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She stopped circling, and with a twist of her hand, Ladon fell to his knees, clutching his stomach.
I reached for him, but as soon as I pivoted, I felt the magical threads pulling my limbs to her desire. I stood tall while Ladon writhed on the floor. Even the tears that welled in my eyes were beyond my control.
“I think I’ll give you a break tonight, Ladon. Since Emilie is so intent on coming to your defense. She can take your place tonight.”
Ladon stopped writhing and looked up from his spot on the floor. His eyes were filled with fury and he struggled to speak amidst his panting. “Do not touch her, Reyna.”
She laughed, aware that his threat held no substance.
Then she tapped her fingers against her bottom lip and hummed. “Maybe I won’t touch her. But I could think of a few who would like to.”
Ladon’s eyes widened and before I could comprehend her statement, a heavy blunt object collided with the back of my head. In an instant, the world turned black.
When I woke, the room spun. I felt a warm sticky spot on the back of my scalp and found dark blood on my hand when I pulled it away. I sat up and forced the nausea reeling inside of me back down. I suspected I might have a concussion.
I cursed under my breath. I’d been stupid and look where it had gotten me.
Where had it gotten me?
I was alone in what appeared to be a spa room. Crystal clear water filled a sunken basin in the center of the room. The air was thick with humidity and a soapy scent.
My head swiveled, searching for Reyna hidden in one of the corners of the room, but I was truly alone. I stood on shaky legs and headed to the door. I wasn’t surprised when the iron door didn’t budge.
My hands curled into fists, and I pounded on the steadfast barrier. I screamed until my throat ached. The noise all seemed to absorb into the dense air. I wasn’t sure if anyone could even hear me.
I fell to my knees and sobbed, uncertain of how much more I could take. I was tired, both physically and mentally. I missed my family, even my mother and her snide remarks. I missed the comforts of Renoa, though I had only known them for a brief time. At that point, I would’ve settled for the overbearing heat of Dreslen. I was tired of being cold and damp all the time.
Using the back of my hand, I wiped the tears from my eyes.
Get it together, Emilie.
I stood and surveyed the room. Aside from the pool, there were a few cabinets full of towels and soaps. Two robes were hanging on a rack on the back wall. A bar cart in the corner caught my eye.
As I approached, I noticed fruit and cheese and bread. My stomach rumbled at the sight. I was also sick of being hungry all the time. The meals we’d been fed were enough to prevent starvation, but they weren’t meant to fill our bellies.
Despite my hunger, I didn’t trust the assortment of snacks. There was also a glass jug full of what I suspected to be water. My tongue felt dry as I weighed the potential risk.
An echo of Ladon’s voice whispered in my ear. That would be too easy for Reyna. She’ll have a much worse demise planned for us.
Fuck it. I brought the jug to my lips, not even bothering to search for a glass. The thought of Reyna’s disgust at my mouth on her pristine water jug made me smirk.
As if she was summoned by my thoughts, the door rattled, and Reyna entered the chamber. I carefully set the jug down and folded my arms across my chest.
“Ah, you’re awake.”
“Yes, I’ve recovered after you knocked me out.”
She ignored me and gestured to the cart behind me. “I’m glad you were able to get some refreshments. It’s going to be a long night for you.”
Every word she spoke made me burn with anger. Her act of being a gracious host was unbearable. On top of everything else, the phony performance really got under my skin.
I audibly sighed and rolled my eyes. Whatever she had planned for me, I would grit my teeth and bare it.
Reyna sneered when she took in my obstinate stance. She whistled and two figures emerged from the shadows beyond the iron door, dressed head to toe in long black cloaks. Their movements were feline as they headed in my direction, soundlessly gliding across the floor.
“Ladies, please make sure Emilie is prepared for our guests tonight.” She winked and turned on her heel. I watched, frozen in place while she exited the room and the door thudded shut behind her.
Her two assistants eyed me with disinterest. When one placed a hand on my shoulder, I pushed her away. She didn’t speak. Didn’t show any signs of a fight. She merely reached to touch me again.
