Unanswered Prayers

 Complete and utter darkness surrounded me. The air smelled damp and musty. I could hear the sound of water dripping down the walls. It was pooling on the floor next to me in a stagnant puddle. 

I pulled fruitlessly on the chains that held my wrists above my head. The metal cuffs bit into my wrist but did not give an inch. After a few more angry pulls, I gave up. 

Hanging my head in defeat, I sent a silent prayer to whoever or whatever was listening. 

“Don’t pray. Whatever the fuck you do, do not pray, because the ones that are listening, you do not want them to answer.” said a gruff voice from the darkness. 

I yelped in surprise, realizing for the first time that I had no idea who or what was in the darkness. 

“Wh-who is listening?” I stuttered. 

All I heard in response was a brief grunt. 

I leaned back against the wall and tried to remember how I had gotten here. The last thing I remembered was turning the key in my apartment door, then a shooting pain in the back of my head, and everything went black. 

I wracked my brain for further memories but all I managed was a headache behind my eyes. Eventually, I drifted into a fitful sleep. I don’t know how much time passed, but when I awoke my mouth felt dry and my stomach began to rumble. 

I heard the unmistakable sound of keys jingling as they entered a lock, followed by the groan of metal hinges. My breath hitched in my throat as I strained to see through the pitch-blackness. I couldn’t make out a thing. 

I called out, “Who’s there? Show yourselves!”

Silence greeted my demand. I tried to stand from my seat on the dirty floor but was unable to get my footing without the use of my arms. 

The hair on the back of my neck stood up as I felt a presence above me. I could feel eyes on me, but still could not see. I peered up into the darkness, looking for any semblance of what was above me. 

Fluorescent lights abruptly turned on above me. I blinked heavily trying to adjust to the blinding light and get rid of the shape of the bulbs that were burned into my corneas. 

Before I could gain my bearings, a tall figure stepped into my line of sight. He had severe features and a scar running across his left eye. His long hair was done in a plait down his back, exposing his long pointed ears. 

I rattled my chains fruitlessly trying to escape. I knew why I was here and knew also that my situation was much more dire than it had been a moment ago. 

Sensing my panic the elvish man stepped closer with a sinister smile on his face. His eyes filled with malice, he leveled his face with mine. 

“You know why you’re here?” he sneered. 

I nodded, my voice failing me. 

“Then you will have no problem giving us what we seek.” 

He unlocked my shackles and pulled me to my feet. I tried to protest but no words would come out and my body was too weak to put up any sort of fight. Somehow my numb legs carried me to the door as he roughly pulled at my aching arms.

He led me down a dimly lit corridor that twisted and turned until I was completely lost. Eventually, we came to a large wooden door. He raked the long fingernail of his index finger down the door. The door immediately swung inward exposing a lavishly furnished room. 

He guided me towards a burgundy velvet settee with ornately carved mahogany legs. I sat down none to gracefully, my legs thankful for the respite. The door closed heavily, the latch making a loud click as it locked into place. My surroundings may have changed greatly, but I was still a prisoner. 

He passed me a golden goblet with a deep crimson liquid inside. 

“Drink” he urged. “Eat, you must be hungry. 

He gestured towards the tray on the side table filled with petit pastries. I eyed them warily. My grandmother had frequently warned me of accepting food or drink from the fae. My stomach rumbled aggressively in protest, but I heeded the warnings of my childhood. 

He took a seat on the settee next to me, much too close for comfort. I attempted to scoot away but only managed to spill the contents of the goblet down the front of my dress. 

I could see him smirk, but he said nothing. 

“Let’s get this over with,” I said abruptly. Not wanting to prolong my fate any longer. I would soon be a shell of my current self, but at this point, there was no avoiding it. 

He nodded, placed his fingertips on my temples, and closed his eyes. The pain was blinding, like a thousand red hot pokers being inserted into my temples. My head exploded as all my memories and knowledge were absorbed through his fingertips. 

I briefly tried to fight the deluge that was vacating my mind, but it was no use. My last conscious thought was one of defiance. My battle may be lost, but the war was not won.