[TBATE] -More Than One Godspell-

---AFTER CHAPTER 420 IN THE ORIGINAL STORY ---

Caera Denoir

Lance Bairon then left with the dwarves. their footfalls gradually fading until they were no longer audible. I released a sigh, proceeding towards the wall opposite the rusty cell door. Sitting on the ground, I leaned against the decaying wall, ignoring the fact that the pristine white of my shirt would surely be stained with more stubborn dirt that would be difficult to clean.

Glancing down at my wrists, which are still bound with the broken manacles from Alacrya.

"..."

This sucks...

So this is what it feels like to be in prison. Exceedingly dull.

I couldn't help but ponder how the inmates manage to pass their time in such a place.

Never did I imagine I would end up behind those bars, and yet, here I am.

'Everything is going to be fine, Caera.' I murmured, seeking reassurance. Another sigh escaped past my lips as I drew my knees to my chest and wrapped my arms around them. Slowly, a wave of drowsiness swept over me.

A brief nap wouldn't hurt, I thought, noticing my vision blurring as my eyelids grew heavy. Finally, I closed my eyes, allowing myself to surrender to sleep.

***

A faint echo of footfalls stirred me from my slumber, their rhythm growing steadily louder and reverberating through the desolate corridors.

Could it be Grey? I mused, rubbing my eyes, which are still weighed down by the remnants of sleep.

The footfalls amplified, growing increasingly louder until, at last, a man of my age came to a stop in front of my cell. He was clad in lightweight armor, his raven-black hair starkly contrasting against his golden eyes. As our gazes met, an unspoken challenge hung heavily in the air, locking us in a silent duel.

"..."

"..."

The silence stretched on as we continued to stare at each other without saying a word until he decided to shatter it. "Woah! You have real horns! That's awesome! I really like how it looks a lot like a dark crown on your head. It's really cool!" His voice echoed loudly through the empty corridors, filling the space with his unfiltered awe.

Utterly astonished, my eyebrows arched at his unexpected reaction to my appearance. "Pardon?" A flicker of amusement tugged at my lips, crafting a small, bemused smile on my face as I responded.

"O-Oh sorry. It's just... I've never seen someone with such cool horns on their head before." He offered an explanation, an awkward smile playing on his lips as he sheepishly scratched his head.

"No, it's alright... Thank you," I responded softly, my voice carrying a hint of gratitude.

"A-and I'm Barry, by the way, Barry Warden." He stammered slightly as he introduced himself.

"Caera of Highblood Denoir" 

"...Highblood?" He echoed, carrying with it an air of profound curiosity, as though I were a being from an entirely different realm "Is it like family???"

"Uhh... Yea, unlike Dicathen, we use the word 'Blood' to refers to our 'family'. The named Bloods are like 'nobles'," I clarified.

"Alacryan's culture sure sounds interesting." Barry mused, slowly sinking to the ground in front of the iron bars. He didn't seem to care about the confined space, appearing quite at ease.

I contemplated moving closer to him but reconsidered, choosing to remain where I was, worried that he might recoil if I approached.

"May I ask why you're here?" I inquired, "I am well aware that the cell is magically warded and locked. Escape appears unlikely, as you can see."