Worth The Shot

Snaking Threat

Today's Fanart is by @weforgotvic ! She drew the sunset scene from Rooftop Vigil. I LOVE (y/n)'s dress here, she looks so ethereal and the colors in this picture are so glowy and magical.

BACK TO THE STORY

His veiny, snow-white hand tightly curled around Camilo's neck, dragging him through the dust like a ragdoll.

His cloak spilled out behind him like a flowing cape as he advanced toward your father. Intricate, golden designs embellished the border of its dark, pine-tree-green cloth.

You could have fled. Vanished into the anonymous safety of the tunnels and never looked back. Casita would have awaited you, warm and secure. 

But it wasn't even a conscious choice. You angrily chased after the old man, bursting into the orange glow of the cavern.  Your father and Sebastian startled from their argument. Your father smiled welcomingly at the old man, clasping his hands together. Sebastian tensed defensively.

"Put him down!" You fitfully shouted, shaking. He'd been beaten. Badly. Cuts slashed across Camilo's face and arms, leaving splotches of crimson that soaked through his white shirt like crushed caterpillars. 

"As you wish, little girl," the old man crowed, hurling Camilo to the floor by your father's feet with unnatural force. Camilo grunted as he collapsed heavily to the floor, curling to his side in pain. The wind knocked out of him, his chest breathlessly heaved for air. 

"Hello. I've been looking forward to meeting you," your father gallantly greeted, smiling as he bowed to the hooded elder. "Marcos Candella. You've met my brother, Sebastian Candella, and this is my daughter," he calmly gestured to you as if introducing a dinner guest. "(Y/n) Candella."

"I know who you are," the old man cheerfully confirmed, throwing back his dark hood. His stark white hair circled his head like wispy tangle of clouds. His deep wrinkles were dried up rivers that cracked underneath his eyes and split across his forehead. "You haven't yet collected all of the Madrigals." 

"I see you found this one sneaking around your tunnels." Your father apologetically said, nudging Camilo with his shoe.

With an admirable effort to preserve his self-respect, Camilo pushed himself onto his elbows, glaring up at your father. A bruise shadowed his eye, a purple-black blossom of blood underneath his skin. 

"I'm sorry," your father continued, dismissively glancing away from Camilo. "We still have three left. Dolores, Bruno, and Antonio. But we've run out of those sleep-darts you gave Sebastian."

"You've been using sleep darts? You coward!" You incredulously spat at Sebastian. Your uncle clenched his jaw, his green eyes holding your gaze. "So that's how you caught Luisa." 

"The Madrigals have gone into hiding," the old man tragically sighed, his hands shakily lifting his cloak off of his shoulders. Is the shaking an act? Or is he really that old? "I've been searching, but no luck. Where have they gone?"

"I'm sure he knows," your father civilly nodded to Camilo. "I know a few ways we can convince him to share." 

"You're wrong. I don't know," Camilo heatedly insisted as the old man raised his eyebrows, intrigued. Your father crept toward Camilo, silkily as a predator. Camilo defiantly stared back, tilting his chin upward. 

Fear speared your heart. He does that when he's scared. 

"Back off," you nervously growled. You immediately crouched down by Camilo, protectively brushing your shoulder against his. "If you hurt him for information, I will never, ever, forgive you." 

"Well, you wouldn't remember, now would you?" Your father disdainfully declared. "This never happened. I'll help us all forget when it's over."

"Then it's settled!" The old man cackled, extending his hands wider than a prophet. 

With a creaking flurry of dirt, cold, shiny chains shot out of the dirt sides of the cave. As if magically charmed by the old man, they artfully snaked around your arms, forcefully pinning you low on the wall.