Interlude 2

Shadows

The single flame danced gracefully as he gently twitched his finger around the small purple light. He sat amongst the silken pillows, playing the solitary lamp until it’s life giving oil ran out from it base. He stopped for a moment, he sensed an unknown shadow walking silently behind him.

He flicked his fingers and one by one, dozens of candles illuminated the large dark room, setting an eerie ambiance around them. The shadow slowly formed a hooded figure standing in front of him.

“Seemed you haven’t lost your touch.” a woman’s voice.

 “I was not expecting you here.” He said calmly.

A malevolent smile formed on her lips, clearly visible on her half exposed face beneath the hood. She gently walked toward him.

“Is that the way you address your queen, Yue.”

He frowned.

“What? It’s been so long that you’re not even familiar with your name, hmm?” it was followed by a graceful yet sinister laugh.

 “What do you want?”

“I was just quite intrigued by your mortal. She’s is doing quite well in resisting isn’t she.”

“It’s none of your business.”

“Everything is my business, my love,” She laughed, “May I remind you that we are not permitted to interfere.”

He clenched his fist tightly. Then what good are we?

“Be good like your brothers and sisters my love,” She walked away gracefully to the unlit part of the room “I’ll be watching.”

She her hand swayed swiftly and candles began to unlit one after another until the solitary lamp remained.