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It was too much to process.
Rolling to the edge of the bed, my feet made contact with the cold, smooth floor.
As I stood, the silken touch of the coat Thillak had given me brushed against my legs.
It was gentle and reassuring, but it was also a reminder of my current situation.
I couldn’t stay there.
Despite Thillak’s kind demeanor, I felt like a bird in a gilded cage.
I can’t stay here, in this prison.
I shouldn’t be here.
Silently, I tiptoed towards the door.
A quick glance showed it was unguarded.
The light outside my room was brighter, and I had to shield my eyes for a moment, the sudden luminosity causing my pupils to constrict rapidly.
I moved cautiously, my ears straining to pick up any noises.
The plush carpet muffled my every step as I crept through the roomy confines of the cell.
It was odd to call it that.
With its well-appointed furniture, tasteful art adorning the walls, and even a small kitchenette, it felt more like a luxurious apartment than a prison.
The bouquet of something floral and sweet wafted through the air, probably from some flower arrangement, providing an odd comfort amid the unfamiliarity.
Taking a deep breath to steady my nerves, I approached the door, expecting it to be locked or at least monitored.
As it hissed open, revealing the corridor beyond, I nearly gasped.
However, the unexpected sight that greeted me quickly turned my relief into anxiety.
Standing outside was an enormous guard.
He looked like a mix between an ogre and a rhinoceros, with thick blue-gray skin, multiple tusks protruding from his mouth, and piercing yellow eyes that studied me with unblinking interest.
Frozen in place, I waited for him to make the first move.
But instead of reacting with hostility or suspicion, the guard simply tilted his head and rumbled in a voice that vibrated the very floor. “Do you require assistance?”
His surprisingly polite inquiry caught me off guard, but I responded, trying to keep my voice from quivering. “I… I just wanted to go for a walk.”
“A walk?” The guard seemed slightly confused, then his expression shifted to one of understanding. “Ah, you need some time alone to think. This place can be overwhelming for newcomers.”
I nodded, swallowing hard. “Yes, exactly.”
The guard took a step back, making room for me to pass. “It can be dangerous to walk these corridors alone. I should accompany you.”
“Thank you, but I’ll be okay on my own,” I responded, trying to infuse confidence into my words.
He looked hesitant, the sharp lines of his features softening with concern. “Very well,” he rumbled, “but stay within the residential sectors. Avoid the lower levels. And if you need anything, just ask one of the guards and tell them you’re with Thillak.”
I’m with Thillak.
