Chapter 14: Unexpected Offer

                                    

                                          


"Wake up."
Mikan felt another hit on her cheek and whined at the pain. She weakly tried to open her eyes, but her vision became distorted—it was the effect of the truth serum.
A few days had passed, and through all that time, she kept losing consciousness and regaining it. Every time she fell unconscious, they would wake her like this, not even allowing her to get any sleep. 
Up until now, she had endured everything—the torture, the drugs and the pain, but it was getting a bit tiring. She already revealed that Hyakuya Sect had contacted her, but their interests weren't aligned at all, so she didn't form an alliance with them. 
Apparently, it wasn't enough information to convince them, and they didn't plan to release her soon. Her mind was fuzzy, and they still demanded answers, but she refused to reveal any more information than what she already said.
Mikan observed the room, it was extremely bright. Her hands and legs were tied to a chair that was fixed to the floor. She could just break the ropes and escape from there with ease, but she chose to stay to clear their suspicions on her. If not, she would've run off much before. 
Out of a sudden, someone harshly grabbed her chin and lifted it, forcing her to look up, and she winced at their grip.
"Look at me when I'm talking to you."
The unknown voice caught her attention as it was deeper than the interrogator's, so she directed her eyes towards the person. 
She squinted her eyes at the strong light that shone on her and tried to see their face despite the brightness. 
"Tenri-sama, there's no need for you to waste your time in this lowly being..." This time, it was the interrogator who spoke up. Mikan felt her body tense up at the mention of that name.
By then, she was able to somehow make out his face. His body was of large build, and his hair had a similar ashen color that was passed down to his daughters. 
Hīragi Tenri. The man who held all authority above the Order of the Imperial Demons. The very person who ordered for the execution of her father. 
A burning hatred was kindled inside her, and her eyes hardened at the sight of him.
Tenri sent a glare towards the interrogator, who immediately shut his mouth and looked down ashamed. Then, he turned his attention to Mikan and silently observed her fierce eyes that were on him.
"They are alike." He muttered out. "Those eyes...they are similar to that foolish father of yours. Even when you're in a helpless situation, you have that fearless look on your face."
"My father wasn't foolish." Mikan snarled, her voice full of venom. She kept herself as calm as possible. "Don't you dare insult him any further."
Tenri stayed silent at her words. Just then, she was kneed in her stomach, causing her to cough severely.
"I don't recall giving you any permission to talk back." He remarked while she tried to get back her breath. "Be aware of your place, scum. No matter how powerful you become, you're alone. Worthless beings like yourself only have to remain under our feet. That is your only purpose."
At his words, her anger became into frustration, and she bit her lower lip. Although she didn't want to admit it, there was truth in what he said. She knew it too. Even though she had more power than before, she wouldn't be a threat to them. This Hīragi was capable of easily taking down the Imperial Dawn whenever he wanted to.