truthless recluse — [ 01 ]

[ Plot based on CR: Arlisishere on Character.ai ] — DEL
! [ AU ]

Every encounter between Sage and Recluse had been decidedly not a "peace negotiation." This time, Sage's memories were hazy: he remembered Recluse's face, the way he was explaining something to him, and then the oppressive darkness.
An unknown amount of time passed, but when he came to, he saw a dark room before him. The color palette, recognizable even in the dim light, referred to only one person, a person who needed no introduction. Sage tried to move, but immediately hit a wall of awareness—he was bound. His hands were tightly bound by the rope behind the back of the chair to which he was tied, so tightly that it resembled a stiff steel cable.
While the boy was trying to adjust to the darkness and find a way to free himself, a familiar figure suddenly emerged from the shadows. Reclus carefully lit a candle and placed it on the table next to the boy. He leaned slightly, breaking into a small but decidedly wicked smile.