Chapter Text
Moving like a shadow against the wall, Corvo trailed closely behind the city watchman. This was his target. He was sure of it. Like a snake striking suddenly with venomous fangs, he lunged forward, silently plunging his sword deep.
Choked grunts pushed their way out of the watchman's lips, but before Corvo could take in the kill, his vision filled with gray light.
He stood in the same room that he started this loop in, books floating idly around him. Rats scampered and squeaked. Corvo's lips parted to let out a frustrated groan, but cold, spectral fingers ghosted across them instead, stealing his breath.
"Ah, ah, ah, Corvo. Temper, temper."
The Outsider smiled smugly, materializing before the former Lord Protector.
"Wouldn't want them to hear you, now would we?"
Corvo bitterly pulled his head away from the touch, refusing eye contact. That sort of nastiness only pulled amusement from the being.
The Outsider's hands trailed delicately from the assassin's lips down his neck, over his shoulder, then to his wrist. Snatching it, he turned Corvo's hand. The mark glowed and buzzed as though something lay beneath his skin.
Corvo tensed his hand, but the Outsider pressed his thumb in, forcing him to relax. His touch was so cold it burned, and it left Corvo with an itch. He could never make up his mind whether he despised it or revelled in it.
"You are rushing."
"This is a waste of my time. I need to find—"
"My gifts have been generously passed to you, and you squander them because of your own impatience."
"I—"
"My dear, Corvo... You're so broken. Accept my help. We're here for you to learn... to learn what you could be."
Still holding onto his wrist, the Outsider brought Corvo's palm up, pressing his cheek against it. More of that icy-hot skin, the touch of his cheek so light Corvo wondered if he could pass his hand right through him. The purple and gray mist surrounding the Outsider grew around them, like a ring.
"All you have to do is find the target. Patience will do you good."
Corvo looked away bitterly, before his gaze was tapped back into place by the Outsider's nails.
"Of course, I can always think of a few ways to make you more patient."
The former Lord Protector's eyes narrowed, gazing up at the figure through the thickness of his lashes.
"Obedience looks so delicious on you, Corvo." This time, when Corvo opened his mouth to protest, the Outsider vanished.
Nothing but a soft chuckle remained in the air as Corvo was left alone in the room with the rats again. He sighed softly, approaching the unbreakable door and slowly opening it, starting the challenge anew.