Page 30 of Silk and Sirens

Aeris

I watched him drive away, my muscles locked tight until his car disappeared from view. I never planned to get caught, which meant I needed a backup plan in case Caden decided I was more trouble than I was worth.

Risking Caden’s and even Sebastian’s wrath wasn’t intentional, but now it was a calculated risk. Because I couldn’t stop. Not now. Not when I was this close.

No one was going to stand in my way.

Not even Caden Ackworth.

Because every decision I was forced to make, every death at my hands, was just one more step closer to freedom.

With one last glance down the street, I headed for my front door, hyperaware of the darkness pressing against the glass. I always left on a light, a habit I couldn’t break despite knowing Mira was likely never coming back. It wasn’t like she’d need the light to find her way home.

It’d been so long, she wouldn’t even know where home was.

The door was locked, and opening it I paused in the threshold. There seemed to be power, my house security beeping until I input my code, but there was still no light, the darkness swallowing everything as I took a step inside.

“You’re out late.”

My heart stuttered, and I almost let out a scream until I recognised the voice. “I didn’t realise I wasn’t allowed,” I said, swallowing the acidic taste on my tongue. “Waiting for me in the dark, that’s new.”

Renley appeared like my personal grim reaper, the light from outside slashing across his face in harsh lines. “She wants to see you.”

I tried not to think too much on the immediate relief that swept through me. As if going to see her was somehow better than being forced to spend any alone time with him.

“And you couldn’t have just called ahead?” I asked, just to give myself some semblance of control over my life.

His expression tightened, his fists balling as if he envisioned hurting me. But we both knew he was forbidden from leaving a mark where someone could see. Not when I was an object to share and use.

“Get in the fucking car, Aeris.”

I knew not to argue, not when he gripped my wrist harder than needed, or when he pushed me into the back of his car and locked the door.

I should’ve been nervous, being handled so roughly and forced to another destination against my better judgment, but I’d lost the ability to be nervous when it came to Selene Blackwater a long time ago. She fed on that weakness like some wicked witch, taking glee in my fear.

So I refused to give it to her.

It wasn’t long before twisted wrought-iron gates came into view, standing tall and sharp amongst the overgrown thorns she let creep wild and unchecked. Two gargoyles stood each side, guards with grotesque grins baring teeth. They stood in contrast against the surroundings, the cantilever house built on the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea. A stunning five floored building made of wood and glass, painted a soulless black.

Once Renley let me out the car, I made my way over to the porch. I didn’t bother to knock before walking straight through to the den at the back where I knew she waited.

Selene sat in her dark leather Chesterfield, her gaze fixed on the fire that danced in the pit in the centre of the decking that was suspended over the sea. Below was a thin strip of beach, lost daily against the tide. The glass bifold doors were closed, protecting us against the salty wind whipping at the flames while the sun set in the distance.

“Sit,” she demanded as soon as I appeared, her eyes not leaving the flames as she lifted a hand adorned with heavy rings in my direction. Vivienne, her daughter, stood to her side with a sneer, looking down on me.

“Mother, it’s not my fault he⁠—”

“Enough,” Selene said, cutting her off.

Vivienne looked like she’d swallowed sour grapes, but other than a childish screech, she quietened.

I chose to sit the furthest away, the seat uncomfortable as Renley took his position standing behind me, so close my skin crawled. After a moment, Selene looked up, her thick lips cracking into a smile as she took in my gown.

“So, how did it go?”

“It went fine,” I said, choosing my words carefully. “I did as you asked.”

“Hmm.” She leaned back in her chair to study me. “That’s not what my Vivienne has said.”