Chapter 9

Elara's POV

Then it struck me. Not just fringe, but old-world fringe. The entire mansion’s furnishings, the dresses, the fixtures, everything was from another time. Another century. Old, but grand and well cared for. It was both creepy and intriguing. Old money.

“Is the room comfortable enough for you?” he asked.

I turned and faced him.

“Yes. It’s fine.”

A frown tugged his lips down.

“Is there anything else you need?”

I knew it would be a long shot, but I asked for it anyway.

“My wand.”

“You can’t have that back.”

I crossed my arms with a sigh.

“Okay. But I do need my pills. There is a bottle in my coat pocket.”

“What are they? The pills.”

“I have a rare energy disorder. Without them, I weaken and can’t summon my magic.”

“You won’t need your magic here.”

“No, you don’t understand. I’ve never missed a dose. I don’t know what will happen if I do.” My heart hammered against my ribcage.

“No pills.”

His jaw muscles worked.

“Don’t try to run. I’ll find you now that I have your scent.”

With one last sweeping gaze down my body, he exited, pulling the door closed behind him.

I rushed forward and slammed my fist on the wood. When I tried the handle, it was locked. No surprise there.

Fucking asshole! I’d never been without my pills. What if I weakened and slowly succumbed to death? Were they trying to torture me? Panic and rage tightened my chest. I breathed through the dizziness.

Death. That was how this chapter of my life would end. I needed to give in to it. I wanted to, but my survival instinct, after so long in that mode, was hard to suppress. The need to survive was in every cell. It drove me onward. I knew myself. I wouldn’t give in no matter what no matter what they did to me. Not until my last breath was ripped from my lungs. Why couldn’t death be easy?

I was sitting on the bed when the lock turned over in the door. A mousy older woman stepped inside carrying a tray and gave me a smile. The aroma made my mouth water. It was evening, more than twenty-four hours since I’d last eaten. So far, any repercussions of going without my pill hadn’t surfaced.

I’d passed the last few hours by showering, throwing on some clean clothes, and gazing out the window.

“Good evening, miss,” the woman said.

She set the tray on the desk.

“I brought your dinner.”

“Thanks. I’m starving.”

I stood, awkwardly smoothing the silk dress I’d found in the wardrobe after my shower. Seriously, who wore silk?

“My name’s Elara.”

“Maeve, miss. Nice to meet you.”

She headed toward the door.

“Just leave the tray there when you’re finished. I’ll come back to pick it up.”

“Wait. What… Can you tell me anything about your bosses?” Knowledge was power after all.

Her brow raised.

“What would you like to know?”

“Who are Xavier, Kaelen, and Lysander? What exactly does the Penumbra Syndicate do?”

I sat down at the desk but kept my attention on Maeve.

“Well, we used to be quite powerful until…”

“Until what?”

Maeve clasped her hands.

“Best not to talk about it. I’m to deliver your meals and fetch you anything you need, that is all.”

So, she wasn’t going to give me any answers. I tried a different subject.

“Have other women been held here before?”

She interlaced her fingers, her gaze on the floor.

“Yes, miss. But not how you think.”

Right. Like I believed that for a second.

“What, ah…”

I licked my lips.

“What is Xavier like? Do you know how he treats his pets?”

Maeve nervously shifted her weight.

“I don’t know, miss. One word of caution though, try not to anger them. The lords are not known for their kindness or mercy. They are not so bad if you’re obedient.”

“How powerful are they?”

I leaned forward, trying to ignore the delicious food smells and get some answers.

She shook her head.

“You should eat. I’ll be back later for your tray.”

I sighed in defeat as she let herself out and locked the door.

I removed the metal dome from the plate and forked up some type of fish. Starving, I shoved it into my mouth. My eyes rolled back in my head. Absolutely delicious. My taste buds exploded with herbs I had no name for and lemon. It was so good, I let out a moan.

For the next twenty minutes, I ate and mulled over what little information Maeve had offered.

I knew nothing about the various crime families, though members must have crossed my path before since all supernaturals were required to attend the a Kaelenmy. I’d been there with crime bosses’ children but hadn’t realized it at the time.

Xavier, Lysander, and Kaelen were older than me. I’d guess by about ten years. It was always challenging to tell with supernaturals because we aged so slowly after reaching maturity. None of us were immortal, but we lived quite a bit longer than humans.

Making sure to eat every crumb, I finally sat back, satisfied. Rich men and their delicious food. I hated them but loved the meals.

I wandered over to the large window. Darkness had fallen hours ago but antique lamps illuminated the snow-covered grounds below. I gazed past them to the forest beyond, which was little more than a dense, jagged green under the moonlight.

Orion was out there, hopefully safely back with his foolish friends. I nibbled on my thumbnail and heaved a sigh. My little brother was going to have to grow up fast. He’d never been left all alone until now. He said he wanted freedom and to go his own way. Now he had his wish. I couldn’t be there for him even if I wanted to.

What the hell was I supposed to do here? Wait in this room until Xavier wants to feed?

A chill raced through me. I’d never been bitten by a vampire before, but I’d heard the experience was euphoric. It often led to sex. Sex with Xavier… In any other circumstance, I’d be fully on board with that idea. He was beautiful, but from what Maeve said, he was also cruel. He could go fuck himself.

If Garrick had taught me anything, it was that I was too gullible when it came to men. I’d been an easy target for him to trap in his net. Never again. These bosses wanted a piece of me? They were going to get it. And they weren’t going to like it.

My brother is safe now. I’d make it out of this alive or die fighting. The upside was at least I wouldn’t have to face Garrick any time soon. I could only deal with so many men’s bullshit at once.