Tentacles sprouted from the back of the figure that swam gracefully into the corridor. He appeared to have no arms, and wore a strange sheath filled with eight swords on the front of his chestplate. The creature had normal human legs, eight sucker-covered arms, and a face that was a strange, disturbing hybrid of squid and human.
"Get out," he hissed at the squids, who scuttled away in terror.
"Who are you?" Sky said, his voice several octaves higher than usual.
"Caharison," Ember answered, her breath blowing softly against Sky's ear. "Be very careful."
"My identity won't trouble you for much longer, Adam. Your execution is scheduled for- let me think- now."
"Do I get a trial?" Sky squeaked, playing for time, a chance to make a plan. He hated to be called by his name. Adam. There was nothing unique about it. He wanted a name that no one else had. Sky. Sky was a much better name.
"Nope," the ex-alchemist said cheerfully. "And you too, love," he added, glancing at Ember.
She shuddered slightly as he threaded a tentacle through the cage wall, wrapping his slimy arm around her waist and pulling her against the bars. Ember struggled futilely against his iron grip.
"I'll take great pleasure in killing you slowly," he growled. Sky caught a glimpse of what looked like several huge claw marks across the general's body. It looked painful. Had Ember done that? "After what you did, I'll destroy you piece by piece."
"You won't hurt her if you want to survive," a low, deadly voice said, pure venom dripping off each word. With a jolt, Sky realized that it had been him talking. "I'll take an order of sushi, please." He snapped his fingers at an imaginary waiter with a grin.
His surge of bravado instantly vanished as the squid hybrid grabbed him around the neck. "I'd kill you now, insolent whelp, but the King wants the death of the Butter Warrior to be as public as possible." Sky tried to breathe, and failed. Choking, he scrabbled feebly at the tentacle that crushed his windpipe. The squid general had pressed both Ember and Sky against the bars. "Now come."
Caharison threw them both back against the far side of the cells. Ember landed gracefully on all fours like a cat, while Sky crashed to the floor with much less agility. Ouch. The doors to the cells were flung open, and several squids entered, dragging the two prisoners out, binding their hands and feet and tying Sky and Ember together.
"Don't fight," Ember whispered, her face buried in Sky's neck. "Trust me."
He reacted without thinking. Sky wrapped his bound hands around her neck, pulling her even closer. Their lips met in a kiss. She tasted so good, her skin holding the faintest hints of a perfume. Ember kissed him back, her hands catching ahold of his shirt, keeping him tightly against her.
Several squids turned away from the spectacle, covering their eyes. Caharison laughed. "A little too late," he snickered as he dragged the pair towards the center of the execution square.
Sky wasn't paying attention. He'd closed his eyes, feeling his heart racing in his chest, trying to get in as many beats as possible while he had the opportunity. Ember's heart seemed to be doing the same, and Sky felt every pulse until the squids pulled them apart.
"Ember," he whispered. "Stay. We'll get through this." He tried to give a brave smile.
"I know we will," she said. Her eyes were intense. "We will," she repeated.
"Brave words," Caharison sneered, turning to the Squid King. "My lord, the prisoners are here."
A roar came up from the crowd. "Slay the Butter Warrior! Slay him! Slay him! Slay him!" The chant swelled until it seemed to become a physical force, pressing in on Sky and Ember.
"General Caharison, you have my permission to proceed. Give us a show!" The Squid King's words were met by a shout of approval.
As the squid hybrid advanced on her, Ember turned to Sky. "Goodbye, Sky."
Okay. I admit it. I'm evil. Cliffhangers are so fun though!
Ember: Beg to differ!
Nafia: Ember, I'm afraid you don't get a say in the matter...
Ember: *leaves*
Sky: Seriously? You're going to kill off Ember? *eyes widen in shock* You wouldn't!
Nafia: Sky, I don't want to talk about it. Especially not while I'm still in maniac mode from another cliffhanger. Anyway, how are you sure that she isn't some evil agent of Herobrine? Didn't you ever learn about stranger danger?
Sky: But...but... but... I'm in love! *stares dreamily into space (again)*
Nafia: That's how she's gonna get you... I'm done here. *leaves*