Star Crossed In Time

Guozhi looks at me with a dark smirk before slowly getting up and walking to me. I pull against the ropes again but he still doesn't budge. If anything, I'm just cutting the skin around my wrists! My heart races in fear as he comes to a stop before me.

He slowly bends down and looks into my eyes. "I've never seen someone with green eyes before..." His dark eyes then go to my forehead before he says "You are indeed full of surprises..." He slowly reaches out making me stiffen into stone.

His thumb gently brushes against my cheek and when he pulls away, it's bloody. His dark eyes watch me closely as he says "You look quite good in red..." He then grabs a piece of my silver hair between his fingers.

He twists the lock of hair around his finger as he says "What should I do with you, bunny? I've never had a pet before..." I frown at his words before leaning away from him and saying "Who's your damn pet? Why don't you start by untying me!"  

His dark eyes flash with amusement as he says "I think I'll keep you in those for the night. I'm rather tired so I don't want to have to keep checking on you." He then stands up and ties my necklace around his neck before pulling off his clothes.

My eyes widen in shock as I quickly look away saying "Um... you're tired right? Why don't you just rest for the night? I... I can even give you a shoulder rub or something... you know to help you relax..." I say scooting further and further away.

He chuckles before laying on the bed next to me causing the whole bed to dip. He grabs the ropes holding me and pulls me back onto the bed next to him as he says "Just shut up and let me sleep. I haven't slept in three days..." I lay on my side with my back facing him in complete silence.

I look over to the open window with a burning desire to run but I lay still and bid my time. If he hasn't slept in three days, once asleep, he'll be knocked out. I should be able to make an escape then! I lay as still as stone as I listen to his even breathing. The setting sun slowly disappears leaving everything in darkness. Nothing but a lone candle lights the room, washing everything in a warm, dim light.  

My left arm is completely numb from laying on it for so long but I refuse to move. After what feels like ages, I finally move a little. I test the waters and slightly move to the edge of the bed..... Nothing. His breathing remains the same so I gently move over some more before pausing to listen.

His breathing remains even so I wiggle over again but this time, he suddenly pulls me back by the ropes while saying "Try it again and I'll cut your limbs off." I freeze and slowly deflate in defeat. Why!? Whyyyyyy!??? Bai Lei was scary but never like this... 

I look out the open window and at the stars in the night sky. This was not what I had in mind... I thought I would pop over here and run straight to Bai Lei... I never expected the palace to be destroyed and for Bai Lei to be gone!  

Anger and regret burn through me as I lay in silence. Crickets outside sing their songs as I try to think of something but as the night deepens, my eyes become heavier. Packing for the last week has really tired me out and now this... before long, I drift off into a dreamless sleep.

When I wake up the next morning, I find Guozhi sitting at the table, eating his food while watching me sleep. I groan and turn away from him causing him to smirk. "I'm surprised you didn't cause more trouble last night. If I'm not mistaken, you were quite comfortable sleeping next to me, bunny."

I grit my teeth in irritation as I say "Don't flatter yourself, I was tired..." My shoulders scream in pain as my arms tingle from the lack of blood flow. I hear the chair scrape against the floor before Guozhi pulls me to him by the ropes.  

I bite my lips at the pain but soon the ropes are untied, freeing my arms. I slowly pulls them forward and gently squeeze them. They hurt so bad! I slowly sit up and look at my wrist with a frown. They were an angry shade of red with a fresh set of bruises. 

Guozhi walks back over to the table and says "Come eat before we leave. Once we're on the road, we won't stop and eat again until tonight." I turn around and glare at him as I rub my sore wrists. His dark eyes glance at my wrists before pointing at the food on the table.

"Do I need to help you eat?" He says with a dark grin. I push off the bed and grab a few grapes before popping them into my mouth. His eyes dance with laughter as he goes back to eating. To be honest, I wasn't hungry. My stomach was in knots! 

I still had no idea how to get out of this predicament! "I have a woman coming to help you clean up and get dressed. You have thirty minutes or I come to do it myself." He says standing up from the table. I look at the glass vial around his neck with longing. I'm starting to regret my decision in coming back to this world...