Page 8 of Labyrinth of Broken Vows
The knights surged forward, their futile efforts merely adding to my amusement. I relished the chaos as they flailed, swords clashing against my army that now flowed in front of me to meet their attacks. Chaos erupted around me as the knights scrambled to retaliate. But they were clumsy, uncoordinated, their desperation only adding to my amusement. My army ofwarriors, their crow heads striking fear in the eyes of these “heros”, moved with swift precision. One knight swung his sword wildly, desperation evident in his eyes, but I was quicker. I sidestepped his clumsy attack, my blade thrusting forward again, this time finding purchase in the soft flesh of his throat.
A gurgling scream escaped his lips as I twisted the sword, pulling it free with a wet, satisfying slurp. Blood gushed forth, painting the stone walls of my maze, the sight invigorating me. "Do you see now?" I called out to the remaining knights, my voice a low growl. "Your valor is nothing, I am in your head, you’ve lost already.”
The battle raged around me, a chaotic dance of death and destruction. I relished every moment, every pained scream, every flicker of fear in their eyes. The knights fought valiantly, but they were outmatched, surrounded by my relentless crows who plunged into the fray with a ferocity that left no room for mercy.
"Fools!" I roared, cutting down another knight with a swift slice, his body collapsing like a marionette with severed strings. "You are pawns!”
Just as the tide of battle seemed to turn in my favor, two of my crow warriors appeared, dragging Sir Henry towards me, his face bruised and battered. "Ah, how delightful!" I exclaimed, my eyes glinting with anticipation."Ah, Sir Henry," I called, feigning surprise. "How delightful to see you here, so far from your king’s embrace! I have long awaited this moment." My voice was smooth, laced with menace, as I stepped closer.
"You don’t even know me! Release me you coward." he spat, defiance flickering in his eyes despite the blood trickling from his brow.
I chuckled, stepping in closer, relishing his futile bravery. "Oh, but I do know you, and how I long to make yousing." I added,my voice lowering dangerously, "You’re going to sing for me now, little bird."
With two precise strikes, I struck him in the face, the impact sending him reeling. "Oh that felt really bad didn’t it," I declared, watching as he slumped, weakened by the blows. Blood marred his features, the sight is one I wish she could see. One she will see, soon.
"Take him to my castle," I commanded, my voice echoing through the chaos. "Lock him away. I’ll deal with him shortly." I paused, allowing a cruel smile to spread across my lips. "But first, I have a battle to finish. Let us see how many more of your knights possess the courage to face me."
With renewed ferocity, I plunged back into the fray, my sword carving through the remaining knights like a scythe through wheat. They began to falter, the tide of battle turning against them as the realization of their impending defeat settled in.
"Flee, then!" I shouted, my voice ringing with authority. "Return to your king with your tails tucked between your legs! Let him know the Maze King does not seek peace with the likes of you. I got what I came for."
One by one, they broke and scattered, their cowardice laid bare before my gaze. The maze had claimed them, as I had planned. With every knight who fled, I solidified my reign and prepared for the true conquest that awaited. I have a new toy waiting for me. Let’s see how pretty he sounds when he sings.
The victory still tingled in my veins as I strode through the grand entrance of my castle, the heavy doors slamming shut behind me with a resonating thud. A wave of satisfaction washed over me at the sight of him, caged and helpless, the proud knight reduced to a mere captive in my domain.
As I approached the iron cage, both Henry and I rushed toward each other, our eyes locking in a fierce battle of wills. In that instant, I could see the man he really was—a patheticcoward hidden behind layers of bravado and false righteousness. I relished the tension, the satisfaction blooming within me as I landed a solid punch through the bars, the impact sending him staggering back, shock etched on his bloodied face.
"Wow, your face really likes my fist," I taunted, the satisfaction of my blow curling my lips into a cruel smile. I stepped closer, reveling in the way he struggled to regain his composure. "Ouch, you’re bleeding.. A real mess, aren’t you?"
His hands reached up to his mouth, the crimson droplets spilling between his fingers,“Why me?” he spat, wiping the blood from his mouth, confusion and rage mingling in his eyes. “Why did you choose me as your prisoner?”
I leaned closer, the intoxicating taste of power swirling around me like a dark mist. “Oh, Henry, you really don’t understand, do you? This isn’t about you; it’s about her.”
Confusion contorted his features, a comical expression that only fueled my delight. “Who? Who are you talking about?” He stared at me, bewildered, as if I’d just spoken in a language he couldn’t comprehend.
With a sly smile creeping across my lips, I savored the moment. “Ah, I see we both have a nasty little habit, don’t we? Caging up fragile little birds—things weaker than us—so we can toy with them, manipulate them to our will.” I leaned back slightly, letting the words hang in the air like a thick fog, watching as realization flickered in his eyes. “But here’s the thing, Henry,” I continued, my voice dripping with sarcasm, “you’re a pathetic excuse for a warden. I’m not just any predator; I know how to nurture those little birds, how to let them soar instead of forcing them to stay trapped in a gilded cage.”
Henry’s eyes narrowed, fury twisting his face, but I could see the fear lurking behind that mask. I could practically taste it. He opened his mouth to speak, but I cut him off, taking a slow, deliberate step closer to the cage.
“You know,” I mused, letting my gaze drift lazily across his bloodied face, “I’ve been watching her for some time now. Watching you too. Every slap, every bruise, every broken piece of her spirit... I’ve seen it all, Henry. But don’t worry, I’m not here to lecture you. I’m here to take what’s mine.”
His knuckles turned white as he gripped the bars, trying to meet my gaze with defiance. But I could see him unraveling, see the cracks forming beneath the weight of the truth.
“She’s not yours,” he spat, but his voice lacked conviction.
I laughed, a low, dangerous sound. “Well, Henry. That’s where you’re wrong. You’ve had her body—bruised and beaten—but her soul? That was never yours to claim.” I stepped forward, my eyes flashing with cruel amusement. “She’s been slipping through your fingers all this time, and now, she’s mine. The little bird you thought was too broken to fly? She’s about to soar, right into my arms, into my bed, and you will witness it all.”
He lunged at the bars, the desperation in his movements almost pitiful. “You think you can take her from me?”
“I already have.” I tilted my head, letting my words drip with cold certainty. “You’ve done all the work for me, really. You made her hate you, despise the very air you breathe. And now, I’ll be the one to show her what true power feels like. What it’s like to be cherished, worshiped, adored.” I flashed him a mocking grin, relishing the look of rage and confusion that crossed his face.
“Shut up!” he snarled, gripping the bars so hard I thought they might bend.
“Touched a nerve, did I?” I taunted, leaning in closer. “You know, it must be so emasculating to realize that all your beatings, all your threats, amounted to nothing. That deep down, she was always dreaming of a way out. Of me. You thought you could break her, but you only strengthened herresolve.” I lowered my voice, letting the final blow sink in. “And I’ll be the one to set her free.”
His eyes flickered with uncertainty, the truth settling in like a poison he couldn’t spit out. I grinned wider, watching his rage burn into something desperate, something powerless.
“You’re nothing, Henry,” I whispered, my voice smooth as silk. “And soon, she’ll see that too.”
