Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 77485 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 387(@200wpm)___ 310(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77485 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 387(@200wpm)___ 310(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
“Why would you need a jail at all?” I pressed, unable to hide my curiosity.
His lips quirked up in a half-smile. "Because, deliciae, even in a place governed by our own rules, there must be a system to manage those who step out of line. A way to enforce our laws." His gaze hardened slightly. "And then there's the matter of tourists. Not everyone appreciates the privilege of being allowed to step foot on Stygian. Some get... overly curious, or disrespectful. They forget they are guests here."
I absorbed his words, trying to imagine this fortress-like jail on an island that already felt so removed from the world I knew. "And what happens to these... rule-breakers?"
"They're reminded of the price of their indiscretion. We take our hospitality very seriously, and in turn, we expect our guests to respect our ways. Those who can't... well, they learn the hard way that there are consequences for every action."
That was more or less what Nicolette had said.
“Is Anya—?”
“I’d rather not discuss her while eating. For all of our sakes.”
I refrained from biting back at him, if for nothing else than Anya’s wellbeing. It was one of the hardest things I’d ever had to do. He truly despised her. I had to wonder if it went beyond her sexual inhibitions.
"What's the most interesting thing you learned today?" he inquired, smoothly changing the subject.
"That I wasn't chosen at random." The words hung in the air, a statement of fact that carried with it an undercurrent of bewilderment and a silent plea for understanding.
“You certainly weren’t,” he murmured, taking another sip of his wine.
I didn’t know what that meant. If this was tied into bloodlines, then I was equally as lost, because I was more or less Annie. But I wouldn’t be shocked if he knew who my family was. Actually, I was sure he did.
I failed to see the likelihood of them being linked to his. Everything I’d learned—from the little I’d seen—conveyed how secretive and well-guarded the Isle was. They were all about tradition and heritage. I highly doubted my mother or father would’ve given me up for adoption if they were part of their community.
The sound of glass shattering somewhere in the house pulled me from my thoughts. I looked at Alexander, who was already sliding his chair back.
“Excuse me for a moment,” he said politely, exiting the room in the direction Esther and Nicolette had gone.
I heard Alexander speaking to someone. His words were indistinct, and the tone was calm. I couldn't make out the conversation. Everything fell silent after that. Five, maybe even ten minutes passed when a muffled cry reached my ears. I sat up, straining to listen, questioning my own perception.
The cry came again, unmistakable this time. Propelled to my feet, I followed the sound, my steps cautious but resolute. I found myself in the hall that led to the room where I had first woken up.
A cry echoed once more, chilling my veins. Esther was standing alone, just outside the door, her expression conflicted. If she was out here, then was Nicolette the one inside? I quickened my pace. What was he doing to her?
As I approached, Esther tried to stop me with a raised hand, her eyes pleading. "Please, wait—"
I couldn't. My concern for Nicolette outweighed any reservations. Ignoring her, I shouldered her out of the way and pushed the door open, just to freeze.
The sight before me was both bewildering and unsettling—not at all what I’d been expecting.
Nicolette was bent over in front of the chair, gripping its velvet arms so tightly there was an indent from her nails. Her face was pale and streaked with silent tears. The skirt of her dress was lifted, exposing her ass and the deep, bloodied marks now marring her skin where it had split apart.
My arrival didn’t stop whatever was happening. Alexander landed another painful blow to the back of her thighs. The blackened instrument in his hand resembled an iron rod with a serpent wound around it. As it made contact, Nicolette stifled another cry and my heart clenched, pushing me into action.
“Stop it!” I rushed across the room without thinking and grabbed Alexander by the arm. He turned towards me and I braced myself, expecting the worst, sucking in a surprised gasp when he simply pulled me into an embrace with one arm.
I could hear Nicolette’s ragged breaths but could no longer see her.
"Get her out of my house.” With an authoritative command, Alexander directed Esther to escort Nicolette away, their exchange carrying an unspoken understanding.
He didn’t release me until they were both gone. When he stepped back, I stood there in the aftermath of the tense encounter.
“What—?”
“Come with me.” His voice cut through the charged air, silencing me before I could question what I’d just seen. He gently guided me away from the room, setting the sinister-looking rod down just inside the door. I followed him numbly, my mind racing to process what had just unfolded.