A Mist of Frozen Ashes

Chapter 39

I thought I'd feel more panic. Fear? No, that wasn't it either. As I gazed upon Vladmir's smiling face, there was only silence in my mind. There was no frantic planning or meticulously crafted scheme to hatch. I waited for the burn of rage. I waited for the onslaught of painful memories to drown me. It never came, not even when the thick golden necklace was clamped around my neck. As I was marched into the awaiting vehicle, I caught sight of my reflection in the shattered glass of the window. Vlad called it a gift. It was a gaudy piece, giving all the appearances that it was indeed that. I knew better. A collar was a collar, regardless of its design. Vlad sat on the bench across from me. He and I gazed at each other.

"You've been injured," he said, pulling out the handkerchief. No shit, asshole. You're the main reason my head feels like it's having a boxing match with my skull...and losing. Reaching forward, he wiped away the blood that had dripped down my nose and brought the cloth to his face, inhaling deeply. I stole a glance at the soldiers around us. While many kept their faces carefully blank, I couldn't help but see a few wary faces. A few eyes darted at me before quickly looking away once they saw that I was watching.

"It's been so many years," he began, folding the cloth meticulously before tucking it back into the suit pocket. The white tip, stained with my blood is shown from the exposed end. "The months we spent together all that time ago wasn't nearly enough. There's much for me to make up for."

He stared at me, awaiting my response. I said nothing and simply stared at him in return until he began to nod slowly.

"You're tired, of course. Where are my manners?" He chuckles but it sounds strained. "Your room has already been prepared for your arrival. As soon as we get home, I'll have you escorted there so that you can get some rest. Once you're well rested, we can introduce you to the people. Officially," he said, with a knowing wink.

I turned my gaze away from him and stared out the tiny rectangle of a window, watching the trees blur by. I hope Emyr and the others got away safely. Kaius was going to be pissed. Onyx was going to lose his shit. Poor Lukan, he didn't deserve the constant stress I put him through. Hopefully, the others would stop Onyx before he did something stupid like trying to save me. God, I miss them already.

"We'll be arriving shortly, Supreme General, sir," a soldier called from up front.

"Bring us in through the Eastern entrance. Sheshka wishes to rest before greeting her subjects," Vlad announces.

Subjects? There was no way these people actually believed I was some sort of goddess. Harlem had to be a one-off. Surely the entire city didn't think there was some ancient goddess protecting them. That was beyond delusional. In fact, it was downright insane. I turned to the soldier closest to me. His eyes widened and he dropped his head in a bow, subtly trying to scoot away from my direct attention.

Unease skirted through me as I watched the rest of the soldiers in the truck follow his lead, bowing their heads to me once my eyes touched them. My gaze went back to Vladmir who was watching the entire exchange. He smiled at me and I felt my stomach churn as I looked away. Why was he acting like we were long-lost lovers? Did he think I would just forget the monstrosities that he subjected me to? If so, he was just as delusional as his followers. They were all a match made in hell.

We arrived in the capitol without fanfare. I was ushered out of the vehicle and toward the towering walls of the Red Square. It was an intimidating building to say to least. Vlad had definitely chosen his castle well. I had to give it to him, the man sure knew how to make a statement. I heard the distinct sound of a beep come from the necklace as we were nearing the door. I glanced down at it.

"So, you've noticed," Vladmir said softly as he looped my arm with his. I fought hard not to let my discomfort at being so close to him show. His entire presence felt slimy and to feel his skin on mine after so long...I felt like I was going to be sick. "I had Colsia–you'll meet her soon–implant a receiver into the necklace so that you wouldn't have to stay cooped up in your rooms. You'll be able to roam the palace freely this way."