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The air around me grew thicker with tension. There were unseen forces coming from the opposite ends of the room—one side wanting to push me out, while the other tugged on me to follow. It was a miracle I held my ground.
The one with the dimpled chin, who hadn’t said anything all night, spoke this time. I was surprised to find that his tone was much gentler than the other. “We will take a ferry to the Primera Isla, which will take about an hour and a half. Then a car will escort you to Señor Castillas’ estate, which is another three hours away.” He paused for a moment, his brows wrinkling slightly. “I suggest dressing warm, as we will be traveling through most of the night.”
I glanced down at my sweat-soiled clothing. At least he was inclined to let me grab a coat. My hair was still an absolute disaster, and I smelled like Silvia’s wine shop.
My eyes burned once more. I needed to tell Magda goodbye. I needed to sleep.
Everyone was looking at me expectantly, but I still had more questions. “What will happen—”
“Enough. We need to leave. You will get all your answers when you speak with Señor Castillas,” the tall one barked again.
I squeezed my eyes shut and nodded. I felt thoroughly silenced.
The sound of a few short steps sounded from in front of me. “Carmen, cheer up.” A familiar cold hand rested on my shoulder. I slowly opened my eyes, looking up to meet the cold stare of the woman who had taken me in, who had given me a life for the last three years.
“You will be going where you belong. I’m sure they will take care of you better than we ever could. Now, go get your coat.”
I swallowed.
I really had to leave.
There was a pang of bitterness that flowed through the undercurrents of her words. There was a look of betrayal in her eyes that made my throat burn. My shoulders sagged under the weight of exhaustion and my head bowed. I wouldn’t be able to say goodbye to Magda—to talk about what was happening. We had done everything together for most of our lives. The thought of not being able to see her, not being able to stay in the same room as her, made my heart break clean in half with devastation.
The door was opened by one of the men, and they waited for me to depart first.
They marched close behind me, though I didn’t know if Maestra Cecelia followed or not.
Waiting in the hallway were Fernando and Magda.
I choked on a sob. Both of their eyes widened.
“¿Qué pasó?” Fercho whispered.
I took a shaky breath as I looked at him with my watery eyes, begging him to understand what was happening without words.
“Carmen, who are they?” Magda asked. She had started walking alongside me, and I could feel the men behind me grow even more weary.
I looked straight ahead, even as my throat felt raw and my eyes hurt. “I have to leave.”
Magda stopped walking as we reached the steps. I continued up, on a direct path to our room, followed by two burly men.
“Carmen, wait,” Magda called up the stairs.
I squeezed my eyes shut as a new hot tear trailed down my face.
“I’m going to speak to Maestra Cecelia!” Magda yelled up after me as we reached the hallway. Lining the way, there were the other dancers. They stared at me, and then stared at the men.
“In your rooms!” The tall one barked.
I’d never seen them move at such lightning speed. Doors slammed shut, and I could hear voices filter through the slightly warped wood doors.
At least I wouldn’t be watched. I walked slowly, counting every step up until I reached the door to mine and Magda’s room. I held my breath as I walked inside, only whipping my head around when the dimple-chin grabbed my door.
“I need to change,” I said as firmly as I could.
He didn’t even look at me. “We were told to stay with you at all times.”
My cheeks went scarlet-hot. I could feel the heat spread to my ears. “But. I. Need. To. Change.” I said slowly.
