8. EIGHT #2
“In Elora, our world beyond your stars, tapestries reflect the culture.” she replied.
“The artists who weave them strive to infuse them with life—just as you described.” Seraphina continued speaking as we walked, and when we reached the end of the corridor, she paused in front of a door etched with celestial carvings, spirals within circles, some swirling like stars, others interlocked like ancient seals.
With a gentle push, she opened it, revealing a room bathed in golden light.
“This is your room, Tilly,” she said softly, her voice tinged with sadness. I glanced back once as I slowly entered. The corridor appeared darker now, as if the house had silently closed the door on everything that had happened today.
***
I couldn't stifle my gasp when I entered.
Dusky sunlight spilled through arched, dark French doors casting long amber shadows into a stunning room of gold and cream.
A silk-draped canopy bed dominated the centre.
My feet sank into a powder-white, soft rug covering a dark wood floor.
I looked around in awe, my gaze resting on a dark brown antique dresser adorned with crystal perfume bottles, silver-backed brushes, and gem-encrusted jewellery boxes.
My mind shifted back to the tactical mindset that had momentarily been lulled by the display of otherworldly power and the sheer luxury of my surroundings.
Each elegant piece of furniture, every plush fabric, and even the beautifully crafted ornaments seemed to serve a dual purpose, comfort interwoven with containment.
I needed to stay focused on the underlying reality of my captivity.
Just like everywhere else, the room was devoid of any technology. Not a single digital device, no lines for the internet or even a simple telephone. It confirmed that the outside world was intentionally obstructed. This realization sparked a mix of frustration and determination within me.
If there were no visible means of escape or communication, I would need to think beyond the traditional methods I knew.
My thoughts were interrupted by the soft chime of the clock.
It was evening, well past the time when Mum usually took her medicine.
She tends to forget unless I’m there to remind her.
The thought of her sitting alone made my chest tighten.
I hoped that old Mr. McAllister from the farm down the road had noticed the lights still on and had checked on her.
I tried to distract myself and approached the dresser and picked up trinkets, fragrant powder boxes, and glittering barrettes. I opened a pearl egg, and the most enchanting tune emanated from a glowing heart-shaped ruby in the centre. The tune was beyond magical, but unfamiliar.
I wondered about the secrets this room might hold, secrets about the brothers, their powers, or even hidden passageways that tales often spoke of in grand old manors like this one. With a deep suck of air, I resolved to explore every corner, every shadow for clues or tools that could aid my escape.
I noticed Seraphina watching me, her face tinged with sadness. I wondered whose room this might have been.
"I wondered about the secrets this room might hold, secrets about the brothers, their powers, or even hidden passageways that tales often spoke of in grand old manors like this one. With a deep breath, I resolved to explore every corner, every shadow, for clues or tools that could aid my escape.
I noticed Seraphina watching me, her face tinged with sadness. I wondered whose room this might have been.
“You seem taken with the artifacts. They’re from many worlds, many eras. Each piece tells a story of the four Realms of Elora, the brothers, and my world,” she said, her voice hinting at tales I could only imagine.
I tried to think logically. Elora. Another world. I stepped away from the dresser and approached the French doors. Drawing the balcony curtains aside, I stepped out into the fresh air.
I looked down at the gardens below and then up at the vast expanse of sky that seemed both a promise and a barrier.
For now, I was still on Earth. I had to get away while I still could.
The height was dizzying, a physical reminder that I was a prisoner here.
For a moment, my mind scrambled for options, I could use curtains as rope, tie to the balcony rail and swing toward the lower roof, anything that might help me escape.
I sensed Seraphina’s presence behind me. "
"Why have I been brought here?" I asked.
I didn't expect an answer, and I didn't get one.
I risked a glance down, hoping my question would distract her while I looked around.
The drop was too far for me to try to escape.
Even if I'd managed to escape, where would I go?
How far would I get in a foreign country without money, identification, or means to return home?
I stifled a sob as the hopelessness of my situation hit me once again.
"I just want to go home, Seraphina. You have a home, too. Don't you understand how I feel? My mum will be frantic by now.”
Seraphina approached and gathered me in an embrace. I appreciated her warmth. Still, it was little comfort as I pondered a future full of unknowns.
"Come and sit with me. You look exhausted."
She didn’t ask about my mum. She didn’t need to. Her silence felt deliberate, neither dismissive nor uninterested, but steady, as if she understood more than she revealed.
Still, she offered no explanation as she led me back inside toward a satin floral daybed, which was piled high with beautifully embroidered cushions.
“Why have I been brought here, Seraphina?” I asked once more.
We nestled against the cushions while she held me in her arms and stroked my tangled hair. I pulled away from her slightly. I didn't want her comfort; I wanted answers. She smiled almost sadly at me.
"You must calm down. I know today has filled your heart with fear. You don't know what's happened, and you don't know what will happen. Understand, you'll be treated with respect in this house. "
She cupped my chin and raised my eyes to hers. Her eyes shifted like a kaleidoscope.
"There are far worse places in the universe than here."
I wondered about those worse places, but my curiosity and fear slowly ebbed as Seraphina cradled me in her arms. The situation seemed unbelievable, and, for a moment, I might have imagined I was dreaming had I not heard her heartbeat against my ear.
I so badly wanted to resist her comfort, but it was getting harder and harder to stay strong when faced with Seraphina's peaceful air.
I thought about my Mum. I missed her terribly.
Somehow, I knew I might never see her again.
My only connection to my family was my rose hair clasp, a gift from my mother for my nineteenth birthday.
Glumly, I wondered what had happened to my phone and the photos stored on it and grieved for the memories irretrievably lost.
"Go refresh yourself, Tilly," Seraphina urged gently, her hand on my shoulder a weight meant to comfort but felt like an anchor, pulling me deeper into this alien reality. "You'll feel better. We'll talk more after you've rested."
I opened my mouth to argue, but I knew it would only be stubbornness, making me resist. I had already seen how Seraphina reacted when her authority was challenged, and it would be reckless to risk herrageover something so mundane.