Eilownia squinted against the darkness as she heard the heavy wooden door be shoved open, its hinges creaked loudly.
It was rougher, more frantic, than how it sounded when her father opened it.
The figure was tall and wore armor that clinked together as he approached. His hair was tied in a high ponytail behind him which swayed back and forth.
His hand reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
"The Little Flower is wilting." He said as he knelt down to untie her.
Her eyes widened.
"Marix?"
It was too dark for her to make out his facial features, but his voice and touch were unmistakable.
"Of course. Did you think I'd leave you here until all of your petals fell off? I've come to replant you elsewhere. Somewhere you can bloom properly."
The chains around her ankles fell to the floor with a 'CLINK!'
He then began to work on freeing her wrists.
"My f-father." Her throat was hoarse, dry and scratchy. She lowered her head to cough.
