Page 20 of Veil of Dreams

We lay waste to everything in our path, leaving a trail of destruction in our wake. The once proud buildings of this dark elf city collapse beneath our relentless onslaught, and the narrow, winding streets are soon stained crimson with the blood of our enemies. It's chaos, pure and unadulterated.

The dark elves flee in terror, their screams music to my ears. I can't help but grin as I swing my battle-axe, relishing the feel of it slicing through the air and cleaving into flesh and bone. My crew follows suit, their weapons flashing in the dim light as they cut down anyone who dares to stand in our way.

I can feel the power surging through me, the thrill of battle and the lust for blood driving me forward. I'm in my element, a force of nature unleashed upon this unsuspecting city.

But even amidst the chaos, I never lose sight of my goal. Cassia is out there somewhere, and I won't rest until I find her. I'll tear this city apart brick by brick if I have to, until I have her safe and sound in my arms once again.

I lead my crew through the city, leaving destruction in our wake. We're unstoppable, a force of nature. And then, I see it. A manor, looming over the city like a dark cloud.

I know, deep in my bones, that she's there. I can feel it.

"This way," I growl, pointing towards the manor.

My crew follows me, their weapons ready. We're going to tear this place apart until we find her.

17

CASSIA

"Ah!"

I jolt awake, gasping for breath as a shock of freezing water douses me. My heart races as I struggle to make sense of my surroundings. The cage bars dig into my skin as I thrash against them, but it's no use. The servants have me out before I can even fully comprehend what's happening.

"Stop fighting, you little wretch!" one of them snarls, yanking me to my feet.

I'm still dazed and disoriented, but I can't let them do this to me. I kick and scream, trying to break free from their iron grip. But they're too strong, and there are too many of them.

They drag me to a nearby table and force me onto my back. I feel helpless and exposed as they begin to clean me, roughly scrubbing my skin with coarse cloth. The water is ice cold, and I can't stop shivering.

"Hold still!" one of them barks, as I try to squirm away from their touch.

I can't believe this is happening. I've always known my place in this world, but I never thought it would come to this. Mydreams have opened my eyes. Gorthak has shown me… that I don't deserve this.

As they finish cleaning me, they start to dress me in a white, scanty outfit. It's barely enough to cover me, and I feel more exposed than ever. I try to protest, but my voice is hoarse from screaming, and they ignore me anyway.

"Come on, let's go," one of them says, grabbing my arm and pulling me to my feet.

I stumble after them, my legs weak and unsteady. They drag me through the halls of the manor, past the other servants who stare at me with a mix of pity and disgust. I can't meet their eyes. I'm too ashamed.

Finally, we arrive at the living room of the Master's manor. It's a grand, opulent space, with high ceilings and ornate furnishings. But all I can focus on is the group of dark elves gathered around a table, laughing and drinking.

They turn to look at me as I'm dragged in, and I can feel their eyes raking over my body. I want to disappear, to fade into the shadows and never be seen again. But I know that's not an option.

"Ah, here she is," one of them says, a cruel smile spreading across his face. "The little human pet."

I feel a surge of anger and defiance, but I force it down. I can't let them see how much they're affecting me. I have to stay strong, no matter what they do to me.

But as they begin to approach me, I can't help but feel a sense of dread creeping over me. I don't know what's going to happen next, but I know it's not going to be good.

I try to pull away, but their grip on me is too strong. "Get your hands off me!" I spit, trying to sound braver than I feel.

One of the dark elves chuckles, his eyes gleaming with malice. "So much spirit."

Another one steps forward, his hand reaching out to touch my face. I flinch, trying to dodge his touch, but he's too quick. He grabs my chin, forcing me to look at him. "You're going to be a lot of fun," he sneers.

I feel a surge of anger rising up inside me. I won't let them do this to me. I won't be their plaything. I ball my hands into fists and lash out, hitting one of the dark elves in the chest.

He stumbles back, surprised, and for a moment, I think I might have a chance. But then the others are on me, their hands grabbing at my arms, my legs, my hair. I scream, trying to fight them off, but it's no use.