Chains Chapter 5

Having separated the very doors that had obstructed him before, he was now greeted by the splendor of the mansion’s interior, a hallway constructed of handcrafted tiles branded with emblems and of sparkling pillars and chandeliers that exuded regality like no other. But his eyes were immune to their artistry, and far was he from being charmed by any of these, for in the middle of the hallway, perfectly placed between the rows of jeweled pillars, stood his prize and what he had come all this distance for.

She was as beautiful as he could have ever imagined her to be, surrounded by an air of aristocracy that he always felt incapable of emulating, just like before. Her elegant gown wrapped itself around her physique so perfectly, accentuating her womanly lines and curves, and mesmerized by her captivating silhouette, he was once again reminded that she was no longer the girl whom he used to climb trees with from the days of his childhood, but was now a lady of standing, who in the same manner as he, was enslaved by her own set of chains.

Her eyes were wide with surprise, and her satin glove, daintily placed over her rouged lips in an attempt to hide her shock, as long had it been since she had extinguished any expectation or hope of ever seeing him again. But now, to her mansion of gray he had come, tardy as always, with that same look in his eyes from faded years of the past, full of passion and overflowing with foolish courage, and immediately, without need for explanation, she understood the purpose of his coming.

Saddled by uncertainty, he paused at the doorway once again, and for the first time today, considered carefully the grave consequences of his actions thus far in intricate detail. But he knew in his heart that the decision had already been made, and with that understanding, he took the first step toward her, backed up by nothing other than a tiny drop of faith.

The first step he took, small as it might have been, led to another, and then another, and then another, and his chains, shivering in fear, rattled each time the soles of his tarnished leather shoes met the spotless tiles of the reflective mansion floor. One step at a time he continued, his confidence building with each second, and straight toward her, unwavering in thought and deed, he steadily advanced until she was right there within the grasp of his tired, weathered hands.

As he gently seized her wrist, he completely enveloped the shackles that bound her with his own hands and their eyes met momentarily, his shining brightly with hope and reassurance, but hers still glazed with disbelief. Yet now was not the time to be indecisive, and without saying a word, he turned around and started to run toward the open doors of the mansion through which he had entered earlier, only this time, not alone, but with her following closely behind him hand in hand.