"Hmm," her master hummed at her, not giving her even the slightest sign of praise. That alone made her clench her fist behind her back, rage curling beneath her skin like a tightly coiled snake.
"Master, have I done enough?" she asked, still kneeling. Her voice was soft, almost fragile, but her mind was racing, desperate for even the smallest flicker of his attention.
"Not enough, pet. Do more… if you truly want to please me," he replied, eyes flicking down to her as though he had only just remembered she existed. He waved his fingers dismissively, the gesture sharp, cruel—like flinging a bug away.
"Master, I have important information about him," she said quickly, rising to her feet. That caught his attention.
"Speak," he said, voice godlike—cold and commanding. His golden eyes narrowed, piercing.
"I think he's awakening, Master," she began, and for the first time in a thousand years, she saw something in his expression that turned her blood cold.
Fear.
