Chapter 16
Sixteen
Rana
“ R est your eyes, little one
We will weather the storm
I know the skies have been dark
And the nights so long
But I will always protect your heart
And Odin, your soul
So rest your eyes, little one
Listen to the caws of the crows
Rest your eyes, little one
Because you are never alone”
My mother sings to me the lullaby her mother once sang to her—it’s the only peace I have in this hellish cavern. It has been three days since the ascension ceremony and we have yet to see another being. Until now that is.
The clanking of the metal door has us turning our heads, though not very hopeful someone is coming to our rescue. Two voices filter into the obsidian cave—one being my father, the other is unfamiliar.
“While they both are disgraces to the Naar name, I can assure you, Rana will be a great help to The Collective. Erika, on the other hand, I need your…particular service…to whip her into shape.”
“Thank you for thinking of me and the cause, King Khafre,” the other man croons. Another suck-up, I see.
In walks a man, maybe in his late thirties, on the taller side with a slim frame. His skin is a soft olive tone, which is a great contrast to his white blond hair. His face is made of harsh planes—a sharp, square jaw that is clean shaven, and high cheekbones. He has a sludge-like aura, making you feel weighed down by his presence. Whoever he is, he’s definitely not a friend.
Close behind, my father follows the man through the gateway. Wearing his most luxurious outfit, his crimson tunic falls perfectly to his knees. Overtop, he dons the surcoat with the family crest embroidered into the back—a phoenix holding a sword and arrows. His hair is in fresh twists, still long enough to rest against his neck, while his skin glimmers as if just oiled.
Gesturing to the two of us huddled together against a stalactite, my father presents us to the man. “This is them.” He scrunches his nose in disgust. “They may not look so wonderful right now, but I can assure you, Erika is a sight to behold. Rana, on the other hand, has potential but is a bit on the hefty side.” Rubbing his clean shaven chin between his thumb and forefinger, Father’s cruel eyes travel down my mother’s body. “I would like my wif–Erika, to be the epitome of grace and royalty. Do what you must.”
The man crouches down beside us, tilting his head in curiosity. “Erika.” His voice is harsh and commanding. My mother locks eyes with the man and becomes locked into a trance. Flicking my gaze to the man’s eyes, I find that they are a deep ruby, opposed to the previous gray, and his pupils have elongated. “Listen to me very carefully, Erika. You are the subservient queen of Incedis, the perfect wife to your king. You have one child, a boy named Cairo. You love to dote on your son, giving him whatever his heart desires. You will leave this cave with no memory of the past three days, or having a daughter named Rana.” His voice is enchanting but his words are vile.
How dare he talk to my mother that way.
I go to shove him away, but he’s faster. His scaled hand effortlessly grips me like a vice, never breaking eye contact with my mother.
A ghoulish grin shows off long fangs. “You will please your husband at his command. If he wants you to suck his cock in front of all of Incedis, you will. If he wants to fuck you in the dirt like a whore, you will do it with a smile on your face, and thank him afterward.”
I’m going to be sick.
Bile rises from my stomach, burning my throat. It takes everything in me not to throw up on this man. Silent tears fall from my quivering chin onto the man’s hand below.
He releases my mother, satisfied with his words. She blinks her eyes a few times before turning to me with a confused look on her face. “Khafre, why am I sitting on the floor with this filthy child?”
My father’s eyes light up with excitement. He now has everything he wants.
“Darling, you came down here to question the child about why she broke into the castle. You have a big heart, my queen, but please do get off that floor.”
My mother stands, dusting herself off the best she can. Gracefully sauntering to my father’s side, she bows her head waiting for his next command.
“Now, go upstairs and bathe. I’ll be up shortly,” he says gleefully.
Without a single glance at me, she turns and leaves, keeping her eyes trained on the ground.
When she is no longer in sight, my father claps his hands jubilantly—absolutely bursting with joy. “Bravo, my friend! You are a very talented man, Locren.”
Still kneeling with my arm gripped tightly, he preens. “It has been my pleasure, your majesty.” He stands, taking me with him. “What do you want me to do with this one?”
“She’s all yours, to do with as you please.” Putting one finger up, he stops Locren from speaking. “Under two conditions: I receive a steady supply of blood—indefinitely—and she is never linked back to me or the Naar name.” My father extends his hand, ready to make a magical pact with Locren.
“Before we complete this transaction, I need something from you, your majesty.”
My father’s cocoa face becomes hard, narrowing his eyes at Locren. He’s not used to being challenged in any sense. “Let’s hear it.”
Locren rubs the stubble on his chin in false contemplation. “Bonecliff will receive a donation from King Naar, yearly, in the amount of fifty pounds of gold and one barrel of bliss.”
The tips of my father’s pointed ears turn a deep burgundy despite his calm demeanor. Does he hate me so much that he would be willing to trade my body and blood like cattle?
The clap of palms smacking together, seals my fate.
Locren quickly whips around, pressing a syringe into my neck. The world around me spins, turning my muscles to liquid as my body goes lax in his arms.
“Come on, little blood bag, I have so many plans for you.”