Of course, they had more appropriate attire that they were expected to wear when certain guests were around. Gian and Hania were always in those garments as they would greet the guests and signal to the others to change accordingly.
I pulled Nyla to a standing position, then over to Layla. “Nyla, this is Layla.”
“Hello,” Nyla said with a small wave of her hand.
“She will be your personal servant. Anything you need, she will take care of. I will also be able to find you through her as Hania is typically within yelling distance of me. She is a Beta and close in age with you. I saved her from Martin and Moiri when she turned eighteen as well.” Nyla looked up at me, wondering who I meant. “Moiri was the man I was initially bidding against for you. The one next to him was his brother, Martin. Nasty fucks.” Her lips formed an ‘O’, and she turned back to Layla.
“Are you happy here?”
My head spun toward her, and I glared down at the top of her head as she waited for Layla to respond. When she didn’t, I pushed her to do so. “It’s all right, Layla. Answer her question truthfully.”
Layla glanced between Nyla and me a few times before resigning herself to answer. With a sigh, she said, “As much as can be expected of a Beta servant who was once a sex slave and seen as nothing but a bargaining chip.”
I felt Nyla cringe at the mention of Layla being a sex slave, but I had a feeling that had to do more with her recent past than what Layla went through. Her body relaxed, and she nodded.
“Then I’m glad Adira saved you. I could use a friend who knows what it was like.” Her voice was small as she spoke.
Layla nodded, then looked at me for instruction. “Going forward, unless I need to step in, you will receive your commands from Nyla, but for now, go get some sleep and be ready to help Nyla get situated tomorrow.”
She bowed and exited the suite, closing the door behind her.
As the door clicked shut, Nyla’s shoulders deflated, and she said, “I hate this world.” A single tear dripped down her cheek, and I as much as I wanted to agree, this world gave me her, so I couldn’t hate it if I tried.
Chapter four
Nyla
Itossedandturnedin bed, wishing sleep would take me under, but I had no such luck. I was exhausted, mind and body, but I was also restless with thoughts from last night and the last two weeks.
I had gone from a loved child, although an Omega, to a slave being sold at an auction, to finding my Alpha mate in a very short amount of time. There hadn’t been a stable moment to process it all, but now that I laid here next to Adira, I had the time to do it. She could be harsh and demanding, but I knew I was safe here under her protection.
Staring up at the ceiling, I let all the emotions wash over me, but now that they had the chance to show themselves, they weren’t present. I felt like a blank slate in a way, but I knew they would appear at the worst time.
Sighing, I removed the blankets and made my way to the bathroom, splashing some cool water on my face. Some of the stress dissipated, but I was wide awake with nothing to do.
Making a decision, I wrapped a robe around my oversized tee and leave the suite in search of… Well, I didn’t know what, but I didn’t want to be locked up in the suite any longer, and a stroll through the mansion sounded nice even if I didn’t know where I was going.
I weaved down hallways and stairwells, taking in the furniture and artwork. No piece was the same, but they were all very similar. I didn’t look at any in detail, finding my mind was unable to focus on them or appreciate the artistry this late at night.
A large clock rang, and I checked the time. It was now three AM.
Looking around, I was unsure of where I was or how to get back to the suite, but I didn’t really care. I knew I would be punished, but it wouldn’t be in a way I couldn’t handle. I wouldn’t be raped or beaten or locked away without any food or a toilet like some slaves were.
Every time it crossed my mind, a small semblance of relief swept through me for myself along with sadness for the others.
It wasn’t fair, but I was in no position to fight every person of the world. Adira saved a few here and there, and within our society, that was already pushing the boundaries of what was acceptable. I was thankful for her and what she did, truly, but it would never be enough.
Shaking my head, I turned around to go down a set of stairs. I thought it led to the main floor. Perhaps from there I could either find the kitchen for an early morning snack or remember the twists and turns we took to get to our suite.
Alas, there was no hope for me. I found a sitting room with comfortable couches and a large TV but no front door, kitchen, or anything remotely recognizable to make my way back.
I would be here until someone found me or until my bladder protested enough that I would have to find a bathroom or at the very least a way outside to relieve myself.
Plopping down on the couch, I grabbed the remote from the table and flicked on the TV. I scanned through the channels and landed on one that played old cartoons that I used to love when I was younger. I pulled a blanket on top of myself and snuggled down into the plush sofa.
The sound of the cartoons and the familiarness of falling asleep on the couch lulled me to sleep. I had no dreams, no thoughts, just a blank slate of sleep that was needed.
Screaming and pounding feet woke me from my slumber. I rubbed my eyes and sat up, wondering what was happening, then it hit me. I had vanished in the middle of the night and had fallen asleep where no one would think to search for me.