Amari412: Thank you for the review. I was worried it may have been rushed. Deepest apologies for such a long delay.
Darkened Hollow
"Oh stop your whining! Put some muscle into it!"
A short stumpy male barked out orders. Coming through the thick shadows a muscled male, staggered, heaving a giant wooden cart more suitable for horses. Peering through the bars the Oracle watched with an emotionless mask. As the wheel became caught on a stone, the large male gritted his teeth before giving the cart a particularly hard yank, causing him to almost fall upon his knees. The cart wriggled and bounced as it rolled over the stone, causing a partly rotting hand to fall off, dragging across the ground.
Stepping backwards fingers dragging through knotted hair, the Oracle shook her chains anger as laughter sounding more like broken sobs echoed around her small prison.
"Not much time left! I can feel it in my bones!"
Starring towards the Oracle with look of fear the stubby male dragged the doors closed, leaving the Oracle alone with her laughter. As she listened to the door closing, the Oracle became silent. Eyes shimmered with tears. Worrying her lower lip between her teeth, she walked slowly towards the corner of the room, a playful smile tugging her lips.
A shimmer followed by a flash didn't startle the Oracle. Instead she crouched down picking up the necklace with such care, anyone would think it would turn to dust in her hands. Starring at her reflection the Oracle rose the necklace above her head. It shimmered with every gentle twitch from a breeze strong enough to push through the cracks of her prison. Eyes shimmered as she closed them slowly, feeling her breath being drawn through her mouth like water down a smooth pebble.
"Here my voice. Here my plea. Send this necklace back to her. Let her find it. Let it guide her; for she is the curses demise..!"
Tossing the necklace high into the air, the Oracle opened her mouth as eyes shimmered with tears body quivering within the chains, she watched with saddened glee as the jewerly vanished.
Dried tear trails more like petty welts rested upon rosy red cheeks. Watching in silence, hands and wrists bound like a common calf, Melinoe sat. Upper arms bruised from harsh tugs when the Minotaur had literally yanked her out from under his cot. For a moment she feared that he would've ripped it out from the wall, had his yanking not resulted in two of finger nails being yanked out due to gripping hold of the cracked ground. Staring at the blank walls, Melinoe looked every where but towards the arch way. The Minotaur had left her alone, after securely tying her up. Feeling both grateful and terrified Melinoe waited. The sound of his retreating hooves still echoed within her mind.
Shoving her foot upon the ground, listening to the small stones scatter, Melinoe held her breath as if expecting the Minotaur to come pounding back in rage.
Waiting for two heart beats for any sign, Melinoe gazed down towards her bound ankles. She could feel her magic pulsing, as if she was being burnt from the inside. It was to risky. She'd never used her powers on herself before. Leaning forward, her remaining finger nails clawing at the tight knot she ripped it off. Tears began to trickle once more as the remove ale of the bounds left angry looking burns. Finger tips bled. Wounds pulsing. Bringing her wrists towards her mouth, Melinoe began to gnaw at the knot finding it releasing its self more easily. Biting the side of her tongue as her teeth tore through the bound. A strong metallic taste filled her mouth. Grimacing in disgust she began to gingerly bind her wounded finger tips with cloth which once held her prisoner.
"Shit.."
She hissed while tying the knot. The painful throbbing only seemed to increase.
Standing slowly wincing as her knees clicked Melinoe allowed her eyes to travel across the small room. From the ground it looked large; intimidating. Now standing at full height Melinoe couldn't bring herself to understand the sudden wave of sadness. Walking forward slowly past the cot Melinoe noticed a few small trinkets; bracelets, jewels even some teeth. Turning pale at the very sight as her mind reminded her just where exactly she was, Melinoe headed towards the arch way. The only exit.
Pressing her back against the wall, Melinoe peered out across the hall. A few flickers of light in the distance from fallen fires, provided her with enough light to see that no one was around. Acting like a second layer or brick, Melinoe walked out of the room. Heart in her throat, Melinoe swallowed thickly. Every sound echoed. Running on the tips of her toes, Melinoe only stopped in order to pick up the fallen torch. The cloth covered stick hot to the touch. Holding it high above her head, Melinoe glanced around. The hall way looked the same like any other, expect this one didn't suddenly disappear off to the right or left. Melinoe had no idea that the Minotaur lay in wake just around the corner.
Walking around with his body tilted slightly forward, the Minotaur huffed and snarled. Eyes unblinking as he searched everywhere for something to eat. Dragging his hooves across the ground like a child, he flinched stepping backwards cautiously when his hoof hit something. Growling deeply he leaned forward cautiously, hand stretching forward he dragged his long claws across the perfectly cut stone, yanking his hand back sharply when it seemed to wink at him as he accidently nudged it in the direction of the light. Scooping it up with care, he brought it closer to his face. It swung slowly. Dragging his tongue across the smooth surface, his eyes grew wide. It tasted much like the young female's blood.
As his mind began to spin he spun around hearing someone shuffling near by softly weeping. Tilting his head back, inhaling the air deeply a cruel leer stretched his lips. It wasn't long before he began another chase.
Screams shook the cracked walls. A sharp intake of air followed by the splatter of steaming blood. Organs tossed carelessly, teeth tearing through thick arteries of a once beating heart; sucking on the hollowed pipes. Veins, muscle tissue, skin. They hung from curved horns swaying in time with ragged breathing, as the damp leathery muzzle was curled bearing yellow teeth. Tossing the lifeless head down like a heavy bolder; yellow liquid poured down the thighs which continued to twitch, the feast acting as if still alive.
Hand quivering Melinoe had to tighten her grip in order not to drop the torch. Feeling her magic bubbling within her veins once again, Melinoe this time didn't try to fight back.
"Stop!"
Tossing her hands out sending the torch spiralling through the air, it clattered against the ground eliminating the bloody scene. Melinoe's power hadn't worked. Time slowed down. Turning slowly upon hairy knees the Minotaur looked towards the shaking form of Melinoe. Rising to his full height, chest covered in a neat line of splattered blood, Melinoe fled. Pounding hooves followed by ear drum shattering roars caused Melinoe to whimper in terror.
"No.. No..!"
She cried. Turning sharply elbow grazing as feet slid, Melinoe barely made herself balance before she heard the Minatour crashing against the wall. His claws inches from grabbing her flowing hair. Melinoe's heart leapt hearing his roar; it sounded pained, scared. Not allowing herself to turn to see what had happened she continued to run. He watched Melinoe run away from him. Blood flowed down his naked arm. His blood. Grinding rotten teeth together breathing heavily through moon crescent shaped nostrils, the Minotaur followed.
It didn't take long for the pair to become caught. With Melinoe's chest heaving, she spun around in time to see the Minotaur's bulking figure taking up most of the passage way. Hands trembled. Mind swirling, Melinoe couldn't explain it, but her body began to fail her. Stumbling as eyelids fluttered she crumbled to the floor in a heap. Snorting, the Minotaur stepped forward with caution. Hearing a wheezing form of breathing, he grasped the girl from the floor, cradling her against his chest. Huffing down at her flushed face he turned stomping towards his home. Clothing from the dead female draped across his shoulder, while in his right hand, the black necklace he found on the floor.
Pretending to be asleep Melinoe felt the Minotaur's heavy breath against her cheek bone. Crouched upon his hands and knees, the Minotaur examined the girl. Her fingers bloody. Clothing sticking to her with the aid of sweat. Hand rising he brushed the tips of his fingers across her face, feeling every crease. As she shuddered he yanked his hand back snarling angrily. Muzzle twisting around in confusion he rose up, stomping towards the cot. Grabbing hold of clothing from the female he killed earlier he examined it slowly. It was a little bigger compared to the unconscious girl. Bringing it to his muzzle he inhaled quickly snorting in disgust.
Shoving the offending cloth under the water the Minotaur began to wring it out. Hooves stomping as his impatience grew, he yanked it back under his muzzle once more sniffing; though the musky scent remained it was better. Standing over Melinoe's form, watching her rising chest with curious eyes he hung the clothing to dry. Stomping with a wince towards his cot he sat down heavily, soft whimpers passing his muzzle as he looked down towards the deep angry gash upon his arm, travelling up towards his shoulder.
Huffing out a growl feeling mortified that he allowed himself to be wounded, he scrapped his hoof against the ground bitterly. Humiliation flooded over him. His intention was to simply snatch the clothing from the now dead female, but her over reaction to his haggard appearance made him turn in rage. Allowing his large eyes to settle upon Melinoe he sneered before turning away, finding himself starting to believe that he'd been wrong about her. She was just like the others.
As coldness swept over Melinoe she allowed her eyelids to flicker open, glancing towards the Minotaur who sat perched on the edge of his cot examining the gash. Guilt festered within her stomach. This had been the second time she ran from him. (Or at least attempted to) Both times he brought her back never once devouring her. As she watched him flick out his tongue, dragging it across the gash Melinoe found courage and sat herself up.
"Don't-"
Words became caught as the Minotaur snapped his head, snarling angrily. Melinoe watched in muted horror as the fine furs along his back began to rise up. Melinoe swallowed down her fear as she boldly stood up. Watching as the Minotaur pulled himself together, it reminded her of a wolf getting ready to pounce. Swallowing thickly she crouched on the floor, giving him the impression that he was still dominant despite being wounded. Listening as his unsettled snarls began to grow faint, Melinoe looked around for something to dap the wound with. Her eyes focused on the clothing he brought for her to wear.
Unaware that this was intention she grabbed hold of it. As she started to bring it towards his wound, the Minotaur snapped his jaws threateningly as he shook his head repeatedly.
"It's alright. I know it'll sting, but please.. just let me.."
Rolling his eyes dramatically the Minotaur huffed as he tried to reason with Melinoe that he wasn't afraid of the sting. Watching as she narrowed her eyes causing her eyebrows to draw together in centre, he forced himself to stop. He saw the lingering fear but there was no disgust. She looked firm. Twitching his ears in concentration, he finally allowed himself to lower his arm, just enough that she could reach.
"Thank you.."
Melinoe spoke with a light nod of her head. Wrapping the cloth partly around her hand, she brought it up towards his arm. Dapping at the wound slowly giving the cloth a squeeze so that the water would be able to wash the wound, she tensed up hearing the Minotaur trying to muffle up a pained snarl. Melinoe worked quickly muttering apologies every time the Minotaur sounded pained. Never once did he rise his hand to her. As she worked, Melinoe's mind began to shout that she could use this time to make a run for it. But where would she run? There was no way to escape and her powers seemed to be against her. Rising upon her knees, Melinoe began to clean the shoulder. This seemed to be less damaged, but never the less Melinoe pressed on.
Watching as the trickles of water trickled down his back, Melinoe glanced towards the Minotaur from the corner of her eye, watching his facial expression. His large round eyes squinted in pain. Though his face was furry his eyes looked human. Melinoe didn't realise she was staring until his eyes looked shyly towards her. Clearing her throat she shuffled backwards, wringing out the now bloody cloth.
"There. I'll look at it again... later. We can't have it getting infected."
Melinoe couldn't understand why she found it so easy to suddenly turn caring towards a monster who devoured people. Placing the cloth back where she found it Melinoe stood awkwardly watching as the Minotaur examined the wound carefully, almost as if expecting she planted something on it. Deeming it acceptable he growled which Melinoe could only guess was a way of saying 'thank you'.
"Your welcome.. Its the least I could do. You did after all, help me as well.."
Melinoe lightly dragged her fingers across her head where there was once a nasty gash. Showing no sign that he heard the Minotaur instead stood up abruptly. Stepping back as if expecting to sink within the wall, Melinoe watched with caution as he began to shift some things around. For a moment she was confused then it became clear; he was making her a bed. Melinoe's body shivered, knowing that she would be sleeping on the floor; but it was better than nothing, at least this time she actually had a blanket.
Huffing the Minotaur pointed towards the bed before climbing into his own. Melinoe walked forward noticing that hers was very close to his. Melinoe knew he did that so he could keep an eye on her. Not questioning why her hands and ankles weren't being bound, she slipped onto the floor, pulling the blanket tightly around her form to keep out any night chills. She listened as the Minotaur shifted around in order to get comfortable before the room grew silent; she could feel his eyes boring into the back of her head, but could only hope that it was just paranoia. Dampening her lips Melinoe was tempted to whisper out a small 'good night' though thought better of it as she began to will herself to sleep, hoping that when she woke up it would all be a bad dream.
Leaning himself slightly over the edge, the Minotaur looked down towards the female with narrowed gaze before settling himself back down tugging the blanket with care over his injured arm and shoulder. Letting out a small huff, he to closed his eyes thinking about the strange black necklace which held her bloody taste.
Finally I've updated. Terribly sorry for delay had a very tiring month.. Some thriller, action and even fluff. I hope this chapter is what you expected and enjoyed. Please leave a review.
- Signed The Broken Ghost