BOUND
1143 Words
“Authorities assure the public that there is no cause for panic,” the anchor said calmly. “What occurred a few hours ago has been classified as a rare atmospheric anomaly. Citizens are advised to continue daily activities as normal.”
Mr. Owen’s hand went slack.The remote slipped from his fingers and hit the marble floor with a hollow sound.
“No,” he breathed. “No… this isn’t an anomaly.”
Mrs. Carrington sat gracefully on the armchair, legs crossed, fingers folded like she was watching a dull play.
“This has to be Poseidese,” Owen said, his voice shaking now. “The tremors, the skies, the way the barriers weakened…”
“Enough,” she cut in smoothly. “Say his name again and you’ll summon more trouble.”
He turned on her, fury blazing in his eyes. “That boy is our responsibility.He is a powerful incarnate. And if he’s bound…”
“Good,” she said coldly. “He was handed to you not me,and he'll be the end of us all,”she turned looking straight into his eyes.”Just wait till he finds out we lied again.”
Owen stared at her like he didn’t recognize the woman he’d married.
“Let him be,” she continued. “James is a threat. He always has been. You knew that the moment he was brought into this house.”
His jaw tightened. “He is my son.”
Her lips curved “I wished.”
Owen stood. “We need to find him,now.”
STELLA
My phone vibrated for the twelfth time.
Still nothing.I stared at the screen until the name James blurred into meaninglessness. I can't believe I'm worried….for James!!!
I called,texted,left voice notes I didn’t remember recording. My chest felt tight, my thoughts looping in frantic circles.
Where are you?
Please answer.James, this isn’t funny.
Around me, the office buzzed with normalcy. People whispered about the news, pretended the ground hadn’t trembled beneath their feet hours ago.I couldn’t pretend,I know better than that.
My hands shook as I typed, erased, typed again. I knocked over a stack of files. Papers scattered.
“Stella.”
Arthur’s voice cut through the noise.I flinched.
He stood in his doorway, tie loosened, jaw set hard. His eyes,storm-grey and sharp,lingered on my face longer than necessary.
“You’re distracted,” he said.
“I’m fine,” I said voice low
Arthur stepped closer…..
“You’ve made three mistakes in one report,” he said quietly. “That’s not like you.”
“oh It's not my fault…” I snapped before I could stop myself
Arthur’s gaze hardened instantly
“I'm sorry,I mean…”
“Go home,” he said flatly.
My eyes widened. “What?”
“Now.”
“Sir, it’s not safe,” I said, words tumbling out. “Didn’t you see the news? Things are…things aren’t right.”
“Get out.” He yelled,the word cracked like a whip.
I bit my lips,clearly embarrassed.
Everyone nearby froze.My throat burned.
JAMES
Really? This is how you start the day?” I muttered under my breath, letting the cords cut into my skin just enough to remember they existed. “You think this’ll work on me?”
The air smelled wrong.Like blood mixed with dust and old stone.I stretched my legs against the bindings lazily, testing them.
“Well done” I said flatly.Whoever did this had… effort. Cute,I smirked.
“Not bad,” I muttered to myself again. “But not nearly good enough.”
I leaned back, letting my head rest against the cold wall, crossing my arms.
The faint echo of footsteps reached me.
“Oh? You’re finally awake,” a voice drawled.
I opened my eyes slowly. Shadow in the corner. Damien of course.
He stepped forward, robes brushing the ground.
“Looks like the rumors were true,” he said, voice low, deadly, filled with the kind of malice people reserve for kings or killers. “Posadese will not be pleased,he expected obedience and yet here you are… alive.”
I raised an eyebrow.
“Alive, yeah,” I said, voice lazy. “And tied up cutey I’ll give you that. But really… what’s your point?”
Damien stiffened, clearly not used to someone laughing in his presence. He took another step.
I leaned forward casually, smirking. “You’re gonna have to do better than that if you want me worried.”
“Do you understand who I am?” Damien hissed, trying to control the rising heat in the room. “I serve Posadese. He has commanded….”
“Relax, relax,” I interrupted smoothly, tilting my head. “I don’t need a history lesson, trust me. I know who you are. And I also know that you’re about to learn something very quickly…”
I shifted lazily, wrists straining a little, just enough to show I could break free if I wanted. The cords stretched, my feet pressing against the floor.
Damien paused. A flicker of surprise.
I smiled.“You see,” I said, voice calm, “I don't really like games,but I just want to have fun today, trying to get a little something off my mind “
Damien’s eyes narrowed. “You… you think this is a game.”
I shrugged, tilting my head. “Maybe it is. Maybe it’s fun. You’ve got a fancy title, glowing eyes, robes that scream don’t mess with me. But really…” I leaned back, resting comfortably against the wall, “I expected better and frankly? I’m bored.”
He stepped closer, trying to dominate the space.
I laughed softly, almost mockingly.
“You’re cute when you try to be scary,” I said.
Damien’s jaw tightened. “You don’t understand what’s at stake.”
“Oh, I understand,” I replied, smirk widening. “You don't want me alive. Posadese doesn’t want me alive. But here’s the thing…” I leaned forward slightly, voice dropping to a teasing whisper, “I don’t give a damn”
I stretched my bound arms lazily, testing the ropes again, smirk never leaving my face.
“I could be free in a second if I wanted,” I said casually. “Or I could stay here… entertain you. Your choice. Honestly, I don’t mind. Makes the next part more fun.”
“A lot of confidence, just like your father” Posadese's voice interrupted.
Damien bowed one knee on the ground
“I had to come see the little arrogant bastard,who should have been dead long ago “
I laughed hard.”Is this a joke”
“Posadese?you” I said still laughing hard.
The room shook,bats flying everywhere around me.
“Yea show me something interesting, I'm getting really bored,”I said staring at his silver crown,my eyes reflecting red
- Writer
