Joan

Chapter LIII

My fall through the strange mirror vortex wasn't as dreadful as I expected it to be. In fact, it was like tripping through an entryway. I literally almost smack face first into the ground because I didn't have enough time to properly break my fall. So yeah, my arms are kinda hurting right now, but my face thanks them because this cobblestone ground doesn't look friendly.

Collecting my bearings, I brush myself off as I get to my feet and look around. My new location is a lot more open than my previous one, that's for sure. I must be back in the palace because it's empty in here, though the vibe and appearance of the massive room are quite different from the oriental theme the rest of the palace flaunted- hell, there aren't even plants scattered around. It's more medieval with its soaring high, stone ceiling and dark, hostile vibes. Apparently the designer of this room had an argument about how many stone pillars were too many because there are rows of them as if they're all needed to support the heavy, stone ceiling. I will say, one thing that catches my eye is the colorful and intricate stain glass dome ceiling and windows that allow the light in- it reminds me of the stained glass in the Methodist church back at home, except on a grander scale, like something you'd see in the Vatican or whatever.

Since the room is so empty and big, my footsteps echo endlessly off the walls as I slowly begin to wander around the space. At first glance, there's nothing much to see or inspect except the bright, colorful windows. But I'm brought to attention by a booming voice, made even louder by the echo in the room.

"Look who has finally decided to join us."

This is it, this is the moment. My hand flies to the hilt of my sword as I grit my teeth and turn around in his direction.

Sitting on the only piece of furniture in the room- a rather unassuming throne- is none other than the white-haired snake himself, Tymos. Though he's kinda farther from the light brought in from the windows, the shadows shrouding him partly, I can still see a look of twisted pleasure on his face.

"You should be proud," He begins, not even having to yell since his voice travels through the room with ease. "You have gone through so many obstacles in the past few days, more than most would suffer through."

"Isn't this getting old for you?" I reply, starting to pull out my sword. "I got here, I won, now save the monolog for someone who cares."

He merely chuckles, but unlike his usual unbothered laughs, this one is laced with something more noticeably malicious.

I roll my eyes. "Where are the others?"

"Ah, yes. I'm sure you have missed their presence. I think now is the perfect time for a reunion."

As if a magical cloak has just been lifted off, three cages materialize around him, all of them hanging from the ceiling like birdcages.

"Joan!"

I'm relieved to see them all safe. But my attention immediately goes to the cage highest off the ground, whose lone occupant cried out to me.

"Brent." I breathe the biggest sigh of relief in my life. He looks unharmed, which is good. I feel like I haven't seen or heard his voice in ages.

The others look unharmed as well and as relieved to see me as I am to see them.

Alright, I'mma be honest, I don't know how I was expecting this to play out, but by now I have my sword out and am approaching him as if I know what I'm doing.

"Let them go," I demand boldly- perhaps too boldly for a girl without a plan and a dull sword in hand, but I'm tired of these games.

"It would bring me no greater pleasure," He coos, shifting casually on his throne. "But I don't feel you have properly...captured the moral of our little game."