CHAPTER 5: The Unseen Corners

IVY

An ache was the first sensation that registered.

It was a deep all-encompassing throb that settled in every muscle and joint rather than a sharp incapacitating pain. My body felt like it had been used as an especially strenuous jump rope after running a marathon.

My eyelids fluttered open blinking against the soft diffused sunlight that painted the opulent room in shades of gold and shadow as it streamed through the heavy drapes. Who knew obedience was such a workout? I got up and stirred the silky sheets tangled around my legs.

A brief moment of light vertigo brought on by the sudden movement caused my head to swim but it was soon over. My cheeks flushed from the mild smell of him that was still permeating the air and the warmth that was still on my skin.

My mind was filled with vivid unfiltered memories of the previous evening. Sloan. His hand. What he said. His complete and terrifying dominance. My lips formed a tiny uncontrollable smile that was a peculiar combination of lingering pleasure and confused surrender.

Even though my body hurt there was an indisputable hum beneath my skin which was evidence of the power he had over me. The blankets gathered around my waist and I remained nude. In an attempt to provide a thin barrier against the chilly morning air and my residual vulnerability I hastily wrapped them around my body and pulled them up to my chin.

My gaze shifted to a more perceptive one as I surveyed the room. Large and lavish it had an eerie almost museum-like feel to it. Rather than the tranquil landscapes or portraits one might anticipate in a home of this size the walls were painted.

These were. . . strange. Abstract eerie works that are dark and melancholy with violent color bursts. Dates like 1967 1982 and 1995 along with lengthy unpronounceable names were engraved on tiny plaques beneath them.

Their appearance suggested that the artist had attempted to paint them from memory after seeing a ghost. I extended my hand and traced the icy body of one drawn in by an odd fascination. What tales were contained within these quiet eerie canvases?

The room was brimming with antiques and exquisite objects. A heavy ancient desk with intricate beast carvings that shine on its surface. An unusual elaborate box and what appeared to be old scrolls were housed in a tall dark wood cabinet. I got out of bed still holding onto the blanket and padded across the soft rug barefoot.

A jade statues eyes seemed to follow me as I touched its cool smooth surface. I touched the spine of an old leather-bound book with yellowed pages. This home was more than just a residence it was a storehouse of past events and secrets.

My curiosity subsided after what seemed like an eternity of silent investigation to be replaced by a growing restlessness. I had to relocate. I needed to breathe air that wasnt so heavy with unspoken histories. With the blanket still securely encircling my nude body I crept from the room.

Outside through distant windows the gentle morning light filled the quiet hallway. I glanced to the left and to the right. No one. The mansion was extremely quiet almost unsettling. It seemed as though I was the only person alive in this enormous open structure.

I decided to go barefoot down the left hallway which was a section of the mansion I had never been in before. It had enormous portraits lining the entire space. This time its stern unflappable men not abstract art. Some of the men had bushy moustaches that seemed like they could conceal tiny birds long flowing hair and eyes that seemed to follow me everywhere.

They were all wearing somber formal clothing and their grim faces conveyed an almost tyrannical air of power. I assumed they were ancestors. The founders of The Order possibly. They certainly appeared to have some knowledge of obedience.

A grand curved staircase that descended into what looked like another wing of the mansion was reached from the hallway. I was drawn forward by my curiosity which is always a dangerous companion. I went down the stairs with the blanket following me like a spectral shroud my bare feet silent on the smooth wood.

I heard voices as I was about to turn into what appeared to be a less formal sitting area at the bottom. Manly low voices whispering in low solemn tones.

Abruptly my heart pounded against my ribs.

I pressed myself against the wall strained to hear and froze. I caught a glimpse of what was around the corner. In front of him were two burly men in dark suits very similar to the intimidating individuals who had accompanied Sloan to the restaurant.

Fortunately Sloan wore a dark expression and he looked just as strong and composed as ever. They were in what looked like a private study complete with leather and dark wood.

The guards said in a low rumble “The operation is set for tonight Boss. Everything is secure. Not a single loose end.”

Sloan nodded his eyes narrowed in contemplation his face grim. “All right. Mistakes are not acceptable to us. The target is resourceful but vulnerable. Make sure all potential scenarios are addressed.”

“Yes sir. The team is prepared. Theyll be there by midnight.”

“Excellent” said Sloan in a hushed icy tone. “I want everything to be done neatly. No security pledge. No needless focus. That's the operation”

What operation?

My brain raced attempting to interpret the dangerous whispered exchange. It had a serious tone. Yes it sounded. . . illegal. My heart beat like a crazy scared drum as it pounded against my ribs. In a desperate attempt to blend in with the darkness I instinctively backed away wondering what I had stumbled upon.

However I tripped over something with my bare foot in my hurry. A delicate vase was resting on a small elaborate pedestal directly behind me. It brushed against my elbow.

My breath caught.

The ancient delicate vase swayed unsteadily. The passage of time seemed to slow down. It tilted then fell toward the polished floor and I watched in horror. The thing broke. A sudden violent crash ripped through the mansions hushed silence reverberating through the grand spaces with an audibly loud sound.

My throat swelled with my heart. I froze my eyes wide with fear my body rigid. The studys voices abruptly stopped. A pause of stunned silence.

Next came Sloans piercing enraged bark. “Whos there?!”

My breath caught in my throat.