Defect of Servitude [Book #1]

➽Four: Tours of History

"Don't tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass."
-Anton Chekhov

I awoke in a strange room. Curtains of inky darkness covered all the windows as if someone had draped a veil of black over my eyes. I blinked and rubbed my eyes, trying to adjust to any form of light.

My first task each morning was to mentally assess my body to ensure everything was in place. Nothing seemed unusual, but my muscles felt cemented like I hadn't moved an inch in days.

I sat up from what I was lying on, unsure if it was a bed. It felt too unfamiliar for one, yet it wasn't a mat on the floor. I explored the area within arm's reach and found the smooth warmth of a blanket I must have kicked off.

I couldn't recall how I ended up in this room. I only remembered sliding into the black SUV with my Master and being buckled into my seat by one of the massive men at the Queen's side. My head had lolled to the side as the adrenaline finally left my system, leaving me lethargic.

It surprised me how out of it I must have been. I'd never slept so soundly with people around me, alone profoundly enough to be moved to a different environment. I touched my body and found myself in different clothes-silk attire that was simple but soft. My skin appreciated the smooth fabric rubbing against it throughout the night. A sliver of light suddenly appeared near the floor. I assumed it was coming from the door.

I stood up, wavering and unbalanced in the unfamiliar darkness. I walked heel to toe toward the door, careful not to step on anything and trying to be as quiet as possible. I laid my hand on the knob, took a deep breath, and debated whether it was wise to explore my new surroundings without permission. After a brief hesitation, I grasped the cold metal and twisted.

As soon as I opened the door, a bright light blinded me. I stepped out of the doorway, hoping my pupils would quickly adjust to the darkness behind me. Unfortunately, before my eyes could acclimate to the rash onslaught, I collided with another human-like figure.

I was knocked to the floor. The immense size of the figure frightened me. I could make out the outline of an arm reaching towards me, and the fear sent a shiver down my spine.

The person paused at my reaction. "I won't hurt you. I'm sorry for not paying attention to where I was going."

My eyes widened. The large individual was a woman. More astonishingly, my vision cleared enough to reveal her vibrant purple hair that faded to snowy white at the ends. Her mouth held a polite smile, but her eyes were filled with concern.

"You're the new girl, aren't you? Madelyn?"

I nodded absentmindedly. The sound of my name still sent a wave of shock through my mind. Her hand extended toward me again. I stopped my flinch but still paused. The woman wiggled her fingers in invitation. Slowly, I reached out and connected with her. Once she clasped my hand tightly, she yanked me up. I went airborne, and my stomach leaped into my throat.