Chapter 7

There were people everywhere, milling about and going about their business. Some were humans, others were elves pointed ears, and there were even a few dwarves among them.

The woman led me through the crowded streets, her grip on my arm tightening with each step.

'I have to get out of here. I have to escape. I can't stay here.'

"Please, just let me go," I whispered.

The woman didn't respond. She just kept dragging me along, her eyes fixed straight ahead.

The crowds grew thicker, and the noise grew louder as we approached the center of the city. I could see a huge building up ahead, a tower made of stone and metal, its top disappearing into the darkness of the cavern's ceiling.

'The boss must be there.'

We approached the base of the tower, and I saw a group of people standing outside. They were all dressed in fine clothes, and they carried themselves with an air of arrogance and authority.

The woman dragged me over to the group, and the people turned to look at us. Their eyes were full of disdain, and I could feel their judgment washing over me.

'Who are these people? What is this place?'

"We're here to see the boss," the woman announced.

One of the men, a tall, muscular elf, stepped forward. "What do you want with the boss?"

"I've brought him a new recruit," the woman said, gesturing at me.

"Is that so?" the man asked, looking me up and down. "Let's see what you've got."

"Go on," the woman hissed, giving me a shove.

I stumbled forward, and the man caught me.

"Careful there," he said. "Don't want to hurt yourself before the boss even gets a chance to look at you."

My heart pounded in my chest as I stood before them, uncertain and terrified. The weight of their gazes was almost unbearable. I had no idea what awaited me inside the tower, but I knew one thing: I had to find a way out of this nightmare, and fast.

The elf's grip was firm but not harsh as he steadied me, his eyes still twinkling with a mixture of curiosity and amusement. The other members of the group watched silently, their expressions unreadable.

The elf gestured towards the entrance of the tower, a massive door made of intricately carved wood and reinforced with iron bands. It swung open with a creak, revealing a dimly lit hallway beyond.

"Follow me," the elf said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

With the rest, we moved into the tower, the heavy door closing behind us with a resounding thud. The hallway was lined with torches that cast flickering shadows on the stone walls. The air was cooler here, carrying a faint, musty scent.

As we walked, I could hear distant echoes of activity deeper within the tower—voices, the clinking of metal, and the hum of magic. The oppressive weight of the place pressed down on me, making it hard to breathe.

We finally reached a set of ornate double doors at the end of the hallway. The elf pushed them open as if it weighs nothing, and we stepped into a grand chamber. The room was vast, with high ceilings and walls adorned with tapestries depicting scenes of battle and conquest. At the far end of the chamber stood a throne made of dark stone, and seated upon it was a figure cloaked in shadow.

The woman pushed me forward, and I stumbled to my knees in front of the throne. I looked up, my heart pounding in my chest, and met the gaze of the figure on the throne. His eyes were like pools of darkness, cold and unyielding.