“Morvock has instructed us to get to the ship. He doesn’t want to wait for the sunrise.”
I go even slower to slide on wool socks, my mind processing as fast as hurricane winds.
I can’t leave on a ship.
It’s okay… the moment I get a chance, I’ll jump into the waters. Right?
“Do you takeanythingseriously?”
I perch my elbow on my knee and look at her with incredulity. “Your shit stain of a leader killed my friend, wants to steal my babies, thenskinme so his god can wear it like a creepy mask.IfI took this seriously, I’d be insane. So, no. I think you’re all idiots and don’t take any of you seriously.”
Her lips purse tightly, almost trembling, as she sucks her tongue to her teeth in aclick. “Get dressed, and then you’ll go with the others,” she grinds out.
“What others?” I ask with annoyance, pulling my boots on.
“The other women like you.”
I stop, staring at the stone floor. Slowly lifting my head, I stare at the moving shadows on her face. I have no idea why, but I hadn’t fully considered there were others like mehere. I look around the room, trying to make the pieces fit, but they don’t. “What?”
She smiles smugly. “Didn’t realize you’re not special? You’re just a womb to get us in Morvock’s favor, and then your body will be used like compost to help him become reborn. Then, we’ll be the chosen ones in the new world he brings, and no one will remember you.”
I still don’t understand, but I ask, “Where do the others stay? How long have they been here? I’ve seen the cellars. And women? I thought there were men, too?”
“It’s not your business.” She ushers me to the door.
My mind spins as if the gears have been oiled, eager to work out a riddle. I’ve been stagnant within these walls, but this is a lot of information thatsurelycan help me, in some way.
Plus, are these women like me? Their freedom ripped from them? The chilling consideration makes my eyes widen that they may have already been subject to beingused.
I dress quicker, not even wondering who is here. If it were Tempest, something tells me there would be more than Iris here to fetch me. Same with if it was Soren.
Soren.
It feels like I’m doing him a disservice to think he wouldn’t come for me, and yet the concept is so vastly complex I cannot accept it. I don’t want to miss a moment of opportunity if I squander my heart onhope.
What if it is him?
A peculiar feeling pricks at the back of my neck, almost whispering to me that I won’t be returning here; it’s the same thing I felt when my dad carried me away from my home.
Pay attention, Jane.
I have to escape.
Imust.
My wrists are boundin a way that I’m growing quite familiar with, thankful every time that I can heal them after with how unforgiving the rope is.
Anya never had that luxury.
It’s a shame such fanatics live here, as I’d be tempted to find this castle almost enchanting with its long corridors, beautiful windows, and balconies, something I can appreciate now that I’m not feverishly trying to analyze it.
Perhaps I feel different, too, because I no longer have to fake any part of me.
Blackwell waits for me at the bottom of the stairs, fully dressed in battle attire, leather straps all over, weapons adorned for easy reach.
Interesting.
I know someone like him has to have a lot of enemies, not just Tempest or my father. But, what if…
