Game of the Vampires

Chapter 8:

The time that I worked seemed to fly by. Yet, it couldn't have lasted longer. In one sense, being distracted with the work allowed me to forget the time. Still, I couldn't wait to get out of this place. I was anxious now for Col to have some word on Mai.

We only had one break, which did not last long. The servers (the lowest form of slaves) had to bring us a small cup of water and a couple of stale crackers. I glanced up at the skinny and frail girl server that brought me my water and crackers.

I glanced around us before tucking my back of crackers into the pocket of her apron. I held my finger over my mouth, took my cup of water, and walked off. I glanced over my shoulder to see that the girl's eyes were wide as she looked between my retreating form and down at her apron.

I smiled to myself, taking sips of my water as I continued to work. I eventually finished with all my tasks. No watchers were around. In fact, no watchers ever had come to watch over us since our break. As soon as the break had ended, the watchers had left with the servers.

The alarm finally went off, signaling that the working day was finally over. I took my dust pan and broom before dropping it off at the cleaning closet. After I had rid myself of the cleaning supplies, I quickly made my way back to my room.

I had overhear earlier that we, as slaves, were to report to the dining room an hour exact after the work day was over. I figured that would give me time to return to my room and have some time to myself before I had to face the other slaves and watchers.

After a few turns down endless hallways, I found myself back at my bedroom door. I turned the knob and closed the door behind me as soon as I was inside my room.

For some reason, I felt like I could finally breathe now that I was in the confinement of my room. It seemed that a large weight had been on my chest all day. I had to put on an act in front of the watchers. I learned long ago that it was better to seem emotionless while I was in public. It was the only way to survive in settings like this.

My thoughts were interrupted when I heard a knock on the door. I spun around and opened the door to find Phoenix on the other side. I must have looked as confused as I felt because Phoenix began to explain why she was here.

"Come on. Grab your other clothes. You stink," she said in a half teasing voice.

I quickly gathered my clothes that I had changed out of this morning. I then quietly followed Phoenix down the hallways once more.

We had only been walking for a few moments before I began to hear the sound of.... water? Phoenix turned to face me with a small smile on her face.

"Well, I'll leave you to it. Leave your uniform in the bin." She hesitated a moment as she started to walk off before she turned back around to face me. "Don't be late for dinner."

I felt a little confused, but I simply nodded. I then walked into the shower room.

To my amazement, there weren't as many girls in here as I thought there would be. I lowered my gaze to the floor as I passed some of the nude girls.

The shower room was divided into stalls with showers in each one. A few sinks lined one of the walls.

I moved forward until I found an empty stall at the end of the room. I found a folded towl amongst others on a shelf. I took one along with a bottle of some type of soap. I moved behind a wall before hesitantly taking off my uniform.

Tossing the uniform into the nearest bin I could find, I wrapped my arm around my naked figure before stepping into the stall. I locked the screen behind me. When I turned around, I studied the knobs that controlled the water.