The Grand Duchess Escape - Chapter 116.2
The circular space was incredibly vast, despite being underground. The light emanating from the ceiling illuminated the interior, creating a bright atmosphere. The high ceiling made it seem like some type of a grand hall.
Calix stood in a spot opposite of her, right at the innermost part of the hall.
‘I guess he’s going further inside.’
However, for some reason, he remained still in that spot for a long time. Then, he slowly turned his body.
‘…!’
Even though there was enough time for her to hide behind the wall and avoid his gaze, Asella couldn’t do it. At that moment, when she couldn’t even move a muscle, an invisible force lifted her body in the air.
“Ah!”
She was thrust into the hall. Her body hit the cold, hard stone floor, and a dull pain spread throughout her entire body.
Unable to bear the intense pain, Asella let out a faint groan.
“Uhh.”
Calix didn’t show any signs of surprise upon discovering her.
“You have to be more careful.”
Despite his gentle words, his face lacked any hint of concern or worry. Rather, he simply observed Asella’s condition with a keen and amused gaze, as if finding her predicament entertaining.
It was almost frightening to see his nonchalant demeanor and the way he could afford to act like someone who didn’t just have their secret exposed.
“So.”
With slow, deliberate steps, he began to approach her.
Asella instinctively realized that she should move away, but she couldn’t even manage to stand up properly, let alone flee.
Frozen in place, she watched as Calix walked towards her with a trembling gaze.
He stopped right in front of her, just inches away, as she managed to prop herself up with great effort.
“Did you find out what you wanted?”
All color drained from Asella’s face. He wore an expression that looked terribly amused. His eyes, which usually held a deep crimson hue, appeared even redder than usual as if they were soaked in thick blood.
“That’s why you came all the way here, isn’t it?”
Calix lowered his posture to meet her eye level and let out a wide, twisted smile. Although the menacing red irises that used to instill fear were now hidden beneath his eyelids, the dread didn’t dissipate. Instead, a raw sense of terror consumed her.
“Asella.”
She flinched at the warmth she felt from the man’s hand touching her cheek. The gentle voice that whispered into her ear sent chills down her spine.
“I think I know what you’re looking for. Do you want me to help you?”
His words were laced with a profound meaning.
Asella urgently raised her head in disbelief. Desperate to find a way to justify herself, she struggled to open her mouth, but her words came out muffled and barely comprehensible as if they were being forced out against her will.
“N-No… Not… not…”
“Not, you say?”
Calix, who had been blocking her path, stepped aside. His voice dripped with poison into Asella’s ears like a snake’s tongue.
“Take a look over there.”