"Human!?" he whispered, stunned.
He stared at her then abruptly stood up and left the room Neven following closely behind.
What is happening? He seemed surprised that she was human isn't he human too? Her eyes widened in shock and fear but she quickly replaced those emotions with a loud sigh of frustration. She couldn't fool herself into thinking those men were some creatures. Fools! She smirked. Definitely humans in a bad disguise.
The door creaked and a new woman entered. She wasn't Yvette or seraphina but a different approaching her squatting to her level. She grabbed her legs without a word and began to untie her. A wave of irritation washed over her pushing her to the edge of anger and frustration. she yanked her legs away pulling back making the woman's eyes blazed with anger as she yelled.
"Be still"
"What are you doing" she shot back.
The woman remained silent until she completely untied her then she looked at her viscously.
"You're coming with me " the woman said.
She tilted her head "I'm not going anywhere with you" she spat.
"You don't have a choice."
"I won't follow you. Who are you? What do you want?."
"You're no martyr girl. You'll do as you're told."
She grabbed her hand, Hestia was quick to break free.
"Don't upset me just come with me if....."
"Why is it that everybody here tells me the same thing?" She questioned. "Don't make me angry! Don't upset me . I feel fire inside me ready to burst." She clenched her fist her knuckles turning white.
The woman's face darkened her hand reached her closing around her wrist like a vice.
"Enough "
The woman from by the voice releasing Hestia's wrist.
Hestia's gaze locked onto him approaching them his hand casually tucked into his pockets. Him again? Why? What does he want.? He always makes her heart skipped a beat.
"Lyra" he addressed the woman his deep voice laced with authority.
"Yes my Lord" she replied swiftly.
"I'm not comfortable with you touching her." He stated his husky tone unmistakable.
"Pardon me my Lord. It won't happen again." Lyra bowed her head.
"Good" he acknowledged. "You're excused."
Lyra turned to leave but paused at his next words.
"Take her with you. If she tries anything.... You'll answer to me."
She nodded. "I will ensure nothing happens." Her voice trembled .
"I'm not going anywhere with you or her" she declared.
He opened his mouth to respond but a voice interrupted from outside.
"My Lord, Lord Axel is seeking you." Yvette voiced.
He turned his eyes narrowing suspiciously."Mmm-hmm."
"May I take her with me my Lord?" Yvette's voice trembled asked.
"If you want. But remember if anything happens it's on you." He nodded wickedly. "And you " he gazed Hestia piercingly. "I'll find a better use for you."
She watched perplexed as Yvette and Lyra trembled till he darted to their visions. The fear danced crazily on Yvette's face left her wondering what sinister forces were at play. What do they fear that much? This man they called their Lord?. Who was this Axel mentioned earlier by Neven and what authority do they wield? Her curiosity getting better way of her, curiously to discover the unknown outside. She knew she had to take a risk to find a way back to her family and return to their village.
"Yvette what are doing? don't you know the consequences you're risking?"Lyra's voice trembled slightly.
"Please Aunty try to see it from my perspective. I just wanted to help her." She squeezed her hand.
"I think you heard him right" her expression turned stern."let go of my hand I have to go " she pulled her hands free.
"Aunty please try to look at this differently." She held on refusing to release her grip.
Lyra's face hardened and with a sudden motion she pushed Yvette away, crashed to the floor. She turned and left without a backward glance.
Hestia watched as Lyra didn't hesitate to leave when she shoved Yvette away and she somehow felt a sting in her heart making her rushed to her side helping her up.
"Are you hurt?" She asked concerned.
"No I'm fine." She smiled softly. "You know she's just scared trying to make things better for us."
"What is she scared of?"
She hesitate before answering"scared of losing us, of losing control. The Lords's rules are harsh and any disobedience puts us all at risk. Aunty Lyra wants to protect us but her fear sometimes make her react harshly."
l"What do you mean?" She asked.
"Enough with questions come" she said her voice low. "we have to get out of here. I need to show you where we live."
Hestia nodded thoughtfully.
They slipped out of the room, trailed behind Yvette he eyes scanning their surroundings, she led them through narrow corridor, its length shrouded in darkness only flickering candles cast an eerie shadow on the walls. She adjusted her eyes slowly to the dim taking in the passageway leading them to the doors lined the passage.
Her bare feet danced silently against the floor. Finally stopping at a secluded room.
"Here" Yvette said opening the large wooden door.
She entered after Yvette her eyes drafted to the light of flickering thousands candles, she took a tentative stepped inside. Large golden chandeliers seemed to stare down at her. Many people bustling inside and there was a noise everywhere it just like a lavish ball.
"Wait" she stood Yvette abruptly. "Where are you taking me? Can a trust you." She demanded.
"You are free to live your life without fear of being sold again." She patted her shoulder. "We can discuss later." She said going deeper.
The large room was enveloped by warmth and luxury with vibrant colors of the room which was painted in deep red and black hues. Her gaze swept across the lavish decorations, golden chandeliers casting a warm glow, velvet-draped tables laden crystal, with many people settled, men and women.
She led her to the table with two women sitting engaged in talking and they also seemed to noticed her arrival.
"Yvette" one of them called. "Where have you been."
She sighed. "We have another girl." She voiced.
Their eyes scanned her with expression.
"Is she alone?" The other girl asked.
"I think so"Yvette nodded.
"Please join us." One of them said. "I'm Lieve and this is Selene"
She joined them without hesitation her mind piqued with curiosity to know where is she, she has no idea on what is going on with here.
"I'm Hestia" she said softly.
"Weird" Selene learned forward her dark brown hair spilling across the table. "Welcome to our realm and I'm sorry for your lost."
"Lost?" she repeated."you're lost because you have been torn from the life you knew." Selene expression softened as she voiced.
"What?" Her heart sank.
