"Looks like we have the place to ourselves tonight."
"That's awesome." Lilith's voice cracked slightly as a happy smile curled her lips. Nestling herself against Florian, the young woman let loose a contented sigh. This had really been the perfect night. "I don't feel so guilty about making so much noise now." The girl giggled as she writhed her waist playfully against Florian. Leaning her head back, she puckered her lips before gently pecking the man on the lips. "I've never been the little spoon before." Lilith cooed as Florian draped an arm over her.
Lilith had never felt so warm, so safe, so loved.
"I could get used to this." She sighed as she closed her eyes. "Let's just stay this way, forever."
---------------------------
Dio's dining room was just as ornate as it had been the night before. The polished, glass chandeliers hanging above illuminated the room to such an absolute degree that Elizabeth could swear she saw white light standing in the air.
Raphael, the punctual and professional servant of the Basilio family, had escorted them wordlessly. There was a man who had been enthralled by Basilio's will completely. He would do anything his master demanded. Any agency he'd once had was naught. Dio owned his very soul now.
Elizabeth would never be like him.
To the young Lady's surprise, a second guest was waiting for them when they arrived. "Lady Maribel, Major Harel, this is Dr. Adrian Pym," Dio introduced them.
Dr. Pym took Elizabeth's hand in his own and kissed it. "It is my pleasure, Lady Maribel," he told her. He was older, but still quite handsome.
"The pleasure is mine, Doctor," she replied, inclining her head.
Once he and Asad had exchanged greetings as well the four of them sat down at the dinner table. The feast laid out before them was like nothing Asad had ever seen. Ham, so much ham!
Unfortunately, Elizabeth didn't have much of an appetite. Despite her brave face, she was quite terrified. She didn't know what Dio's and Pym's relationship was, but something about this strange, handsome man set her on edge.
It was his smile.
"So, tell me Major," Pym began, "do you miss your old squad? I imagine guard duty becomes tiresome after awhile."
Despite how on edge he was, Asad was thoroughly enjoying the food, albeit slightly less than if he were in different company. As Pym addressed him, Asad politely swallowed his mouth full of food, before placing his cutlry on the table and dabbing at his mouth with a napkin. "Protecting Lady Maribel is a great honour, doctor." Asad smiled warmly. "My comrades still require time to heal after their last mission, I'm only thankful that bed rest is all they require, it could have been much worse."
"I must say, I was very impressed with your team," Pym told him. "When I heard that the Cook was involved... well, I wasn't sure any could take him down. Now that I've spoken to the man, however, I see how human he really is."
Elizabeth gave the doctor a helpless look. "You mean he's still alive?" she asked.
"Only barely," Pym replied. "I, well... perhaps it's best not to discuss it here. It's sensitive information."
"No, it's fine," Dio said.
The two men exchanged looks before Pym turned back towards Asad and Elizabeth. "You saw him last night," Pym said. It wasn't a question.
"Yes."
"He's the only subject who has been able to resist the treatment," he told them. "He's a valuable case study if we can manage to extend his life just a little longer."
"Please, Doctor," Elizabeth whispered, "please don't make him suffer."
Pym pursed his lips. "I'm sorry M'Lady, but this is the way it has to be," he told her. "This is all necessary to ensure your sister's world becomes a reality."
Elizabeth narrowed her eyes. "What do you know of my sister?" she demanded.
"Not as much as I'd like, M'Lady," he replied simply.
Suddenly the allure of Asad's meal wasn't quite as appetizing as it was before. Glancing at Elizabeth before his gaze fell on Pym, the Major noticed that Elizabeth had barely touched her food, and she was pale as a sheet. "Perhaps this is not the best topic of conversation for the dinner table." The man said politely enough. "M'Lady seems quite distressed."
"
Your Lady seems quite fine to me, Major," Dio corrected him. His gaze was fixed on the soldier now. "You are her bodyguard, yes, but what makes you think she needs protecting from me or the good Doctor here?"
"Forgive me, M'Lord." Asad bowed his head apologetically. "That was not what I was implying, I was merely making a suggestion for a lighter topic of conversation." Asad held Dio's gaze, his expression neutral as he remained unphased.
'You know very well what I meant, asshole.'
Pym nodded. "I think the Major has a point, M'Lord," Pym agreed. "The grim fate of our prisoner is not exactly pleasant dinner conversation."
"Fine then," Dio relented with a frown.
Elizabeth looked between the three men, unsure of what to say. Maybe if she just shrunk in her seat and kept her mount shut they'd forget she was there.
"So," Pym began, "once these two have tied the knot do you intend to stay on as Lady Maribel's personal guard?"
"I must admit," Asad began "I have no idea what is to become of me as soon as M'Lord and Lady are wed." A small chuckle escaped the Major's lips. "Samsara is out of commission for the moment, and with Commander Saburo as M'Lord's bodyguard, I'm am unsure what is to become of me and my former squad mates." Asad took a small sip of wine. "Of course, I will dutifully perform as ordered, regardless of where I end up." The Major added.
"Is that right?" Dio interrupted. There was a dangerous look in his eyes. "You've served admirably thus far, but I have to question where your true loyalties lie."
Elizabeth knew where this was going. "M'Lord, I assure you that Major Harel has been nothing if not loyal to you," she told Dio.
"The Major can speak for himself," Dio snapped. Elizabeth withdrew and looked to Asad expectantly. "You know you can always come to me with any concerns, Major. I want my officers to feel fulfilled in their roles, of course."
Despite the anxiousness raising in the back of his throat, Asad maintained his composure. If he was going to convince Dio that he was genuine, then he'd need to stay calm. "Now that you mention it, M'Lord, Lady Lombardi did mention several things of concern, however, I do not know the Lady very well, is she usually so... competitive?" Asad allowed a small chuckle to escape his lips. "I suspect it was in jest, I never suspected her to have such a sharp sense of humour."
"She means to kill me," Dio announced bluntly. "Are you a part of her plot?"
Elizabeth's blood went cold. She couldn't pry her eyes away from Asad. What was he going to say?!
"M'Lord?" Asad furrowed his brow. "Are you sure? How did you come about such information? Does Commander Saburo know?" Asad expression creased with concern. "Sir, are you and M'Lady safe? Security measures should be increased immediately." Asad shook his head incredulously. "I apologise for my rudeness, M'Lord, it's just... this news has caught me completely offguard, why would Lady Lombardi plan such a thing?"
'That's it Asad, play the concerned soldier, don't let him know you'd rather be the one to put a bullet in his face.'
Dio did not look amused by Asad's concern. "Commander Saburo knows and we are taking the necessary security precautions," he told the man calmly. "As for how I know, well, Contessa is quite the blunt individual. She told me flatout; not that I hadn't already suspected it anyway."
Elizabeth watched curiously as something turned inside Dio's head. What was he thinking? Then she came up with an idea. "M'Lord," Elizabeth stammered, "perhaps I am overstepping my boundaries here, but would it not be wise for use to move to somewhere safer? If we can't just apprehend her while she's here, shouldn't we at least force her people out of the city and seek refuge somewhere less conspicuous."
"She makes a good point," Pym chimed in.
Dio groaned as frustration creased his brow. "It's cowardly," he told them. "I will not shy away from her threats. We must stand our ground and fight her."
Thank God.
Though she wasn't entirely sure it had worked, Elizabeth hoped that Dio's hatred of her would dismiss her logically sound plan. His pride and hubris would not allow him to submit to anyone out of fear, and she'd attacked that sensability head-on. She'd both ensured they'd remain in the tower until Contessa's attack came
and had protected herself and Asad from suspicion. Even still, she knew that wasn't all it would take to convince him they could be trusted.
"But perhaps, we should be more careful," Dio suddenly relented. "If we are to stand our ground and weather the storm, I need to ensure that all who stand by my side are ready to weather that same winds with me. I need to know that they will obey my command completely, and that they will not desert their charge when I need them most."
He stood up then with his piercing gaze set upon Asad. "Major Harel," he bellowed, "Lady Maribel has declared her intent to resist me. She blames me for the death of her sister and believes she's my prisoner."
Elizabeth rose from the table, quivering. "Wh-what are you doing, M'Lord?!" she demanded.
"SILENCE!" he roared. "I know you have come to care for her and she has come to rely on you, but Major, I need to know... who are you truly loyal to?"
Asad clenched his jaw as looked as he looked up at Dio. Ignoring Elizabeth's distress in the corner of his, the Major searched Basilio's face.
Be a good Basilio soldier. Elizabeth had said.
Calmly placing his knife and fork on his plate, Asad cleared his throat as he got to his and stood at attention. "I have always been loyal to Feroxi, and by extension, you M'Lod." Asad bowed his head slightly. "Ever since I was old enough to join the military, I see no reason why that would change any time soon."
"I apologize that I must test you in this way, Major," Dio confessed. Reaching into his jacket, he produced a long, jagged knife. Clearly this weapon was no meant for self-defense... or anything practical for that matter. Stepping around the table, the towering Lord handed the weapon to his soldier. "I have been needing to teach this young one a lesson for some time, but perhaps it should be you who teaches her on my behalf. Take this knife and cut her and do not stop until I say so. Prove to me that you are
my soldier."
Elizabeth's eyes widened. "Are you insane?!" she blurted. Clasping the back of her chair, she stepped back instinctively as if she were about to run for the door.
He placed his other hand on the man's shoulder and ignored Elizabeth's terror. "It will be for her own good, you understand," he explained to him. "Contessa is trying to get to her by offering gifts and power. I can give her the same, but she keeps refusing me. She needs to understand who I am, what I can do for her and..." He grinned at her cruely. "What I can do
to her."
Dr. Pym stood up in his chair. "Dio, this is--"
"I've made up my mind," Dio cut him off. "Do it, Major. Prove your loyalty to me."
Elizabeth couldn't pry her eyes away from Asad. The look in her eyes was pleading and desperate. Her worst fears were coming true.
At some point between revealing what he had in store for Elizabeth, and ordering Asad to use the knife, a white hot rage had enveloped Asad's mind. It was all he could do to not scream at Basilio in defiance.
'You goddamn sick son of a *****.' Asad clenched his jaw, almost reviling at the the touch of Basilio's hand on his shoulder.
"Sir?" Asad almost whispered the words as he averted his eyes. "How is harming the Lady a solution?" He dared not look at Elizabeth, not if he wanted any chance of keeping his composure. He looked up at Dio. "This isn't what I signed on for,
M'Lord."
He couldn't, there's no way he could, use that knife? That cruel looking knife on Elizabeth? Had the man lost his fucking mind?
"What did you sign on for if not to serve
me, Major?" Dio questioned. His tone was that of a spoiled child. "It's a message. Leaving her with a mark she will forever wear will ensure she never forgets what it means to defy me. It is a cruel honor, but it is yours to deliver. Fulfill your duty, Major."
Tears streaming down her face, Elizabeth couldn't even get a single cry past the knot in her throat. She looked to the Doctor. He was looking at her with a sympathetic frown. Despite how he might have felt about the situation it was clear he wasn't about to get involved.
"Forgive me,
sir, but surely there is a another way, one that does not require
torturing a young woman." Asad had clenched his fists at this point, his eyes boring into Basilio's
Dio's gaze grew sharper. Through his calm demeanour Asad could clearly see the madness behind his Lord's eyes. "I will ask you one last time, Major," Dio warned. "As I said before, I cannot afford to have my soldiers question my authority. Are you loyal to me or Lady Maribel? Choose now."
"Be a good Basilio soldier." The words echoed in his mind.
Slowly, Asad took the knife from Basilio, using every ounce of strength he had to not use the knife against Basilio. Pulling his eyes from Dio, Asad turned to face Elizabeth, his eyes widened as he took in the girl's distress.
For a moment he did nothing, just stood there, staring at her.
"What are you waiting for?!" Dio spat, his frustration boiling to the surface now. "Here, I'll show how to do it!" Taking Asad by the arm, he brought the soldier over to where Elizabeth stood.
She took an involuntary step backwards and groped for the blade that was not there. If she hadn't left her sword in her room she would have likely ran him through right then and there. Or... tried to at least. "Get away from me!" she pleaded, slashing the air in front of her with her hand.
Stepping inside her reach, Dio clutched her wrist, wheeled her around her chair and forced her into a sitting position on the table. When she reached out to claw at his face, he swatted her hand aside and slapped her. "FUCK YOU!" she spat as the two of them struggled. It wasn't long before he had her under control, however.
Looking to Asad, he signalled for him to take his place. "Hold her still like this and cut her," he instructed. "She'll try to fight it, but you should be able to overpower her rather easily."
The colour drained from Asad's face as he watched Basilio grapple with the girl. Every instinct in him was screaming, telling him to do something, to grab the sick fuck by the throat and smash his head into the wall until there was nothing left.
As Basilio motioned for Asad to take over, the Major stood dumbstruck for a few moments before slowly walking over to the pair, grabbing the girl as Dio instructed him.
Elizabeth continued to squirm, but her violent outburst calmed somewhat at Asad's touch. Her senses were clouded by grief and it took her a moment to fully realize what it was that was happening. He was looking at her now with the knife in his hand. Was he really going to do it?
Her mind betrayed her as it continued to succumb to crippling fear, but there was within her heart one final modicum of courage remaining, fighting to be heard amdist the deafening horror. She needed to reach out to Asad now. He was lost, unsure of what to do and struggling with a crisis he should have never been made to face. She had to be brave for him. She had to let him know it was okay. That this was the only way they could truly fight Dio.
But she also couldn't let Dio catch on to her farce. She couldn't let Dio see her acceptance. She had to struggle, she had to fight... with everything she had. If she didn't... all this pain and suffering would be for naught and Asad's life would be forfeit.
Dio had already stepped back to observe from a distance. He had that same smug grin on his face he was always so fond of. Asad held her down firmly, like Dio had told him to, but the knife was still at his side. She searched his eyes desperately, hoping he would get the message she was trying to send him.
Do it. I'm ready.
As Elizabeth struggled, knife held limply at his side, Asad searched the girl's face. As she squirmed under his grip, the Major clenched his jaw. One word, one word was all he needed and he'd turn and kill that sick ************.
'One word, kid, just one word.' His eyes pleaded.
Asad didn't get his word. Instead, for the briefest of moments, the girl's struggling calmed ever so slightly, her eyes lost some of their panic and were instead replaced with something else.
It took a moment to register before Asad knew exactly what he had to do.
'As you command.'
Tightening his grip around the knife, Asad's expression hardened as he brought the knife up. Pushing forward, he pinned the the girl against the table by her throat, her legs useless as Asad leaned forward over her, blocking them between the table and himself.
Slowly he brough the point of the knife down, lightly touching the point against her dress, below the ribcage on her right side. Slowing gliding the knife down towards her hip, Asad split her her dress open, using his knife hand, he tore the clothing open to reveal the girl's pale flesh.
At was at this point that any calm Elizabeth had disappeared, she began to whimper and shreik, raking her nails against the arm pinning her down as Asad brough the knife down once again. Locking eyes with Elizabeth, the girls could see the sorrow in them, if he weren't a soldier, he might have cried.
But he was a soldier. And soldiers did as they were told.
Pressing the knife into her flesh, the blade immediately drew blood, followed by Elizabeth's screams as he slowly moved the knife downwards. Slow, he had to be slow, or the this whole situation could get a lot worse. Flailing her arms, Elizabeth's nails cut Asad across the man's cheek. With nothing more than a wince, Asad continued, gripping Elizabeth tighter. He had to keep her steady, or she'd hurt herself.
The girl's screams caught in her throat as tears streamed down her face. Of all the things that Asad thought would kill him, this wasn't one of them, not this, not torturing a defenceless girl. It felt like his heart was being twisted inside his chest, choking the life from him as he continued to cut into the girl, working his way to her hip.
Elizabeth's desperate cries echoed through the empty corridors of Basilio's penthouse. She'd never in her life felt such acute and unrelenting pain. To have her flesh tear away from her and open up so slowly was something she never thought she'd ever experience. She felt violated, but worse still, every cell in her body told her she was dying. That primal, natural fear that boiled her blood was overwhelming and she wanted nothing more than to run away and hide from it all.
Somehow, as the full weight of reality came crashing down on her in as blatant a way as possible, Elizabeth had managed to find some semblance of clarity. She'd been succumbing to the agony of her torture until now; clawing at Asad, screeching and weeping behind closed-shut eyes. But then, as the knife cut deeper and farther across her abdomen, she opened her eyes.
The flailing had stopped as the knife slowed, and her screams had become whimpers. Though her breath was still ragged, she'd managed to silence herself. Tears streaming down across her cheeks, she found his eyes and in a quiet, weak voice, she whispered to him. "I-I'm so sorry."
Sorry? She was sorry? Here he was, cutting into her, holding her down, and parting her flesh, and
she was apologising? Glassy-eyed, Asad dared not say anything, for fear of something not all that dignified escaping his lips.
'I'm sorry too. I'm so sorry.'
Dio took issue with the sudden silence and approached the table. "More," he demanded.
Elizabeth looked at the blood-soaked knife as Asad pulled it out of her, eliciting a shrill cry from her trembling lips. Her eyes locked on the crimson blade, her entire body convulsed and shuttered in reluctant anticipation of the next cut.
Before Asad could continue, however, Dr. Pym stood up. "Enough of this, Dio," he told him. "He's proven himself loyal and the young Lady's heard you message loud and clear."
"Fuck that," Dio spat. "Again!"
"No!" Pym reiterated. "Let her go." His voice was calm but steely. Dio stared daggers into the man but did not reply. Then, he reached for Asad's hand and took his knife back. "Bind her wound and take her to the emergency room." Pym instructed, pointing to Elizabeth. "Hurry, she's losing blood fast."
"My office, now!" Dio commanded, pointing to Pym.
"Fine," he replied. And the two men were gone.
The door hadn't even been closed a second before Asad was upon the girl, his breath quickening as he tore of his shirt and held it against Elizabeth's side. Cradling her head, the man whimpered slightly. "I'm so sorry, Elizabeth, I'm so sorry, I..."
Elizabeth groaned in pain when he moved her head. Her arms now free, she pawed at the wound and got her fingers damp with blood. The pain was unbearable. "I-it h-hurts," she whimpered, squeezing her eyes shut as Asad applied pressure to her wound.
"I know kid, I know." Asad mumbled. "I'm going to get you to the medbay okay? Just try and stay awake for me, do you think you can do that for me?" He brushed the girl's hair from her clammy brow.
She nodded frantically. "Y-y-yeah," she croaked. There wasn't mush else she could say. Her mind was in a haze.
"Okay, gimme a sec." Rushing over to the dining table, Asad quickly grabbed his jacket before quickly making his way back over to the girl. "Okay kiddo, I gotcha." Draping his jacket over Elizabeth, he gently lifted her off the table, cradling her in his arms before exiting the room.
Walking as fast as he could without causing the girl any more discomfort, Asad moved quickly through the halls. Thankfully, they were empty at this time of night, he didn't much fancy the idea of explaining the situation. "It's okay Elizabeth, I've gotcha, everything is going to be okay, just stay with me okay?" He glanced down at Elizabeth, her skin was deathly pale.
"Okay, Asad," she whispered, her eyes barely open. Though her cheeks were stained red with tears, she didn't appear to be crying any longer. There was no doubt she was still in pain... perhaps she was even in shock, but there was an eerie calm to her demeanour. "I knew I could count on you." Her eyelids weighed heavily and just like that her head drooped and she lost consciousness.
"Elizabeth?" The man looked down at the girl. Pursing his lips, Asad's expression softened as fear gripped his chest. "Shit." He whispered to himself as he quickened his pace into a jog. "He'll pay for this, kid." The Major's eyes filled with anger as he held Elizabeth tightly against his chest. "I swear he'll pay."
