Chapter Text
Cazador dragged Astarion through the door, returning him to their home, only releasing his grip to slam the door- he was making a point.
The second Astarion was released, he took off running into the next room and down the stairs. He passed a small glance behind him, Cazador hadn’t moved yet. He didn’t know where he was trying to go, but he knew that he needed to get away.
Once he reached the bottom of the stairs he nearly jumped out of his skin, Cazador was already waiting for him. Astarion froze, simply staring up at him.
Cazador made a disapproving clicking sound with his tongue before firmly returning his grib on Astarion. Astarion didn’t know what Cazador had in store, but he wasn’t ready to find out.
Astarion had upset Cazador in the past, annoyed him before, but this was different. Cazador wasn’t upset or annoyed or anything along those lines; he was angry. This was the first time that Astarion had truly seen his Master angry, and it terrified him.
In an attempt at retaliation, Astarion threw himself to the floor, hoping he could get Cazador to loosen his grip. He failed, of course. Cazador dragged him to the kennels, all the while Astarion kicked and screamed like a toddler throwing a tantrum.
Astarion was shoved into the kennels, the door closed behind him as Cazador loomed over him. Astarion looked teary eyed around the room; Godey was in there too, and he had set up a coffin.
Cazador grabbed a bunch of Astarion’s hair, yanking his head up to look at him. “Do you know why you’re here, boy?” Cazador snarled. “Fuck you,” Astarion glared up at him, figuring he couldn’t make the situation worse at this point. Cazador gave a displeased look and spit at the child. “Naughty boy,” Cazador growled. Astarion raised a hand, wiping away a blend of spit and tears. Cazador seized Astarion’s raised wrist and pulled the boy to his feet, not releasing his wrist.
Cazador pulled him across the room, releasing his wrist and gesturing for Astarion to sit on the coffin- he obeyed. “Let’s try that again,” he began. “Do you know why you’re here?” Cazador reiterated. “Because I wouldn’t bring back a victim…”
“More specifically,” Cazador spoke slowly, putting emphasis on every little syllable. “I- I tried to run away with the victim…”
“Why exactly did you do that?” Cazador leaned in closer, mere inches from Astarion’s face. “Because I didn’t want to bring the boy back to you. He was sweet and handsome, he deserved better. We were going to run away together because…” Cazador cleared his throat, urging Astarion to finish his sentence. “Because we were in love,” Astarion sighed, knowing that Cazador wouldn’t like that answer. Cazador pulled away from Astarion, raising a hand and placing a firm smack across his face. Astarion ran a hand over his own cheek, it was already sore.
Cazador looked down at the boy, a mix of anger and sadness painted across his face. “My boy, we’ve been over this. You didn’t love him, just like how you didn’t love Sebastian. You’re far too young to be thinking things like this,” Cazador gently caressed Astarion’s face, running a cold hand over the now reddening area. “As for you trying to run off with him, that was just ignorance. I provide for you, take care of you, I have given you both a home and food. You don’t have to want for anything with me, so why would you want to leave?”
“I wanted freedom,” Astarion spoke softly, regretting his own statement. “Oh you poor, stupid child. You’ll learn to appreciate me in time, but I hope that you understand why I can’t let this slide,” Cazador gave a cruel smile towards the young elf and took a step back.
Astarion felt a small sting in his arm, a slight stab. Godey stood at his side, a thin blade in his boney hand. It came on suddenly, the numbness, before Astarion abruptly hit the ground. The collision should’ve hurt, but he couldn’t feel it, he couldn’t feel anything. He was numb and unable to move or talk, he was only able to stare and listen.
Godey grabbed ahold of Astarion, attempting to lift him. “Godey’s gonna need some help with this one, he’s gotten heavier,” he spoke, looking at Cazador. Cazador helped, grabbing Astarion while Godey opened the coffin.
Cazador cradled Astarion delicately in his arms, Astarion’s limbs dangling weakly. Slowly, Cazador placed Astarion into the coffin. “The numbing will wear off shortly, child. I didn’t want it to come to this, but you need to know that your actions have consequences.” Cazador placed a kiss on Astarion’s forehead, before ordering Godey to seal it shut.