Letting out a long sigh, I push off the door and sluggishly make my way over to—what I’m assuming is—the bathroom, ignoring everything else inside these four walls. Flipping the switch, thelights come on slowly, illuminating the room in a calming hue of navy blue.
Stripping off my clothes, I turn the knobs to the shower until it’s the perfect scalding temperature and step underneath the stream.
I try making it fast, but the water is so comforting, like being wrapped in a warm embrace, and before I know it, my eyes begin lulling closed. Half asleep, I reach for the towel hanging on the rack and dry myself off the best I can.
Wrapping it around my body, I’m nearly unconscious when I’ve found my way to the bed and don’t bother to search for clothes as I curl in a ball and greet sleep at last.
Morning has come too quickly. A few sunbeams penetrate the windowpanes, filtering in like nature’s alarm clock. My head pounds with exhaustion. I couldn’t have been asleep for more than a couple hours, and my body feels it. I wipe the cobwebs of sleep from my eyes, even the subtleness of the light too bright for them to bear. Seconds tick by as I try to convince myself to get up. My limbs don’t listen at first, protesting any movement with twinges of aches and pains. The events of just a few hours ago slam into me, like a boulder landing right on top of my chest.
Different kingdom, same bullshit.
Finally, you’re awake,Voraxis says, hints of relief in his tone.
Unfortunately.
Take your time. It’s not like we’re facing anything time sensitive.His sarcasm comes in loud and clear. Letting out a heavy sigh, I ignore my protesting muscles, how they scream with each motion as I ease off the bed. The towel I was wrapped in is haphazardly discarded amongst the blankets. Clearly I must’ve traded it in the middle of the night. A dresser is pressed against the adjacent wall, and my feet absentmindedly carry meto it.
There isn’t much thought as I swiftly get dressed, completely unbothered by what articles I’m shoving myself into. As long as they fit and they’re not constricting, I’m good. Snagging a hair tie off the dresser, I quickly braid the length of my hair before mustering up the courage to exit the room.
My hand reaches for the knob, and I hesitate, thinking what are the chances they wouldn’t come and look for me. I could stay here, even if it’s only for a few more hours.
I just want one day. One day where I’m not running, hiding, constantly fighting for the next breath that I’m not even sure I want anymore. There was a time that was all I longed for, to not be here, to be able to live in peace. Then when I came to Siderium, somewhere along the way, that feeling disappeared, and I wanted tolive.
It was nice to feel that way, even for a little while.
When I open the door, I’d almost forgotten the suite my room was nestled into. It’s so quiet, not so much as a rustle comes from the other end. Odeyssa must’ve already left…or maybe she never came to bed at all.
Not wanting to waste any more time, I make my way out the main door and into the hall, forgoing exploring anywhere else. There aren’t many people in the quarters, only a few maids going in and out of rooms, but to my surprise, they wear smiles on their faces. After shutting the door behind me, their heads turn my way briefly, and they just give me a pleasant head nod before going about their day.
As I descend the grand staircase, my stomach growls with hunger. I can’t remember the last time I had a decent meal. Actually, I take that back—the sandwich Atticus offered me that first night was basically like a steak dinner.
I’m starving,I tell Voraxis before veering off into the castle in search of a kitchen. In the daylight, it’s much easier to see thedetails of the castle. The walls aren’t so much a color but a story, each stroke telling a different scene that I’m unfamiliar with. It’s interesting, looking at the intent behind the lines, and I’m curious as to what secrets lie underneath it all.
The smell of pancakes mingles in the air, and I follow it shamelessly, sniffing until I enter through a swinging door. A kitchen meets my sights, and my shoulders slump with relief, the staff all turning to look at me, some curious, some confused, and the rest seem joyous. The one wearing the chef’s hat beams. “I bet you smelt my famous flats!”
My eyes bounce around the room. “I, uh…just followed the smell.”
“Well, you came to the right place! Sit, sit, I have fresh ones coming right up!” His sparkling demeanor is refreshing, reminding me of Benny and his carefree attitude. I pull out the nearest barstool, casually observing what I can before the chef brings me a plate.
“I brought you three. We need to get some meat on those bones! Also, they’re best with strawberries, so I hope you don’t mind,” he says, setting the plate down in front of me. The strawberry pancakes are like a golden dream, the ripe red fruit looks fresh, and the entirety of the picture makes my mouth water.
“This looks incredible. Thank you,” I tell him. He tips his hat to me and then scurries off to attend to the other dishes. Cutting through the stack, the first bite is better than I ever could’ve imagined. The berries are sweet and blend perfectly with the soft, buttery taste of the pancakes—or flats, as the chef called them. I all but lick the plate clean, not wanting to waste a single bit of this delicacy.
Noticing my plate is clear, the chef calls out to me. “Do you want seconds? There are plenty to go around!”
“No, thanks. I’m stuffed.”
“Just leave your plate there. The washer will take care of it.” I offer him a smile and head back out the swinging door. Going back down the way I came, the front door finally comes into view, and against my better judgment, I exit the comfort and safety of the castle walls.
Outside, the air feels lighter, like it’s been cleansed of all its impurities. Drifting down the steps, I’m greeted with the sight of townsfolk mingling amongst the now full stalls. People carry wicker woven baskets overflowing with the freshest fruits and vegetables. Everyone is smiling. Everyone looks…happy. It makes me wonder if they know what goes on outside their fortress.
Where exactly am I going?I ask Voraxis.
There should be an exit to your right. Go out and follow it past the houses.
Doing as he says, I try to keep my head down, not wanting to draw any attention. There might’ve been a few short glances but nothing out of the ordinary. Not even the guards give me a second look.
The dirt path guides me through a residential area outlined with cottages and branching walkways. The trees start getting denser, and I almost think I’ve gone too far, until the unmistakable glimmer of white catches my eyes.
