The Tale Of The Siren (Updates On Weekends) Rough Draft

11 - Spring Grove Asylum: Armand And Lou

Jacques, in shock, glanced at Belle. "Belle? What do you think?"

"Huh? Well... I agree with you and Soilel," she replied.

He nodded and faced his group.

"Let's do this!"

As the group walked through the hallway, they passed cells and listened to the begs for help from other patients. Jacques noticed Armand pull Belle aside and hand her a crumpled paper. After a moment, her rosy cheeks turned pale like a ghost.

The sound of her quiet sobs filled the hallway. Jacques felt a pang in his chest. He couldn't help but wonder what could have caused her such distress. His curiosity grew as he wanted to peek at the paper she was holding.

"Hey, Belle. How are you doing? You seem distant in this entire trip."

"Jacques," she lingered as she met his eyes. "I can't help but think about William. I miss him so much, and this paper Armand gave me, tells me he is in trouble."

"How do you know that?" he asked.

"Because of this letter. For the longest time, I had myself convinced he had forgotten or erased me from his mind. Now I see, that's not the case."

"Geez."

Belle glanced up at Jacques, "I found his letters in the attic where I had you sleep for a night. Regretfully, Father found me with them and took me downstairs. He threw every letter William wrote into the fire."

Jacques embraced Belle as she let out tears. "I'm so sorry," he whispered.

Soliel raised a hand. "Stop!"

"What's wrong?" Jacques asked as he and Belle rejoined the group.

"Nothing's wrong. Stay here and Lune and I will talk to the guards. Oh," Soliel passed Jacques a set of keys, "You need these to release the patients. Good luck."

"Thank you. What about the guards who wouldn't agree to help?"

"Just tell the patients to tie them up and bring them out of the asylum. We don't want any violence besides burning the building down."

"So, we are burning this place?" asked Gus.

"Yes, Jacques is right. This asylum won't last another year. It is better to demolish this building," replied Armand.

"I am glad we can finally agree on something," expressed Jacques.

"Well, I guess this means farewell for now. Good luck," said Soliel.

"You too," replied Jacques.

Jacques, Armand, and Gus were on a mission, darting along the darkened corridor, unlocking the cells one after the other. The tension was palpable as they worked quickly, racing against the clock to free unjustly imprisoned people.

Jacques's heart pounded harder with every second as the inmates grabbed torches and ropes. The excitement filled Jacques with adrenaline as he resumed the release of men and women. The riots rang through the halls as the rotting walls and floors fumed into flames.

"Armand here," Jacques yelled as he gave him the keys. "Release the remaining patients as I light more areas!"

"Oh, sure! Leave it to the strong and sturdy soldier for the conservative task," responded Armand.

Jacques gave Armand a cocky smile before running in the opposite direction. He had a torch in hand as he unlocked the last few cells. That should be all of them on my side. I wonder how the others are doing.

He grasped his flask and poured the remaining liquor on the ground as he tossed his torch. So long. As the adrenaline pumped through his veins, Jacques turned swiftly on his heels and sprinted towards the exit. His mind was racing, trying to process the events unfolding.

"Gus, Belle, Arieshell, let's get out of here!" he ordered.

"Hurry! Before this this place collapses down on us," Gus yelled.

As the asylum crumbled in a blaze of fury and defiance, the night sky seemed painted in hues of orange and red. A sense of both loss and liberation hung heavy in the air. Guards alongside patients stood in awe as a building full of despair and mistreatment faded. The asylum collapsed on itself.

"It's beautiful!" admired Arieshell.

Gus sighed. "I finally got to witness what this place truly deserved."

Jacques gave a worried glance.

"Well, I admit, it feels nice getting fresh air that I haven't had in a while," Armand acknowledged.

"That means we are free!" added Lou.

"Not yet! We need to take care of Uncle Henry first," responded Armand.

Jacques nodded and then looked in Belle's direction. Her eyes fixated on the monstrous flames. A small smirk appeared on her face.

"You seem content."

"Yes, if only William could see this view," she responded.

"Does he like destroying stuff?"

Belle chuckled. "No, he loves bonfires."

Ten minutes later, Jacques and his companions approached the carriage they arrived in. The coachman leaned against the carriage with one foot propped on a wheel while smoking his pipe.

"I thought you left?" asked Jacques.

The man took the pipe and laughed. "And miss this? Not a chance. Plus, I didn't want to depart without my payment."

"Well, I hope it's fine if we have two other people tag along?"

"That's fine if you pay for them too. I don't transport escapees for free," stated the man.

"What about Lune and Soliel?" questioned Arieshell.

"Not to worry, I told them the town's name. They're going on horseback," exclaimed Armand.

"Then, it's settled. Where am I dropping you off?"

"Whershie's Mannor," said Jacques.

The man nodded. "Everyone, get aboard!"