Private Intoxicating freedom

[Nerissa Wyrmstone]

Intoxicating ~ Freedom

Tag: Darth Carnifex | Location: Wyrmstonne Estate

"Passionate hatreds can give meaning and purpose to an empty life. These people, haunted by the purposelessness of their lives, try to find new content not only by dedicating themselves to a holy cause but also by nursing a fanatical grievance. A mass movement offers them unlimited opportunities for battle." - Eric Hoffer​

It was a particularly clear night sky, compared to the normal icy and cloudy weather that so often plague Arkania year around. Nevertheless, stars filled the dark night sky, shining ever so brightly. Thirty or so miles from Adascopolis, the capital of Arkania, deep in the large and slightly hidden valley, laid the Wyrmstone estate, an impressive castle generations old. Much whispered gossip, tall tales and rumours have been accumulated over generations by many of the other Arkanian nobles, as the family have always liked its privacy in the mountains.

Tonight was a rather special night for House Wyrmstone, for they were holding a ball at Wyrmstone estate. While it was usually for keeping up appearances and strengthening the ties between the other Noble Houses, big and small, as it would improve reputation. However, this time, it had a secondary function as it was also to rekindle old agreements and or form new propositions between corporations and other wealthy business owners.

Slowly but surely convoys started to appear in the sky, heading for the prepared landing zone at the ground of the estate, giving everyone who arrived an intimidating sense of scale when looking upon the towering castle estate ground sitting on an almost cliff-like hill. The landing zone was oval in shape and large enough to handle everyone invited. Strangely, despite Arkania's extremely cold and windy climate, guests felt no cold, or wind reach them as they would make their way across the landing zone towards the cliff entrance, which would lead everyone to rows of turbolifts, bringing everyone up to the foyer. The turbo lifts were of dark metallic colours with glass, giving those who ride the lift, a view of the large landing pad and beautiful nature of the valley.

The large foyer was brightly lit and sumptuously decorated, with a magnificent carpet covering the stone floor. The walls of the entrance hall display pale-faced portraits lining the walls, and at the end of the hall is the bronze-handled double doors opened up to an expansive long hallway leading to the grand hall. The long hallway, much like the foyer, has all manners of paintings, portraits hugging the walls along with four double doors on both sides leading to other parts of the estate. In a show of wealth, servants stood at the ready with one hand behind their back, and the other hand raised, carrying a tray with welcoming cocktails. Not only that, but guards stood stationed by doors leading to other parts of the castle, in order to keep guests from exploring where they aren't allowed.

Additional to paintings, carpet and curtains with beautiful intricate pattern designs, walked guests past stone-shaped statues of bladed warriors standing silently as they flanked the doors. The statues themselves were beautifully carved and shaped into robed beings, standing almost six or seven feet tall from the stone floor.

Reaching the end of the long hallway, entering the great hall was where guests would be greeted by a massive open hall of black and dark blue colours mixed in with some red. The great hall reached close to almost 256 feet in length, 82 feet in width and 135 feet in height with massive stained glass windows at the end of the hall. Hanging high above from the ceiling in long chains, were chandeliers of glass and greyish metal with candles burning bright.
While modern light sources were still able to be lit up the massive great hall, live candles gave a much stronger atmosphere over the entire place. Furthermore, upon entering, the guests would stand raised platform stretching out 30 or so feet with a railing so the arrived guests could look over the large space below.

To the left and right of the railing, were stairs, spiralling down to where most of the already arrived guests mingled and conversed with each other. Behind the left and right spiralling stairs, was paths that would lead around the large dancing floor with beautiful marble columns from the floor and past the top walkway, creating small viewing pockets along the dancing floor. The walkway had tables placed by the railing running along the edge of the walkway. Down on the actual dance floor, was a buffet placed to the sides with all manners of highly expensive and imported food, whereas on the opposite side, was a buffet, but for drinks of all types, some of which were extremely rare.

More guards by the different doors, both leading into the great hall from the hallway, but also the many side doors leading to even more places off-limit to guests. In the corners stood more warrior statues, all of the stone material.

Mingling with a group of nobles, the eldest Wyrmstone daughter wasn't particularly enjoying herself. In fact, she rather despised these types of gatherings as she saw them as a waste of time, not to mention, the music was boring. Nerissa was no more than 17 of age, playing the proper expected role her father and mother expected and demanded her to be. Speaking of her father and mother, as Nerissa glanced over by the raised platform where more guests arrived, she saw a glimpse of them. Duncan III Wyrmstone, the Patriarch of the House and the man Nerissa hated with a burning passion. As he stood with his wife, Eleanor Wyrmstone, they stood, dressed in their sharpest outfit and impenetrable charm.

Duncan III Wyrmstone stood tall, with a strong stance. With short black hair along with some patches of grey framing his chiselled and handsome face, along with an adorned well-groomed goatee. He wore a sharp form-fitted suit in shades of black with gold and red trim and a strip of grey fur cresting over one shoulder and framing his torso. Eleanor Wyrmstone stood equally regal with her chin raised high with a hand resting on the raised lower arm of her husband. Eleanor had a black form-fitted corset dress lace up back long skirt.

Each time a new guest arrived at the great hall, an announcer, called out the name of the individuals, their title and then which house or organisation they were owned or was associated with.

 

[Darth Carnifex]

The guests of Wyrmstone mingled and fraternized as was accustomed to their kind, the upper strata of galactic society with power, wealth, and influence at their fingertips. Here, they were in their element. Rubbing elbows with others of their economic status, business magnates, barons of industry, bankers, noblemen, clergy, those that exploit and oppress the lesser dredges of the galaxy to line their pockets. Anybody who meant anything to the turning gears of galactic commerce and manufacturing were there, dressed in their most opulent finery.

With such revelry, it was believed that there was nothing that could upset the delicate balance the Wyrmstones sought to achieve in this haughty gathering. But a shadow was encroaching upon their door, its presence felt far before it could actually be seen. When the announcer turned to greet the new arrival, the blood drained from his face as though he had seen a sight so spectacularly horrifying it choked the words from his throat. When he, at last, managed to speak, he mustered all the strength he possessed to make the dreadful proclamation.

"Kaine Zambrano, of House Zambrano, Lord of the Pacanth Reach!"

All activity ground to a jarring halt, several audible gasps cutting through the uncomfortable silence as all eyes turned to the doorway. Emerging from the night was the Dark Lord of the Sith, the towering spectacle that was his body swaddled in extravagant silks with glittering jewelry; cuff links, rings, even a pendant shaped as a great peering eye handing down from his broad neck. At his side was a woman dressed in voluminous black garments, her hair a deep raven, with eyes like chipped ice. Both of them radiated a frigidity that sent a deep shiver throughout the assembled gala attendees, the power of the Dark Side washing off the pair in waves.

Few could make such an entrance as to bring the entire gala to a grinding standstill but the Dark Lord, whose infamy was well-documented and known throughout the galaxy. But despite the shock of his appearance, there were those among the crowd who had dealt with the Dark Lord and appeared far more amiable to his sudden arrival. They greeted him with all the manner and spectacle befitting a ruler, showing him more deference than they had the actual hosts of the gala. Some followed their example, but many were content to keep their distance and hope that their presence went unnoticed by the dark titan.

One who didn't escape the Dark Lord's notice was Nerissa Wyrmstone, whom the Dark Lord singled out above all the others at the gathering. Unbeknownst to those in attendance, the Dark Lord had been observing the Wyrmstones for a long time. His reasons were his own for doing so, he shared them with no one. But now he had made his move, appearing at this particular gala and standing before Nerissa at this particular moment in time.

"You would rather be anywhere else, wouldn't you?" The Dark Lord's voice was not as harsh as Nerissa might've expected, it carried tones more befitting a fatherly figure than an iron-fisted autocrat. "I can understand, my mother and father pushed me into such demeaning acts when I was your age."

Nerissa Wyrmstone ​

 

[Nerissa Wyrmstone]

Intoxicating ~ Freedom

Tag: Darth Carnifex | Location: Wyrmstonne Estate

Whispers and rumours quickly started to spread among the many hundreds of guests in the Great Hall as non had expected the Dark Lord of the Sith to partake in the ball. Many rumours already surrounded the Wyrmstone name and their connection to the Sith and the Dark Side, but no one could prove anything. With the actual Lord of the Sith attending, the rumours slightly shifted to how connected the Wyrmstone name was the Sith.
To say the Dark Lord's entrance was a surprise would have been the understatement of the century as he passed the hosts of this ball, the Patriarch and his wife as it was deemed extremely rude to ignore the hosts of such a lavishly party.

However, the masks of Duncan and Eleanor Wyrmstone stayed whole as even more guests arrived. The guests who had shown The Dark Lord more deference than the hosts quickly swallowed a lump in their throat and disappeared into the sea of guests. Nevertheless, newly arrived guests were announced and greeted by the hosts, for as such, was the proper way as hosts.

Partaking in conversations with a group of guests, one was an older rich CEO and had quite a few connections in the arms dealings. The other two were bachelors of smaller houses, of Nerissa's age and had expressed great interest in the eldest Wyrmstone daughter's attention. While Nerissa had no intention of giving them what the two bachelors sought after, she kept her face straight, knowing full well stepping out of line, would deal in punishment later by her father.

It was rather obvious, if you knew the tells and body language, that Nerissa absolutely did not want to be part of this ball. The eldest Wyrmstone daughter so desperately wanted to get out of this conversation, but the knowledge and fear of her father invading her mind painfully kept the raven-haired girl from rebelling against her Father's commands.

Upon hearing the sudden announcement of non-other, then the Dark Lord of the Sith himself arriving, had Nerissa turn halfway around, like everyone else. Having her back to the three others she was locked in conversation with earlier, quickly excused themselves, feeling the overwhelming presence of the Lord produced.

Nerissa on the other hand was almost caught in surprise by the Dark Lord speaking to her, not to mention, captivated by his handsome appearance. Usually, the eldest Wyrmstone daughter stood tall, proud and rebellious in stature, but for the first time, she was taken aback by the Dark Lord's presence. Nerissa had read and heard of the Dark Lord, ruling his empire with an iron fist. Honestly, the Dark Lord has always fascinated Nerissa and standing face to face with the Lord himself. Nerissa's younger sister would have without a doubt called her foolish, but Nerissa felt no apprehension of fear towards the Sith Lord.

Looking up at Carnifex with her deep, vulnerable but curious, honey brown eyes shined over the raven-haired's eyes, if only for a brief moment, before an outer wall of hardened layers formed. It was clear as day that the girl found the Dark Lord's approach curious with an underlined interest in what he represented.

Nerissa didn't answer Carnifex's first comment, folding her hands in front of her black form-fitted dress. Raising her chin, both as a shine of arrogant regality, but also because Carnifex was a little over 3 feet taller than Nerissa. His other comment though struck gold with the girl as a hint of recognition washed over the girl's face, cracking the mask, even if only for a second. Nerissa glanced at the woman with her arm around the Dark Lord's arm, standing by his side.

Glancing up at her parents, catching her father keeping a stern eye on his eldest daughter. Knowing she could get in a world of trouble, the ever rebellious personality shined through and she just wanted to piss her father off.

"I despise it, with a burning passion" expressed Nerissa as darkness fell over the eldest Wyrmstone daughter's eyes.

 

[Darth Carnifex]

The Dark Lord nodded knowingly, sharing to empathize with the young woman rather than disregard her as he had with the other party guests; especially the hosts. His eyes glowed bright beneath his brow, like two halos of molten copper plastered against a white canvas, with faint streaks of blood-red spilling out from the edges. His face was not altogether unpleasant to look at, it could be considered rather handsome. A well-manicured beard ran from one cheek to the other, looping around his mouth, and comprised of coarse black hair. The hair upon his head was similarly dark and stretched down well beyond his shoulders.

"I know the feeling so very well." He answered, his face softening with something resembling compassion as his eyes briefly turned to glance in the direction of Nerissa's parents. Undoubtedly, he could sense the tension that existed between father and daughter, even when she attempted to conceal herself behind a mask of civility. There were chords there that the Dark Lord was interested in plucking, just to see what sort of dissonant melody they made.

"You wish to escape this entrapment, as does every creature that finds itself caught in the teeth of a vice." The Dark Lord briefly turned his head to look at the woman at his side, wherein he spoke several words in a language that would make Nerissa's spine tingle involuntarily. The woman smiled softly and slipped away from the Dark Lord's side, disappearing into the hustle and bustle of the party-going crowd. Nerissa might even catch a glimmer of the woman shifting into another appearance before she disappeared, or was it a trick of the mind?

But now the Dark Lord returned his attention to Nerissa, totally undivided. "An animal will gnaw its own leg off to escape entrapment, potentially killing itself in a frenzy for freedom. A thinking being might lie in wait for the hunter that has trapped it, so that they may kill that which caused them harm. A Sith..." The Dark Lord's eyes flashed briefly at the mention of the word 'Sith', glowing brighter before dimming back to their idle illumination. "Would break the chain that anchored them, and hunt down the one that had inflicted harm upon them."

He reached out with one hand, offering it for Nerissa to take.

"What will you do, Nerissa Wyrmstone?"

Nerissa Wyrmstone ​

 

[Nerissa Wyrmstone]

Intoxicating ~ Freedom

Tag: Darth Carnifex | Location: Wyrmstonne Estate

Despite Nerissa's impeccable kept appearance of beauty, one lock of black hair stubbornly hung in front of her face, twirling freely like the rest of her mane. There was something deeply fascinating about this Dark Lord. His way of carrying himself through the room and how his mere presence commanded fearful respect.

Carnifex's words struck true for it was a question the Eldest Wyrmstone daughter's broken mind often craved an answer to. Yet, her father's control and torment over her, made it a question difficult to answer... In truth, the constant Screams made it near impossible to think clearly every so often.

Folding her arms, the raven-haired teenager kept an eye on Carnifex's plus one out of her peripheral, until the woman disappeared making Nerissa blink for a second. A smile of intrigue, a small one, but it was there nonetheless, spread across the blood-red full lips as she took his arm to be lead to who knows where.

"If only it was that easy, my Lord" expressed Nerissa, making her true emotions almost invisible to the naked eye as she smiled at him.

As she was lead away from her original place in the great hall, it was indeed a question worth asking. Sadly it wasn't so easy a question to answer for the eldest daughter of Duncan Wyrmstone. Long had she wanted freedom from her Father, but her loyalty and pride to her House was a core part of her being. On one hand, she wanted nothing more but to rid herself of the chain that holds her, her Father, however, it wasn't so easy to just do it. All his children wanted to impress and make him happy, despite his cruel and punishing discipline teachings.

As she kept a mask of regality on her porcelain white face as they walked past guests of importance, many of which whispered among each other upon seeing the sight of the Dark Lord of the Sith and Sith Emperor paying so much attention to the young and eldest daughter of Wyrmstone.

The music started to change music, flowing into a rhythmic melody for dancing, in which many guests partook. Given the sheer size of the great hall, the dance floor had room for a lot of people, all in their most gorgeous dresses and handsome suits. Though not everyone felt like dancing, many were also there for securing deals of all kinds.

Having all of her focus directed towards the Dark Lord and arguably the most interesting character Nerissa had met, the girl didn't even notice her siblings passing her on the dance floor.

 

[Darth Carnifex]

He watched her curiously. "Nothing worth doing is ever easy, Lady Wyrmstone." He smiled warmly, as one a father might give to their child, completely absent of the cruelty exhibited by her own. She offered her arm, and he took it, gently guiding her through the gala despite the looks and whispers of the other patrons. All they could do was stare and gossip, they were powerless otherwise. All the money and corporate influence amounted to little in the face of true power, that which the Dark Lord held in bountiful spades.

"But let us dismiss the formalities, we do not need them. You may call me Kaine." Few held such a prestigious position as being on first name basis with the Dark Lord, and he had just extended such a privilege to a girl he had just met. Surely, if others had known what he had done, their jealousy would have consumed them at such a grievous insult to their pride. But that never crossed the Dark Lord's mind, such trivial matters were unimportant to someone of his stature. Let the mewling lords and ladies run themselves into the morgue with all their silent fuming, their hand wringing, their gnashing of teeth.

A targon did not busy itself with the nerf it hunted.

As the music changed, so too did the atmosphere of the gala. Patrons began to dance, often in pairs, with those that did not wish to partake mingling at the periphery of the dancing circles. For a few moments, neither the Dark Lord nor Nerissa moved to join them. But then the Dark Lord made the offer, "Care to dance with me, Nerissa?" He guided her towards the dance, taking both of her hands in his, and gently began to waltz. Though a renowned warrior and a butcher of men, the Dark Lord showcased all the dexterity and refined motor skills necessary to dance competently. Even though he towered over Nerissa, it never appeared awkward or uncomfortable for either to move across the floor.

Much conversation near the pair grew quiet as they danced, many eyes were trained upon them, least of all those of Nerissa's mother and father. The Dark Lord did not pay them any attention, focusing solely on Nerissa and their dance. He stayed silent through most of the dance, only smiling warmly and maintaining eye contact. But when he did speak, it was only for Nerissa to hear.

"Do you think you possess the will to do what needs to be done?"

Nerissa Wyrmstone ​

 

[Nerissa Wyrmstone]

Intoxicating ~ Freedom

Tag: Darth Carnifex | Location: Wyrmstonne Estate

"Very well, Kaine" Nerissa agreed, accepting, maybe a bit surprised by the suddenly allowed use of the Dark Lord's real name.

Nerissa wasn't one to accept the offer to dance by almost anyone and had a reputation for declining any and all attempts to ask her. Upon taking the Dark Lord's hand, it might not have been on the same level of surprise as it was when Carnifex did something out of the blue, but the eldest Wyrmstone daughter's acceptance of Carnifex's hand sure had all the young bachelors turn their jealous gaze at Carnifex.

Despite wearing the exquisite black form-fitted dress, enhancing even the smallest details of her body, Nerissa's wild and expansive mane of raven black hair curled in all directions with two stubborn locks of hair hanging freely in front of her right eye. Raising her chin high, showcasing a proud stance in front of everyone who stared while simultaneous smearing it in everyone else's face.

Letting Kaine lead her, she kept up with the Lord, even matching him at his own pace showcasing impressive dancing skills, despite having never accepted offers of dancing before by anyone or harsh discipline from both parents with punishment. Accepting the dance offer from Lord Carnifex, was almost the ultimate punch to her father's pride given the fact that he clearly had problems with the Dark Lord. Ignoring everyone else but her dancing partner, Nerissa listened to Kaine's question. Hearing the question, a darkness fell over the girl's eyes. "I~ I..." the girl repeated, but something inside Nerissa's head cause her duress.

"I need air" hissed the girl letting go of their otherwise enchanting dance, as she pulled away from Kaine, much to the surprise of everyone. Some, though internally, even found it entertaining to see the Dark Lord lose a dancing partner. However, the sudden stop of their dance had nothing to do with Carnifex as Nerissa's eyes flashed for a second to her father, before looking back at Kaine.

Slowly walking backwards, she whispered, "I'm sorry... Kaine" before she dashed for the nearest door. Not far from where they stopped, Nerissa pushed passed people, completely disregarding how it made her look. One of the two guards by the door raised a hand to stop the eldest Wyrmstone daughter, only to fall to his knees, gasping for air as Nerissa passed them.

As soon as Nerissa disappeared through the door, disappeared the invisible grip of raw, animalistic but uncontrollable-filled Dark Side energy around the guards' throats, letting them breathe again as they fell to the ground, gasping for air. Even as Nerissa disappeared through the door, wasn't it hard to sense the girl for someone like Carnifex. Nerissa's connection to the force was truly a whirlpool of unimaginable potential and it only increased in intensity as, whatever happened inside her mind, went on.

Standing on the platform, Duncan Wyrmstone, just stood, staring at his daughter's sudden outburst, before flashing his eyes down at Carnifex, just staring at the Dark Lord. Lord Wyrmstone expressed a clear hint in the Force of a very strong, though twisted signature in the Force of Dark Side capabilities as he kept his eyes trained on Carnifex. Watching the Dark Lord was a clear challenge of curiosity to see what the Dark Lord was going to do.

Nerissa walked with quickened steps, feeling an overwhelming sense of wanting to claw her own mind into pieces. "Shut up shut up shut up shut up!" Nerissa repeated like a mad dog slapping the side of her head like it would stop the hundred if not thousands of earth-shattering Screams going off in the girl's mind.

A young, brown-haired butler, maybe only a few years older than Nerissa, entered the Balcony with a concerned look in her eyes. "Madam Wyrmstone, are you alright, do you nee~" began the butler, but she too started to gasp for air with Nerissa whirling around on her high heeled, facing the young butler. The honey-brown eyes had turned almost black, "help? You're going to help... me?!" Asked Nerissa with the saccharine sweet words across bloodless lips, tightening her painful grip around the defenceless girl.

 

[Darth Carnifex]

The Dark Lord let Nerissa's fingers slip from his grasp, watching as the young heiress fled the ballroom and disappeared beyond view. There were several audible gasps in the crowd as this unfolded, a low buzz of conversation taking its place as the wealthy and influential began to converse among themselves as to what had just happened. Undoubtedly, this moment would spread throughout the grapevine and would be known from Cantonica to Dosuun. Not that the Dark Lord cared in the slightest, his eyes continuing to look where Nerissa had disappeared to for several seconds before he turned away.

And looked directly at Duncan Wyrmstone, their eyes connecting as the tension in the ballroom increased exponentially. Neither of them turned away from one another, but it was evident that the Dark Lord's will was greater than any in attendance. He raised one hand and a bright light enveloped him, forcing everyone to shield their eyes for a brief moment. When the light faded, the Dark Lord was gone, only to reappear right at Lord Duncan's side as though by magic. "Lord Wyrmstone," purred the Dark Lord with his deep velvety voice, "I do believe we have many things to discuss."

What no one realized was that the Dark Lord was not there with Lord Wyrmstone, but had instead followed Nerissa's path through the estate. The Kaine Zambrano that everyone saw back at the ball was actually the woman he had arrived with, a talented shape-shifter known as Izaszh who not only sat on the Dark Lord's council as his Master of Assassins, but also was bound to him through matrimony. She would misdirect those at the party so that the real Kaine Zambrano could move unhindered. There were none in attendance with powers of perception strong enough to see through the ruse, and so they would remain blissfully unaware of the truth.

When Kaine finally found Nerissa, he found the young heiress throttling one of her father's servants with the power of the Dark Side. The Dark Lord made no move to come between Nerissa and the hapless servant, watching carefully as he walked up to Nerissa's side. He reached out and placed a single hand on her shoulder, "Her life rests in your hands, Nerissa. You have the power to spare her or end her, it falls to you. What does one life matter in a galaxy of countless trillions? Who would come looking for a lowly servant girl? You above all should know that consequences means little to people like us." Perhaps Nerissa meant that Kaine meant the rich, the influential, the noble. But he dashed those guesses with his next words.

"Those with true power."

Nerissa Wyrmstone ​

 

[Nerissa Wyrmstone]

Tag: Darth Carnifex | Location: Wyrmstonne Estate

Blinding everyone, releasing a gasp of shock over a large majority of guests, shielding their eyes from the sudden light which only lasted for the briefest of seconds. Lord Wyrmstone on the other hand, seemed very little affected by the sudden stunt og 'magic' in his ball, even though he did shield his eyes with his hand.

When the Dark Lord of the Sith appeared beside him, speaking his honeyed words they were met with an icy exterior that had been carefully moulded and shaped into the man Duncan was today. "Lord Carnifex" greeted Lord Duncan with an almost supernatural charming but ultimately dangerous smile formed on his lips.

Raising his glass to his lips, sipping meticulously before lowering the glass to his side and turning to look out over the massive ballroom. "Do we now, my Lord?" spoke Lord Duncan as he faced Darth Carnifex and while his words were of respect, there was a hint of annoyance at Carnifex's presence. While it wasn't common knowledge or even uncommon knowledge but those who knew where to dig would know that Lord Duncan III Wyrmstone both disliked and heavily disagreed with the way the Sith Lord steered the Sith. To make matters worse, the Sith Lord decided to pay Lord Duncan's eldest daughter complete attention which only infuriated the Lord internally even more.

However, naturally, the Lord kept his true feelings expertly hidden away behind a mask of publicity, showing only the emotions he wanted other individuals to see or feel.

******​

The servant girl was continuing to choke, unable to make much more than a whimpering sound of despair. Releasing a torrent of lightning on the girl and the scream of endlessness filled the cold winter air, muffling the thousand upon thousand cacophonous screams of madness inside Nerissa's own mind... calming her own insanity to a dull pressure on her mind.

As if she had been out of a haze, Nerissa looked down at where the servant had been and only saw a smoking corpse of the dead girl. Despite the morbid scene on the balcony, the muffled vibration of music could be heard to their left making the night almost magical.

"No! no no no! It only muffled the screams! They're still there!" shrieked the oldest daughter of Lord Duncan Wyrmstone, slapping her hands into her thick locks of hair, pulling madly as if the pain would aid in making the screams disappear for good.

Despite the calm assured and booming words of the Dark Lord spoke to her as she took control of the power over life and death. That it would change... that it would rid the voices from her fractured mind.

She felt the reassuring hand on her shoulder, but frantic panic from the girl made it hard for her to even register the Sith Lord behind her.