caught myself before falling down.

Tarot paused to cast an evil glare and said, “Do not dawdle. We do not have time.”

I returned the glare with interest. She shrugged her shoulder then turned and pulled on the chain once more. I had no choice but to follow her.

We walked down the narrow dark hallways. Reptilian men scurried and got out of the way by jumping into the shallow alcoves and doorways. Tarot paid no mind and tugged the chain to make sure I followed.

One of the shadows ahead extended from the wall then blocked our path. Candlelight flickered across the form melting the shadows away like seawater. The siamese twins stood before us and bowed then said, “How may we be of service mistress?”

“You’re late.” Tarot barked and yanked the chain with the iron collar almost choking me. I let out a gack and hopped to catch my footing. Sheesh, by the time I’m through I’m probably going to have black and blue rings around my neck. 

Tarot handed the chain to the sisters then ordered, “Take this mermaid to be prepared for tonight.”

“Mistress?” The one on the right said and blinked. “Don’t we need the b–”

Sister on the left covered her sister’s mouth before she even had a chance to finish. She kept a careful eye on Tarot and swallowed as she glanced down. I followed her gaze and saw the blue flame engulfed in her hand.

Leftie, which I’m calling her, replied, “Sorry, mistress. Tianna, forgot her place. We will prepare the mermaid as you commanded.”

Tianna pushed her sister’s hand away then added as she bowed, “Yes, mistress. Please forgive me. I did not mean to question your order.”

Tarot looked between as she held the flame in her hand. I didn’t dare swallow in case she turned on me with that fireball. She held it for a second longer then sighed. The flame extinguished.

She said, “Prepare the mermaid for tonight.”

Both sisters bowed and replied, “As you wish, mistress.”

“Do no fail me.” Tarot added with an intense glare.

The twins shuddered and bowed again as they said, “Of course, mistress.”

Tarot turned around knocking me against the wall and left. Her heels echoed down the hallway and faded into sheer silence.

Tianna let out a breath then said, “Come. We must prepare.”

‧͙⁺˚*·༓☾ – TO BE CONTINUED… –☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙