Flames Of Redemption

36

Regan was still angry from what he had said earlier. She couldn't believe he was trying to intimidate her. Who was he? She hadn't done anything to be held here, she didn't even know him. He kept saying she had powers, and even if she did, why did he care?

She gazed through the window, the sun slowly disappearing behind the tall trees, eluding the sky. It turned dark quickly. She got furious at staring out of the window as well, because that reminded her that she was merely a captive.

Then, she thought of the beauty and the allure of that
castle. If only she wasn't a captive, she'd express her fascination to no extent.

She was also hungry because she didn't eat anything down there. It felt very heavy to eat in front of them. As seconds passed, she grew even more frustrated and confused.

What if she really had powers? He'd just take them, wouldn't he? Maybe that was the reason why he was holding her here. She could see how eager he was to be powerful.

So, she hoped that there was no connection with this weird world, these weird beings and that she was a mere human. Maybe if she'd show that, they'd let her go.

But she already did tell him she had powers, she did it out of anger, just for him to leave her alone. He was getting close and she hated it, she didn't want people close to her.

A knock snapped her out of thoughts and Regan called for them to enter. It was the servant, Althea, carrying a tray laden with food. She couldn't help but feel a wave of embarrassment wash over her. Since she saw these witches on the table, she felt more insecure than ever.

Not that she had ever cared about other's looks, but she hadn't taken the time to care for herself. Her hair was dry and oily, her clothes worn out and frayed. The thought of showering and changing her clothes in this strange place seemed ludicrous to her; she'd only do such a thing in the comfort of her own home.

Althea placed the tray on a table and eyed Regan warily. "Look, Regan, I understand you're not used in this place yet, but you need to take care of yourself, even if you're being held against your will." Her words were gentle, but they stung nonetheless.

Despite her protests, Regan could not deny the truth in Althea's words.

"This door is locked for me, but not for those who enter," Regan snapped. But she regretted being rude, after all it wasn't Althea's fault.

"Oh, yeah...." Althea trailed off, "I forgot, I had to give you something." She searched in her pocket for something and then she revealed a silver key. It shone brightly and for a moment Regan thought that this was the key to her escape.

"That's the key of your room," she said, giving Regan the key. Regan eyed the key suspiciously.

"But I can't get out of the room, can I?"

Althea pursued her lips, "Yes, you can't. But you can lock the door at least. You won't worry if someone comes."

"Thanks," Regan said, forcing a smile, "who gave it to you?"

"Master did."

Regan rolled her eyes, "Really? He's the one who's been stalking me, and now he's giving me a key to my room?"

"He values privacy. He doesn't allow anyone to enter his study, you know," Althea said.

Regan couldn't help but smile mockingly. It was the most ironic thing she'd ever heard. He didn't even care about privacy. He had haunted her, stalked her for God knew how long. And now he was giving her a key to her room. It was pathetic.

She took the key, thanked Althea, and dismissed her. As soon as the door closed behind the servant, she locked it, just in case. Then, she turned her attention to the food on the table. Hunger gripped her and she took the tray with her, sitting down on the bed. Tentatively, she picked up a piece of bread from the tray and took a bite. It tasted strange, but she forced herself to eat it.