It feels like it's been a while since I updated this story so I decided, why not? I hope you all enjoy this chapter and thank you for reviewing.
Chapter 6
Sunrise
The first rays of light shone in through the top of the tower, cascading down and breaking the shadows apart. I quickly backed away from the approaching light, staying in the darkness as much as I could. It wasn't an easy task, considering how my dark sanctuary was quickly being devoured by light. I whimpered as some of the rays hit my face, carving small burns in my pale skin.
I pulled at the chain again. It had to break sometime… But the metal didn't even want to bend. I attacked the links fiercely, pulling at the metal, but the chain refused to budge. I gave up on that and began to try to pull the chain from the wall itself, feeling the sun beating down on my back. I groaned painfully as the light seared my neck but I kept pulling on the chain binding me to the horrid chamber. Once again, it wouldn't move.
I fell to my knees with a broken sob. I was going to die. I curled up into a shadowy corner as the sun rose slowly in the sky, each second of life slowly flying away. I couldn't die, not yet. I still had to leave; I still had to escape Sadiq…
I…
I had to find the man from my dreams.
The light kept coming as the day wore on and I started to feel so tired, so weak. I hung limply from the chain as light was skewed across my cheek, creating an ugly burn. I screeched in pain and whipped away from the sunlight, trying to return to what was left of my dark sanctuary. The shadows were my friend, my safe-haven while the light was my enemy, a traitor.
I dared to glance up at the opening, almost becoming blind from the strong light. The sun was close to fully eclipsing the opening. I had little time left. Already I could feel my body slowly give up, ready to deteriorate into fine ash. I sighed and pressed hard against the wall.
I was ready. Death could take me.
The thick granite doors were suddenly flung open and a figure rushed in, wrapped in thick white cloth. They ran over to me, grabbing my face and looking over my injuries.
"Arthur-san!" she gasped. "Arthur-san, can you hear me?"
"Sakura…?" I asked weakly, noticing that my vision was becoming blurry. "Why…?"
"I will fill you in later," Sakura replied, fitting a key into the locked cuff around my wrist. "Let us worry about your health right now, Arthur-san."
I fell to the floor, Sakura catching me in her arms. Quickly, she wrapped me up in a shawl and carried me out of the chamber. As she left, I heard her say a few words to another person.
"You're an animal…" she hissed. "That chamber is only for criminals and unjust members of the coven."
"Sorry, Sakura…" Sadiq's voice hissed. "But I do not take kindly to assault."
"I highly doubt it was all Arthur's fault," Sakura whispered harshly. "I know you had something to do with this, Sadiq-san…" She paused and I felt her arms tighten protectively around me. "If you ever lay a finger on him again, I will kill you."
Sadiq chuckled, the sound causing chills to go up and down my spine. I peeked out of the shawl and saw that his eyes were blood red, his fangs bared. "Ah, my dear Sakura… Why so protective of the little whelp? You know I could break you like a twig."
"With all respect, I would like to see you try," Sakura growled and I could only imagine her eyes being the same aggressive color as Sadiq's.
Sadiq chuckled again and ice rushed through my veins. "Challenge accepted." Sakura began to walk away from him, holding me protectively. "Oh, and Sakura?"
She turned back to him and I prayed she wouldn't say anything else that would anger him. I didn't want to lose her; she was my anchor, my rock in a world gone made. I needed her.
"You shouldn't turn your back on me," Sadiq hissed. "You may not like the results."
"I will take my chances," Sakura spat back and turned away, taking me up the stairs.
I shook in her grasp as she carried me back to my room. I had been saved but at what cost? Sakura could be in danger now due to me. I knew that Sadiq would stop at nothing until he had me. She slowly sat me down on my bed when we arrived, looking over my wounds tenderly.
"I can't believe he would do such a thing to you…" she sighed, fingering the burn on my cheek. "What a horrible man…"
"Why did you do that?" I asked with a small sniffle.
"Nande?" Sakura muttered. "Because, Arthur-san, I made promise. I promised you that I would protect you from him no matter the consequences. I must keep that promise."
"But he'll kill you!" I protested. "You don't have to do this. I can… I can take care of myself…"
"I find that hard to believe, Arthur-san," Sakura smiled, tilting my chin up to look at her. "If you wish to get away from Sadiq, you will need my help. Trust me, Arthur-san. I can do this."
"But Sakura…" I whispered. "What if he kills you? I don't want you to die…"
"I am strong, Arthur-san," she assured me. "He, too, is strong but he can't touch me. I am from another coven and if he even lays a finger on me, he will have to answer to them."
"He'll do anything," I answered. "He won't care."
"In that case, I will be ready for him," Sakura smiled, stroking my hair. She then paused, glancing at my shrouded window. "We should leave. Tonight."
"Tonight?"
"Hai, it will be a good time," Sakura smiled. "I will get you back to your family as I promised."
"That's wonderful," I smiled. "But… How?"
Sakura looked thoughtful and then her eyes lit up, an idea forming in her mind. "Do not worry, Arthur-san. I have a plan."
"What is it?" I asked, cocking my head to the side.
She leaned forward, whispering her plan into my ear. I jerked away from her, shock on my face.
"Wha? I can't do that!" I gasped. "I…!"
"Trust me, Arthur-san. It will work," she said with a small, planning smile. "Now, let us take care of those burns…"
I sat still as she fetched some bandages and she applied them carefully to my damaged skin. Sakura looked so confident and sure of herself… Her expression made me feel confident as well and I began to sit up straighter. I was getting out of Sadiq's damned mansion, once and for all.
This time, nothing would stop me.
O.o What could possibly be their plan? Until next time, of course because I love my cliff-hangers. ;)
Also, Sakura and Sadiq's conversation mirrors the conversation between Mufasa and Scar in "The Lion King." So foreshadowing? Maybe. You'll just have to keep reading to find out.
Please review!
