Chapter 55: Inara And Akira 4

"How do you feel for a game of Riddles and Answer, little elf?"

Inara raised an eyebrow at Akira and sighed. "You can just kill me," she said, resigned. "There's no need to mock me or use some underhanded method. I know you're just here to finish me off because I'm not as clever or experienced as you."

"Oh, give yourself some credit, little elf," Akira replied with a sinister grin. "You might surprise yourself."

Resigned to her fate, Inara met Akira's gaze. "Bring it on. What's the worst that can happen?" she said, steeling herself for the inevitable. At least she wouldn't end up as a plaything for the elites and nobles out there.

Akira's grin widened as she circled Inara, her eyes gleaming with dark amusement. "Alright, little elf, let's see how sharp your mind truly is." She paused, savoring the tension in the air. "Here's your riddle:

"I am a prisoner without a cage,

A shadow without a sun.

I am the echo of what was,