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When the guards approach the cell, they point something at Alec. There’s a popping sound, then Alec writhes on the ground. A guard unlocks the cell. Two men enter and stand over Alec. One of them holds a small device and two wires extend from it to where Alec convulses.
Two more men enter, and they come straight for me. With a screech, I claw at them, fighting for my life as they grab my arms and drag me, kicking and screaming, from the cell.
Without warning, the cell door slams shut, leaving Alec on the inside and me outside with Artemus and his guards. The sense of impending doom settles over me. I don’t know what Artemus has planned, but I know it won’t be good.
The guards lead me down a dimly lit, elongated corridor, evoking the sensation of a condemned prisoner en route to the gallows. Each step is a struggle, my feet drag against the smooth stones, while my heart pounds fiercely against my ribcage. Eventually, we come to a halt in front of an imposing wooden door, and the guards vanish from sight, leaving me alone, trembling in anticipation of what lies ahead.
A different guard appears and motions for me to follow him into the room where Matilda previously held court. I reluctantly obey, my heart beating fiercely against my ribcage and my mind racing with all the things that can happen.
As we turn a corner, I enter a grand dining hall illuminated by dazzling crystal chandeliers, its opulence further accentuated by gold-plated cutlery. The room sprawls before me, spacious enough to accommodate two or three dozen guests at its table adorned with sumptuous delicacies. Artemus assumes his place at the head of the table, indicating for me to sit at his left side. Dread courses through my veins as he reaches for a small silver bell and begins to ring out a haunting melody.
I have no idea what he has in store for me, but it can’t be good. My suspicions are confirmed moments later when a terrified woman walks in wearing scraps of clothing. Dread crawls up my spine at what’s obviously newly acquired shackles that dangle from the silver tray she holds. On that tray sits another set of shackles and a metal collar. A chill rips through my body as the reality of my situation sets in.
Artemus gazes at me, his eyes expectant, awaiting my reaction. Swallowing the lump in my throat, I offer a hesitant nod, unsure of how to respond. The fear and mistreatment endured by this poor girl weigh heavily on my mind, reducing her to an object, something to be bought and sold.
“Meet my newest acquisition.” Artemus gestures not toward the collar and chain, but the maid. “She’s quite lovely, isn’t she?”
Anger and indignation surge within me, appalled by the injustice and inhumanity unfolding before my eyes. It is a struggle to meet the gaze of the girl who obediently stands beside the table, her eyes downcast and body trembling. The collar adorning her neck serves as a stark reminder of the horrors that await her, just as the multitude of bruises that mar her delicate flesh.
“I’m sure you are curious as to why I have brought you here,” Artemus continues, his voice low and menacing. “Alec possesses valuable information that he refuses to divulge. Nevertheless, I possess methods of extracting his secrets.” He seizes the girl’s chain, pulling her closer. “If Alec does not cooperate, I shall kill her and replace her with you.”
My breath catches, my heart frozen in that very moment.
“You’re a sick man.”
“Now, is that any way to speak to your host?” He dismisses my comment with an imperious wave of his hand. “Why don’t we have a little fun tonight? Would you like that?”
“No.”
“Nevertheless, I’m counting on you to help Alec with his decision. Is he willing to give up what I want to save you from her fate?” He yanks hard on the chain, pulling the woman close to him. “Tell me, my dear. How do you like being my slave?”
“I’d rather die.” Her words, though soft and filled with fear, surprise me with the defiance she displays.
“You will die. Tonight or another night. It depends how well you please me and whether this woman’s Guardian tells me what I want to know.” Artemus turns to me. “What do you think? Shall I relieve Crissy of the burden of her pitiful existence? Or will you intervene and save her? I can put an end to her suffering swiftly, or I can drag it out.”
He’s completely deranged.
“No.” Horror washes over me, causing my voice to tremble. The sound reverberates loudly, causing the girl to flinch. She quickly masks any emotion, draining color from her face.
“No?” Artemus raises an eyebrow, his expression betraying only mild surprise. “You want her to die?” Humor tinges his voice as he questions me.
I struggle to keep my composure as I reply. “Of course, I don’t want her to die.” My breath catches in my throat, and it feels like my heart is about to burst out of my chest. “How can you do this?”
“I do because I can.” He cocks his head to the side. His lips curl into a cruel smirk, making my skin crawl. The smile he casts at the defenseless girl makes my breath catch. “I’ll show you what happens to those who do not obey me, or give me what I want.”
“Please…” A sob catches in my throat as I plead with him, desperation etched in my face. “Please don’t kill her.”
“Diego!” Artemus calls out without taking his eyes off mine. “Come here.”
“Yes, sir?” A man emerges from the shadows, dressed in the fine livery of a butler.
“Bring the girl’s dress to me.”
“Yes, sir.” The butler disappears and returns minutes later with a dress.
“Put it on her.” Artemus leans back, a sickly smile spreading across his face. “Crissy was taken off the streets of Cancun, after a destination beach wedding. She fought well, but ultimately… Well, she’s with me now.” His voice is low and menacing as Diego adjusts the ruined fabric around Chrissy’s body.
Tattered and blood-stained, what was once a breathtaking bridesmaid dress is nothing but a tattered rag. Its silver shimmery material hangs from her fragile frame stained with dark spots where Crissy bled. Now, the once beautiful dress serves as a symbol of her servitude and captivity to him.
