Empyreal, Book 1

Chapter 6

Sarah's days in the Hollow Earth unfolded with a twisted sense of belonging. Malachi, the evil man who had swept her away, had a way of making her feel both enchanted and coveted. It was as if he saw her not as a captive, but as a puzzle piece that had finally fallen into place, completing a grand design only he comprehended. 

The vast chambers of Malachi's castle became her labyrinthine playground. Sarah was captivated by the opulent jewels He adorned her with. In this realm where darkness thrived, she found herself oddly drawn to their wicked beauty. Malachi, with his velvety voice and piercing gaze, wove tales of destiny and conquest, enticing her with visions of a future where she reigned by his side. He spoke of the Hollow Earth as a realm where rules could be rewritten, where her abilities could flourish without limitations. 

It was an intoxicating vision, and Sarah couldn't help but feel a thrill of exhilaration. Surprisingly, within this twisted sanctuary, Malachi granted her an unexpected freedom. He allowed her to wander the corridors of the castle, though always under his watchful eye. The residents regarded her with equal parts curiosity and apprehension. They recognized the power emanating from her, sensing her significance in Malachi's grand plan.

As Sarah explored the intricately carved halls and shadowy passages, she couldn't deny the allure of this world. It felt as if she had stumbled upon a hidden realm, where her own untapped potential was celebrated rather than feared. The sense of belonging, though tainted with darkness, tugged at her like a long-lost lover. Sarah's days blurred into a combination of opulence and conspiracy, where the boundaries between reality and fantasy began to collide.

Memories, once vivid and cherished, slipped through her fingers like grains of sand. The life she had known outside of the Hollow Earth started to lose its clarity. Something in this realm had woven its way into her essence, entwining her thoughts and emotions with its dark presence. It murmured promises of power and magnificence, urging her to abandon the remnants of her former life and embrace the seductive call of the Hollow Earth. 

Sarah found herself enthralled by the notion of being a queen, Malachi's queen, ruling over a realm where darkness reigned supreme. The temptation to surrender to the greatness that beckoned her grew stronger with each passing day. The Hollow Earth, with its twisted beauty and sinister charm, became her new home, her new reality. Yet, amidst the temptation, a faint whisper of doubt lingered at the edge of Sarah's consciousness. A small ember of her former self fought against the all-encompassing darkness.

The memories that slipped away troubled her, leaving an unfillable void within her heart. She couldn't help but wonder, as she looked upon herself through the eyes of this newfound queen, what was she sacrificing in exchange for this grand illusion? What parts of her identity were slipping away, forever lost in the darkness of the Hollow Earth? The more she embraced her role as Malachi's queen, the more distant and unfamiliar her past became.

Malachi's knock jolted Sarah out of her daydream, pulling her back to the present moment. She opened the door to find him standing before her, adorned in an attire reminiscent of traditional horse riders, but with a darker twist. The outfit, a striking combination of black and gold, exuded an air of regal authority that gave Sarah tingles throughout her body. Curiosity swayed in her eyes as she asked, "Are we going horseback riding?" The corners of Malachi's lips curled into a sly smile, his stern gaze locking with hers. "You'll see," he replied, leaving a trail of lust in his wake. "Meet me downstairs in 20 minutes." 

Sarah felt apprehensive about what awaited her downstairs. The Hollow Earth was full of surprises, and every encounter with Malachi seemed to deepen the riddle that surrounded him. She descended the grand staircase, the polished wood gleaming beneath the soft glow of the dimly lit chandeliers. Her black riding outfit, adorned with elegant golden accents, clung to her slender frame, exuding a sense of sophistication. The high collar of the jacket accentuated her neck, while the form-fitting trousers flattered her figure, revealing an unexpected grace in this unfamiliar ensemble.