The cells were expectedly in a basement. Ferro helped her up the stairs. Her knees were weak and her head was spinning. For all she loathed his touch, she might not have made it without his sturdy hands.
There was a hall behind the first locked door. At the end of the hall was a second locked door. The woman stopped and produced a blindfold, holding it to Eira.
“What?” Eira glanced between her and Ferro.
“It’s for security.” Ferro took the blindfold and stood behind her.
“But I’m one of you, aren’t I?”
“Far from it,” the woman said coolly.
“Soon enough.” Ferro chuckled as he lifted the blindfold to her eyes. “But you must pass your initiation before you’re truly one of us.” Eira doubted she would. Hopefully she would be free of this wretched place before then.
They led her blindfolded through the door. There was the sound of scraping and grunting. More walking. Eira tried to listen for echoes with her magic, but it was too thin and weak.
“Stairs, careful now,” Ferro said softly into her ear.
She could hear the footsteps of others passing by her. How many were there? Five? Ten? Twenty? It was more than five…less than twelve, from what she thought she could hear. If only she had Ducot’s keen senses.
They finally came to a stop.
“Leave us,” Ferro commanded.
“Sir—”
“That’s an order.”
“Very well.” The woman’s acquiescence was followed by the click of a door.
The blindfold was removed and Eira opened her eyes, facing Ferro. He pocketed the fabric and settled his hands back on her shoulders. “I have something I want to show you,” he whispered softly.
“Yes?”
He spun her and Eira inhaled sharply. She stumbled over to the bay window of the bedroom. “Where…where are we?”
Outside wasn’t the city of Risen. Rolling hills spilled into dense trees. Mountains in the distance were purple with the fading light of sunset.
“The Pillars’ stronghold.” Ferro’s hands were back on her shoulders, smoothing down her arms. “You’re far from anyone who might hurt you. Don’t worry about them any longer. We will be all you need,” he said, but what Eira heard was,far from anyone who could free you.
How long had she been out for? The hills looked like the ones that were on the outskirts of Risen. Perhaps the city was just on the other side of this towering estate? The side she couldn’t see.
“I’m safe here?”
He turned her once more, his hands slipping upward this time, from her shoulders to her cheeks. Eira resisted the urge to bite at his fingers and kick him in the groin. She had to be strategic if she wanted to make it out alive. Survival was the only thing fueling her right now.
“You are safe with me. No one else,” he said solemnly. “Do not show anyone your powers without me present. Do not use them without my permission.” His fingers began to dig painfully around her face and into her neck. “If you do, I can’t promise your safety. Do you understand?”
“I understand.” Eira tried not to wince.
“Good.” His grip relaxed and he smiled unnervingly widely. “I can give you everything you dreamed of, Eira. A family, a home, a purpose. Let me fill the void that has been made in you.”
“That is all I ever wanted.” Funny how a remark could be both truth and lie at the same time. Every moment, every word of this game had to be calculated like her life depended on it.
“Excellent.” He stared as if intent on consuming her with his eyes. How was her face not showing her disgust? Maybe she was a better actress than she’d ever thought. “Be my good girl, and you shall be rewarded.” Ferro released her and left.
After he was gone, Eira sunk into the seat and gripped the cushions tightly, shivers wracking her body. She grabbed at her arms, at her face, at everywhere he’d touched her. In her frantic movements, she glanced out the window once more and stilled.
What had she gotten herself into?
