I lift my neck, forcing myself to look around despite my vision not entirely in focus.
That's when I see them.
Those damn red-robed figures, hoods pulled low, standing in a circle around me. They're not moving, just staring at me, or so it seems, as their faces are hidden.
Fear tries to get me to sit up, but I can't, my muscles screaming against the restraints. Panic comes back in a huge wave, though I'm not sure it ever left.
"What—" My voice sounds dry. I swallow hard and try again. "What the hell is this?"
No one moves or answers.
My fear feels suffocating now. I twist my wrists against the ropes, ignoring the burn as the fibers dig into my skin.
"Fucking lunatics!" I yell, thrashing as hard as I can. "Untie me now!"
Still nothing.
And then, as if on cue, every hooded head turns and looks upward.
I follow their gaze.
Above me, the Phantom King is still standing on the second-level balcony walkway that overlooks this chamber.
For a fearless leader, he hasn't moved since they knocked me out.
He then raises his arms and spreads them wide like some kind of fucking messiah.
"All hail the Phantom King," the robed figures chant in unison. "All hail the Morrígan. May she guide us."
They repeat it.
Again.
And again.
The chant grows louder, building in force like some ancient ritual pulsing through the air.
"Shut up!" I scream. "What the fuck is wrong with you people?!"
I yank harder at the ropes, my heart beating against my ribs. "Let. Me. Go!"
The Phantom King lowers his hands and the chanting stops.
There's a moment of silence and all I can hear is my own ragged breathing.
"When death comes to you, Keira Killaney," he says, cutting through the quiet, "may the faces of all the victims your family claimed be shown to you."
"I didn't do anything!" I yell back, my voice raw. "I don't know what the hell you're talking about, you fucking psycho!"
He laughs. It's low, and the sound makes my skin crawl.
"Even now," he says, "you show no remorse."
"Coward!" I yell, thrashing against the ropes. "Hiding behind a hood so I can't even see you!"
For a moment, he doesn't move. Then he steps closer to the railing, his hands rising to the edge of his hood.
He pulls it back.
