“So, this is the bird who’s been fluttering in our vents,” the antagonists’ eyes were dark, entirely too focused on the protagonist. “You’ve made some poor choices.”
The protagonist swallowed, subtly flexing against the ropes binding them to the chair. They smiled weakly. “I’m surprised you noticed me.”
“It’s been a while since anyone was able to infiltrate my home successfully. I’m almost disappointed you got caught.”
“You could always let me go.”
“Tempting, I do enjoy a good chase,” the antagonist wet their lips, making the protagonist shudder. “Cutting off escape routes, driving the prey into corners-”
“I’m not your prey.”
“No?” they moved closer, gliding with a deadly elegance. “Yet you ran so prettily.”
The protagonist glared, anger at odds with their rapidly growing fear. “And I’ll escape the same way.”
“That’s a lot of confidence for someone tied to a chair.” The antagonist dropped a hand to stroke along their exposed limbs, covering a grin at the resulting flinch.
“Your security system is down with the gate wide open.” The protagonist said. They tried not to stammer when the fingers crawled upwards. “If my team isn’t here yet, they’re on their way.”
“Yes,” they mused. “I have been thinking about that little problem. It’ll be so rude if they interrupt our alone time.”
Never thought I’d prefer prison. “M-More the merrier, right?” The hand danced upon their neck.
The antagonist’s grin was chilling. “Bird, if you knew the things I have planned for you… you’d be begging me to leave your teammates out of it.”
They meant to respond with something brave, something fiery. A strangled whimper escaped their throat instead. The antagonist tilted their chin, forcing eye contact. The protagonist shivered at what they saw there. “Or maybe you’ll beg for something else.”
They tugged futilely at the ropes, dread pooling in their stomach and breath coming a tad quicker. “I’ll fight.”
“You’re assuming that’s even an option.” The antagonist chuckled, looking thoroughly bemused at the thought. “Hard to take someone seriously when there’s fear in their eyes.”
“It’s not my base that’s about to be destroyed.” The words were quiet, barely a whisper of a phrase.
“I’ll admit, the plan was good. Did you come up with it yourself?” Their hand reached up to weave its way through the protagonist’s hair.
“Y-Yes.”
“Impressive. Sneak in, disarm my defenses, let the heavy hitters in with no fuss. Brilliantly executed as well.” The antagonist nodded appreciatively, and the protagonist felt a slight flare of pride. Haven’t failed yet, just hold on until the team gets here-
“Although I have to say, only shutting down the external system was an interesting choice.”
Only the external…their eyes flashed up.
“Didn’t you realize? Two systems?” The antagonist raised a brow. “Oh bird, and here I thought you meant to leave my inner rooms protected as part of a devious plan.” They tsk-tsked, shaking their head pityingly. “Was ignoring the central weapons a mistake too?”
Their team was coming, and they were expecting an unguarded base with open doors and deactivated cameras and no chance of a trap. Oh gosh, the protagonist had even sent off the safe signal… the team was going to be torn to shreds.
The captor laughed at the growing horror on their face.
The last pieces of their façade broke. “Damn you!” the protagonist finally howled, floundering in their bonds and biting at any part of the antagonist in reach. “Call them off you complete-”
“Hush,” the antagonist murmured, gripping the flailing head in a firmly gentle grasp. “It’s nothing personal.” their strokes did nothing to calm the protagonist’s panicked flails. “It’s just justice.”
It’s my fault. Desperation crept into their voice. “This is cold-blooded murder. You can’t-”
“An example must be made, bird. You know that.” The antagonist pursed their lips. “If the hunt hadn’t been so riveting, you’d be in there with them. You’re lucky I find you interesting enough to keep alive and out of the law’s hands. For now.”
I can’t save them. “Protect my team. Ignore them, or turn them in to the police or just do something to let them survive and I’ll…” The protagonist faltered. “I’ll do anything you want.”
“Anything?” The antagonist asked, eyes narrowing. “No deal.”
My fault. “But-“
“You really think I won’t strip anything I want from you? You think you can give yourself up freely and I’ll accept it as a gift?” They shook their head slowly, eyes intoxicatingly dangerous. “I’m a hunter. I earn the thrill of the chase. You think I’ll stop, get bored the moment you become uninteresting? I'll stop when you understand you never had anything to give. So when I call you my prey,” they smiled, teeth sharp and voice dark. “I’m not messing around, bird.”
The protagonist’s mouth went dry.
A sharp bang came from above. The antagonist leaned back, putting their hands in their pockets. “The public will be pleased to know a group of dangerous criminals are off the streets,” they said, tone suddenly casual. “The mayor might even give me a raise.”
Another bang echoed from above, followed by the sounds of a scuffle. "Please-"
"There it is. See?" The antagonist headed for the door, cracking their knuckles as they prepared to meet the protagonist's team. "I knew you would beg.”