Chapter 23: obedience is rewarded, disobedience is punished.
Night came In the Dim Candlelit Room
The room was sparse—empty, save for two chairs: one where Axelius sat, legs crossed and fingers tapping idly on the wooden armrest, and another positioned near the door, slightly distant from him. A single candle flickered on the floor between them, its flame casting shadows that danced along the stone walls. The silence was heavy, only broken by the occasional crackle of the wick.
Owen bounced on Axelius's shoulder, "You seriously doing this? I thought you forgot about it already,"
Axelius chuckled, leaning back comfortably. His grin stretched wider as he replied, "No way, I'll forget about it." His eyes gleamed with mischief, reflecting the candlelight. He rested his chin on his hand, waiting patiently.
A moment later, the door creaked open. Elias stepped inside, Draped over his back was the struggling figure of a maid, her hands bound tightly behind her back, her mouth silenced with a strip of silk cloth. Her eyes were wide with panic, darting around the room until they locked onto Axelius, who only smiled wider in return.
Elias carefully placed her onto the chair near the door, making sure she was secure before stepping back. The maid's chest heaved with shallow breaths, muffled sounds escaping her gag as she tried to speak. Axelius tilted his head, amused by her muffled attempts.
"As you requested, Young Master," Elias said calmly, bowing slightly.
"Perfect," Axelius replied, his voice almost cheerful. He leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees as he observed her closely. "I trust the trip wasn't too uncomfortable?" he mocked, his grin never faltering.
The maid's eyes flickered with fear and confusion, her shoulders tensed, and she instinctively tried to shrink back against the chair. Axelius's gaze didn't waver. He studied her expression for a moment, then glanced back at Elias.
"You may go, Elias. I think I can handle this part alone," Axelius said, waving his hand dismissively.
Elias hesitated for a fraction of a second before nodding, bowing again, and leaving the room, shutting the door quietly behind him. Silence fell once more and The candlelight flickered between them, stretching their shadows across the stone floor.