Time ✔️

Chapter Six

Word Count: 1587

~Rosie

As Time holds my arm tightly, everything around us disappears.

It's a very overwhelming feeling as the world falls out from under me. I scream, but my voice is swallowed up by a rushing sound in my ears. Before I could even gasp for another breath, my feet hit ground underneath me, pitching me forward. Right before I hit the ground, my arm is grabbed and I'm pulled to a stop.

Yanked up, I growl, pushing myself away from the immortal who decided to save me from a bruised face. He doesn't let go, grinning down at me in a way that's almost sinister. No matter how hard I push at him, it's worth nothing.

"I think I quite like saving you," he murmurs, to which I only sneer at him. He may have brought me here, but I'm not going to adhere to his games.

"I don't need your help," I snap.

Finally, he lets me go, letting me stumble back a few steps. Brushing at my clothes, I adjust myself. I don't need saving by a proud faced immortal who thinks he can control me. He did, however, bring me here, to the middle of nowhere, to keep me as his slave. Maybe that's an over exaggeration, although it does feel fitting.

"Where have you taken me?" I question. The landscape is a stretch of swamp. Wading through it would be costly, however I would be willing to take the risk. Above me the sky is a steel grey, imposing and somewhat depressing.

Time grins loosely, looking devilishly sly with his hands shoved casually in his pockets. "This is my home. Turn around."

I oblige him, spinning on my heels.

Around me, all I see is a far expanse of swamp lands, that looks impossible to escape on foot. Right in the middle of my field of view, is a tall house, rather slender and formidable looking. It's dressed in all black paint, built from the ground up with impressive carved wood. It looks abandoned, though, windows sealed tightly, doors remaining shut.

"Am I meant to be impressed?" I comment, raising a skeptical eyebrow at him. He moves to stand in front of me as I glower at him. If I'm expected to live here for who knows how long, I can't say I'm too excited. This place doesn't look in the best condition.

"I consider this place my oasis away from the rest of the world. I keep this glamour on to trick other immortal visitors. This isn't what it truly looks like," he tells me.

I place my hands on my waist, impatient.

Time winks at me, and all of a sudden, my vision is clouded by blinding light, causing me to turn away. It takes a few moments for sight to return to me, as I glance back up at the manor. The dark home that's foundation was once dug deeply into the ground, has been replaced by a large building - practically a chateau - the grounds underneath my feet now a manicured lawn, rather than a swamp.

"Welcome to my real home," Time greets, motioning for me to follow him down the driveway to the front door. I do so, one foot tentatively in front of the other. In the air, the tangy taste of magic lingers. He truly is powerful.

The exterior of the house is covered by large mullioned windows that tinted dark and somewhat aggressive.

I hate it here already, as stunning as it might seem.

"Might I note, this place doesn't make me feel any better about being here," I growl, as Time steps inside, motioning for me to follow suit. Inside, I feel small scale compared to the looming high ceilings decorated with carvings that depict something otherworldly. Under my feet, glossy oak wood floor tinted midnight black.