AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I’ve surprised him, but that’s the end of the conversation as a second later he steps into my space and tips my face up. His confusion is palpable. His desires are felt so deep within my marrow, yet I don’t respond.
Not to the soft sweep of his knuckles across my cheek.
Not to the gentle press of his lips to my forehead.
Both actions mystify me; it throws him off too, as if done unconsciously, but then he smiles and my heart flutters. It’s small yet genuine, but I don’t return it. Can’t.
“I’ll be back, and we’ll talk.” His rough exhale sends shivers down my spine; the subtle taste of him in the air makes my mouth water. “This is unfair to us both. I know that, but wait for me here…that’s all I ask.”
“There’s nothing to talk about.”
“There is. A lot more than you think.” With that, he leaves and the door closes softly behind him. A second later, the audible click of the lock engaging catches my attention and then the muted sound of him exchanging words with someone; I cross the room and turn the handle but nothing happens.
He locked me in.
I could leave. Gods, it’d be so easy to open a portal, yet I don’t.
All because of that voice and message.
This goes past clearing my parents’ names now. Something is toxic in this place.
* * *
I’ve been left to my own devices for more than forty-eight hours now. No food outside of a bowl with a few apples and grapes inside, plus the carafe of water beside it. They were on a table when I arrived, plenty of both, but they’ve dwindled quickly.
The room itself is nice: a large suite with a full bath that I’ve taken advantage of twice now. It’s opulent with its rich green color and gold accents, and expensive fabrics hang from the window while a huge four poster bed takes up the center.
But it’s not his room. Of that, I’m sure.
This one has a feminine touch that’s soothing, and I like it. Gives me a small sense of comfort through turbulent moments.
I want to leave and never look back. I want to fix whatever is breaking him.
There’s also the fact that his scent is everywhere—embedded so deep within the walls.
So rich. So thick.
Almost as if he’s nearby. Taunting me. Messing with my head. It’s been like this since he locked me in here, and exhaustion is beginning to settle heavily. I’m cozy and warm for now, two defectors in my current yawning escapade and yo-yoing thoughts.
“I need a nap.” My voice echoes throughout the room, loosing its volume until disappearing into the quiet. “I’ll decide what to do after.”
Something is wrong in this place.
On these lands.
And now that I’ve been out of the mental fog Xadiel creates with his touch, I sense the sharper strands of deceit and dark magic. Just like when we rescued Meera, there’s an enchantment to keep others out, but something calls me closer.
Fingering the hem of the dress I’m wearing, one I found inside a large wardrobe—a little small and tight, especially in the bust—I tuck my knees to my chest and close my eyes. I’m torn, finding myself emotionally drained the longer I’m here, but what choice do I have?
What if I’m here to save an innocent?
I can’t walk away knowing someone is hurting. It goes against my beliefs and who I am.
Another yawn escapes, and I give myself a nod. I’ll figure it out. All I need is some sleep.
* * *
I’m torn from my sleep by aggressive hands, a scrap of fabric over my eyes. The scents are strong and wrong, dirty and make want to gag, but I stay calm. Don’t make a sound like my parents taught me.
