Page 69 of Hell Storm

“But that’s beside the point,” I continued, “because I wasn’t asking why I’m seated at your table. I want to know why you’re holding us here? Why we were taken in the first place?” I was nearly panting with frustration. “Your guard made it clear this isn’t about money, so what is it?”

This would have been the perfect time to see his face, to gage his disposition. For all I knew, my words were riling him up, and I was in grave danger.

“You Dolls have it so good—wealthy men wrapped around your fingers, footing the bill for whatever whim your heart desires—and yet … you expect me to believe you’d risk all that to contend at my races.”

Apparently, he decided to completely ignore my inquiry, continuing on with his own investigation. And this wasn’t a question he posed, but rather a statement he had already deemed a fact.

“Tell me why we’re here?” I reiterated.

At his end of the table, the base of a thin glass touched down on the surface and I imagined him sitting there, sipping either wine or blood—this creature I couldn’t identify.

“You’re clever, but not nearly as clever as youthinkyou are. Because if you were, you’d realize you’re asking the wrong question.”

There was something sinister buried within his polite tone.

“Then … what’s therightquestion?” I dared to inquire.

That glass touched the table again. “It’s not a matter of why you were captured,” he replied. “What you should be wondering is …why haven’t I killed you yet?”

The room felt about ten degrees colder. When the door I entered through opened again, my eyes darted toward it. A tall man came in, wheeling a cart in front of him. He approached and the metal dome he brought with him was placed before me. As he lifted the lid—to reveal what looked like a delicious meal of chicken and vegetables beneath it—I was surprised to find I’d lost my appetite.

The server lingered a moment, perhaps thinking I’d thank him, but it wasn’t going to happen. Eventually, he exited, leaving me alone with the one I suddenly feared more than when I first found him sitting here in the darkness.

“Your guard said … he said we were picked up because they recognized Levi. He also called us hostages instead of prisoners, which means that if this isn’t about money, we’re …leverage?So, if that’s the case, all I’m asking is forwhat? What is it you hope to gain?”

There was silence at Aaric’s end of the table. It lasted so long I thought he wouldn’t answer.

“Ianites aren’t the only ones with obligations. Let’s just leave it at that.”

Frustration came to a boil within me and I shoved the plate of cooling food aside, unconcerned with whether I offended him or not.

Peering up in his direction, I made out nothing more than half his silhouette, illuminated by the amber glow of a distant candle. I could only imagine he stared at me as I stared at what I could see of him.

“Is there something wrong with the food, or are you simply too good to eat at this table with a commoner?” There was no missing the anger in his tone.

I settled deeper into my seat, crossing both arms over my chest. “Your words, not mine.”

His heavy fist slammed down on the table and I flinched. The force of it rattled the centerpiece. “Show some respect!” his voice boomed.

With how wildly my heart beat, I would have bet he heard it even with the distance between us. I swallowed hard, hoping to steady it.

“Your kind, the entire population of spoiled, entitled whores you represent … disgust me,” he seethed. “One would think aprincewould have chosen his Doll more carefully, perhaps selecting one with manners, but it’s clear his standards were only physical in nature.”

His thoughts toward Dolls were oddly similar to my own, but it was hard to acknowledge when,thistime,Iwas the one being judged.

“What sort of filth-of-the-Earth woman abandons her own kind, simply for the promise of a warm bed and fancy clothes?”

Tension spread across my forehead as the confliction within me heightened—agreeing with Aaric’s logic and feeling defensive of myself all at once. I held my composure, remembering the important role I had to play.

What would a Doll do, hearing someone speak so critically of her life choices?

She’d push back.

“Those are powerfully judgmental words coming from a coward who hides in the shadows of his own home.”

“Mind your tongue, girl,” he warned.

“I’m just saying…” I’d never been good at taking orders. So, naturally, I pushed again. “It’s very interesting that you sit up here, all safe and sound, tucked away like some … damsel locked inside her bell tower,” I spat. “I’dloveto see how you get along outside in the real world, without your minions to protect you.”

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