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Ainsley
Lieutenant Galveston, if that was even his real name, held my arms behind my back, tying my wrists together with a rope. I refused to scream and give them any satisfaction as the rough bindings cut into my skin.
“I guess I kept my word now after all.” My attacker from the alleyway skulked forward and drew his blade. “We’re both here and so is my boss. He wants to see you.” The filthy man slowly traced my neckline with the edge of his sword, clearly warning me of acting out.
“How dare you impersonate the Royal Navy? I shall report every last one of you—”
The man behind me tightened the bindings, cutting off my words as pain seared into my skin. “We’ve been doing this much longer than you know. Bite your tongue and save your useless threats, mi’lady.”
I growled under my breath.
“Take her to the brig,” my previous attacker snarled as his large ugly mouth revealed his unkempt teeth.
Galveston forcefully jerked my body around by the ropes at my wrists, and we made our way across the ship. Eventually he broke open a door, and I practically tripped down the rickety wooden stairs into a dark holding area.
“Boss will be with you shortly.” With a tip of an imaginary hat, he turned and slammed the door shut above my head.
My chin sank to my chest. How foolish I’d been. Running from Killian, believing I knew best. Of course, my first attempt at freedom, and I landed into more trouble than I could have ever imagined.
And what boss was this that everyone spoke of? Who could he possibly be to have such a hold over men? To have the audacity to portray a royal ship with no fear of repercussions?
There was thudding above the deck. Apparently, I would not have to wait much longer to learn the answers to my queries. Or meet my end. I could not be certain what was coming my way any longer. Not even in the slightest.
“They’re not far behind.” I heard a voice say as the door above me cracked open once more.
“They’re no threat to us. Ready the weapons and shoot them down if you must. They are not to get close enough to board.” The male voice was smooth yet ominous, a combination that sent shivers of unease rippling down my spine. The man ducked his head below the wooden beams and moved down the stairs, standing over me with his hands on his hips. “Lady Ainsley Lilstrum, is it?” His smile did nothing to ease the chills spreading like ice in my veins.
I rose to my feet, not permitting the difficulty of doing so to prevent me from standing up to this man. “Who are you?”
He chuckled and ran a thumb over a sharp tooth that slightly protruded from the right side of his mouth. “How callous of me, mi’lady. My name is Sebastian James. But my friends call me Bash. And you, Lady Ainsley, are the bastard child of Silverthorne and my misguided Hattie. Are you not?”
I raised my chin defiantly toward the man, taking in his appearance: his slicked-back copper-colored hair and cold green eyes. “I do not know what you’re talking about.”
His lip curled upward. “You’d do well to tell the truth. Liars meet deadly ends in my presence. I already know your story, Ainsley.” He spat my name as though it were a swear word.
Narrowing my eyes at the largely built man before me, I remained quiet.
“Now, the important thing is that I have you with me. Where you should be. Because I have you, it is only a matter of time before your mother comes to your rescue. And then, she’ll be with me as well—where she belongs.” Bash paced a few strides back and forth within the small confines of the dimly lit holding area, clasping his tattooed hands behind him.
“I don’t understand. She will not come for me. She does not even know me.” I attempted to maintain a calm demeanor, but inside, I was anything but.
Bash stopped his pacing and glared at me. “Your mother risked her life for you. Worthless if you ask me. However, she will come. And I will be able to move forward, how I’ve always wanted.”
“What? With two prisoners?” I questioned, hoping he would relay further information about my birth mother. Not that all of what he said could be deemed reliable, but Bash may know something of consequence.
Suddenly, Bash slammed his hand against the side of the ship and then brought it down upon my shoulder, roughly pushing me to the hard floor until I was on my knees.
“No.” He stared down at me menacingly. “With the last remaining threat to my reign of power, my Hattie will be at my beck and call.” He stepped back as my shoulders slumped.
Bash cleared his throat. “Being sheltered in Rookhallow Proper did you no favors, except keep you from learning truths that put you in danger. But now that you’re out in this world, I suppose it is my duty to educate you. Especially since you’re a magic caster.”
I shifted on my knees, but when I caught the fierce look from Bash, I froze. “Magic casters were once revered. Cherished as those who helped others and brought prosperity to society. It put those without magic at a disadvantage. You must see how that would not fare, correct?”
I snorted as the man before me turned on his heel and continued talking, “Your parents were disgustingly proud of the way in which Darkhold was thriving. There were many who didn’t appreciate being beneath such people. My rise to power came easily. A few mechanical inventions, magic taken by force, and I grew in power. Particularly with weapons such as my dear Gretta by my side. You’ve had the pleasure of meeting her.” He turned to me then, meeting my gaze, and chuckled.
“I have had the pleasure of killing your little friend, yes,” I snarled.
That made him chuckle further. “It is not possible, but you may believe what you wish.” He waved his arm in dismissal and continued, “Once my power grew, and fear rose, I was able to alter how people saw your parents, along with most magic casters. You see, Ainsley, perception is everything.” He arched a dark eyebrow, and I wanted to punch him in his smug face. “Money brought additional power, more players to line my pockets, if you will. And now, magic casters have become outcasts amongst society. With any sightings reported to the authorities, or myself, seeing as I have owned the authorities for quite some time.” His laughter was pompous, and his arrogance was a distraction.
