Through the Dragon's Eyes

Chapter Six || Constrict

BGM: https://youtu.be/6A4A9Xkx6Xo

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As you are led through the hall, your eyes wander around the architecture. Whatever this place used to be is unknown, yet it seems to have been of much importance when it was built, obviously centuries ago. It's been modified since then to accommodate for the changing tides of a world becoming swallowed by technology. The large marble pillars, shining tile floor and high vaulted ceilings make you feel incredibly small. Your eyes return to front. There's only about another minute of walking before the soldiers stop outside a set of rather large double doors, stepping aside for you.

You glance to them momentarily before approaching the entry. The handles are flat, curved bars, the doors themselves being chiseled with ornate paneling with what looks like golden trim laced into the wooden designs. Slipping your palm over the right handle, you push down and in.

A light breeze greets you. The first thing to catch your eye is the soft flow of sheer white curtains hanging over two large open windows that look out onto the city. The paneled walls are a deep red, of all colors, white trim with installed lights evenly spaced throughout. The bed to the left wall is a good size, much larger than your futon and raised off the ground in a dark wooden frame. The sheets are white, four plump pillows upon the headboard. Just seeing it reminds you of your exhaustion. Next to the bed sits your bow and quiver. On it's surface, a folded set of clothing along with some armor plating.

In between the twin windows stands a dark wood desk to match the bed frame. Its an older style of writing desk, sliding drawers and a wooden chair with a cushion pushed into its edge. On the right wall of the rather long, rectangular room stands a dresser. Again, likely the same material if not very similar to the other pieces within the room. A curved top sweeping up into points at the edges, dangling hoops for handles. You finally step inside. Once you do, the soldiers turn and begin marching off in an orderly fashion. You reach behind you and close the door, standing with your back against it, hand still gripping the handle.

Despite the beautiful nature of the room, you can't help but know it's just to appeal to you. Special treatment, like pampering a victim before sacrifice.

Pushing off the door, you walk to the bed, scanning over the clothes with heavy half-lidded eyes. The armor possesses the Talon symbol on one of the shoulder pads. You scoff, simply sliding all of it off the edge of the bed, the cloth flopping onto the tile floor alongside the armor clunking. Parading around in that junk like you're their property is insulting.

Fuck off.

You turn with your back facing the bed, letting your weight pull you down onto the sheets. You sink into the comforter, the light linen scent puffing around you. Staring at the ceiling, your mind grows foggy. Anger from the meeting swirls in your gut as you clench the sheets in tight fists at your side.

They think they're offering a choice. There is no choice. That was made clear from the beginning. But it doesn't matter. Whatever this assignment is, you'll be in and out, truncating all ties in the process once you get what's necessary.

Pulling your legs up onto the bed, you roll to lie on your side facing the door, silently hoping one of them comes for you. Hoping they'll try their luck. Rid of you before the sun rises the next day to just solidify their claim as so many before have tried and failed to do.

Shutting your eyes, you allow your body to seep out of consciousness.

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Again.