Hell and Back

Chapter Nineteen

It's been a few days since our date, and ever since that night, I've seen so little of Damien. He's apparently getting swamped with his duties, but I'm not complaining because it's the most peaceful alone time I've had in awhile. It made me a little homesick to think about my untouched bed and the plants that haven't been watered or had kind words spoken to them. If there's some things I wish I'd brought with me, it's my plants and crystals.

Damien made sure to check in on me everyday. When he wasn't physically here, he'd have a handwritten letter delivered to me. He explained he'd start the self defense classes when he had the chance. I know he's extremely eager to get started too. Just the thought of me kicking anyone's ass who gets near me is probably what keeps this man going everyday.

Apart from that, I fully intend on grilling him for answers before he tries to force me to marry him. Although he promises free will, who knows what he'll do at this point. As I lay in bed contemplating, I suddenly snap out of my head.

"What am I doing?" I softy whisper to myself. Although my life has been consumed with Damien, it doesn't revolve around him. Especially now that I have the privilege of being alone. I jump out of bed energetically and decide to go exploring.

As I head to the door, I notice a shadow in the window in my peripheral vision and when I recognize it, my body jolts back. As soon as I turn my head to look, I see nothing but the trees and the outside palace. I can't register what I just saw. I decide to rub it off. I probably stood up way too fast.

I open the bedroom door to an empty hall. I'm surprised Bach isn't stalking the outside door anymore. As I walk down the hall, I notice the paintings lined against the wall. It's the strangest art I've ever seen. I want to call it abstract but it appears to be a genre of its own. When I open the door at the end, I'm finally in the familiar area of The Palace where Damien and I toured.

The architecture of the palace was uniquely designed as a Hall of Mirrors. Every room is made up of glass. From the large chandeliers to the glass table painted to resemble wood. I'm impressed by it's unique quality. "Everything is a reflection." Damien says. A small smile tugs at my lips. I kind of miss him. I'd also like to jump his bones too. But I'm not sure if I'll have enough energy after our workouts if he decides to push me.

I examine each crevice of the palace and it's difficult to imagine how I've gotten here. Despite all of my circumstances, I am surrounded by beauty. I take a moment to breathe in deeply to connect to the present. Despite my romantic connection with Damien, there's a part of me that is seething with rage at his psychopathic tendencies. Especially when I dream about Jacob and watching the light flicker from his eyes. Is Damien's humanity still in tact?

"You look grumpy," a small voice notes which makes me jump. "Relax, it's me, Mari." I recognize her silky brown hair and piercing earthly eyes. "What're you doing?"

I shake my head and breathe deeply. "Exploring, I guess," I rub my arm. "What are you up to?"

She blinks at me with a grin plastered on her face, frozen momentarily. "I'm looking for Bach."

"I haven't seen him recently." I tell her. I'm hoping she doesn't ask me to go anywhere with her. I want to spend time alone to get my head together. "But I'll let you know if I get word of him."

She grins, "perfect, thanks. Would you like for me to take you somewhere?" She questions.

"Oh, no, thanks. I think I know this place pretty well now," I grin sheepishly and she nods. For some reason, I feel like she's surprised I declined her offer, but I don't want to assume. "Well, have fun." She speeds off before I have the chance to respond and I take note of that weird interaction. This side of the palace is strictly for "Higher Status" as Damien says. The only staff you'd see in this wing is someone like Bach. The fact that Mari is here is strange in itself. I don't know how much they adhere to the rules around here, but because of how weird she acted, it's making everything else not line up either.