Chapter 103: pre TUNA 2
Kaida’s kaleidoscope eyes fixed on one of the guards standing at attention near the chamber’s perimeter—the one wearing the fox mask. With a languid gesture of her hand, she beckoned the figure forward.
"Sarah," Kaida called, her voice a melody that seemed to linger in the air long after she’d spoken. "Escort our... Veilwalker... to Number Five’s chambers." The pause before and after "Veilwalker" hung heavy with meaning, the title simultaneously honorific and mockery.
The guard stepped forward immediately, her movements fluid and precise. She removed her fox mask, revealing features of striking elvish beauty—high cheekbones, almond-shaped eyes of deep emerald, and skin like polished alabaster. Her hair, a rich auburn cascading in intricate braids interwoven with tiny silver beads that caught the light, framed her face in an elaborate pattern that spoke of rank and station among Kaida’s forces.
"As you command, Master," Sarah replied, her voice carrying the lilting accent common to the eastern forests. She bowed deeply, the gesture practiced to perfection.
Kaida’s lips curved in that same predatory smile. "Ensure he arrives... safely." Her kaleidoscope eyes swirled with mischievous colors as she added, "Number Five has been... anticipating... this meeting with particular... interest."
Eren’s expression remained carefully neutral, though inwardly he calculated his options. ’Another piece moves on the board,’ he thought grimly. ’And I’m still not sure what do or think try now .’
"This way, Veilwalker," Sarah said, gesturing toward a different archway than the one through which he’d entered. Her tone was formal, but there was an undercurrent of something like reverence that caught Eren’s attention.
Without looking back at Kaida, Eren followed the elven guard. As they passed through the archway, he felt a subtle shift in the air—like crossing an invisible threshold where one type of power gave way to another. The corridor beyond was narrower than the grand hallways he’d traversed earlier, the walls closer, more confining. Luminous veins of mineral pulsed within the dark stone, providing just enough light to navigate by while casting strange, elongated shadows that seemed to move independently of their owners.
They walked in silence for several minutes, the only sounds their footsteps and the distant, rhythmic dripping of water. Occasionally, they would pass other guards or robed figures who would immediately press themselves against the wall and bow deeply as Eren passed. The deference was unexpected, and Eren found it more unsettling than reassuring.
"They’ve heard about you," Sarah said suddenly, breaking the silence as they turned down yet another corridor. "We all have."
Eren glanced at her, noting the way her eyes darted nervously to his face before returning to the path ahead. "What exactly have you heard?" he asked, voice carefully neutral.