Page 18 of Darkness Falls

A few members of the guard walk past us and Damien leans in to press a chaste kiss to my cheek before looking over and nodding at them. With that little display, he grabs my hand again pulling me to the house. I’m guided directly into my father’s office where Damien shoves me into a chair and we wait in silence for my father to make his appearance.

"You embarrassed both of us today." My father says as he enters the room a few minutes later. "Imagine me telling the council that I'm giving my daughter a chance to be involved in the society she is to run, only for her to zone out, paying no mind to what's being said in the meeting."

My eyes meet his but I keep my mouth shut. Anything I say at this point will only make things worse. He already has plans for me; I can tell by the smug look on his face. He takes a seat behind his desk, calmer than he should be.

"Two days." He says, and immediately I'm confused. "You will be married in two days."

"No." I breathe out, feeling panic creep in. "There's still a few weeks. You said three months."

A guttural laugh erupts from him. "You never had three months. We told you that to placate you. We couldn't have you making a scene or getting away right before the wedding like last time."

I'm too stunned to speak. Two days isn't enough time to come up with a plan. I can’t let this happen. I’ll have to just fight my way out. Wait. The compound is about to be swarming with people. Maybe they will distract the guard enough that I will find a way to slip away.

"Guests begin arriving at the compound tonight. Damien will take you to the basement where you will stay until it’s time for the ceremony. We will bring you upstairs with enough time for you to get ready to walk down the aisle, don't worry."

"You can't do that!"

They're going to lock me up until the wedding. No, no, no, no. This can't be happening. I stand, walking toward the door on impulse but a hand grabs my upper arm stopping me.

"Where do you think you're going?" Damien asks.

"Take her and secure her in the room we talked about. Soren will be down later this evening to place the tracker."

"Tracker?"

"Yes. I can't have you getting away fromme."

Tears well up in my eyes as I look over at my father, silently willing him to have even the tiniest bit of remorse. "Please don't make me do this."

"I've told you before that emotions are a weakness. Enjoy the time to yourself."

He looks down at the paperwork on his desk and waves a dismissive hand in our direction. I try to fight Damien’s hold, but it's useless. Ultimately, I surrender letting him drag me down the stairs. He throws me in the room they use as a cell, slamming the door in my face.

I glance around after letting my eyes adjust for a few minutes due to the lack of light. There is a cot in the corner with a pillow and a blanket I decide to walk over and sit on. Next to the cot is a gallon of water and a bucket. The rest of the room is completely empty. They expect me to use the bucket as a toilet which doesn’t surprise me.

I sigh and lay back on the bed, letting myself feel the loss of my freedom. One way or another, when I leave this basement, my life will be over. Tears stream down my face as I grieve the end of everything I know.

I let my mind wander to prevent the panic from rising in my chest. At least when the Monroe brothers kept me in a cell, they gave me books to read. I was happy with them. Barrett, Kyler, and even Sebastian all found a way to make me feel taken care of, protected. Where the hell are they and why haven’t they come for me?

I don't know how much time passes before I hear footsteps approaching the room. I stand up, making my way to the door before gripping the bars in the small widow to peer out. A figure of what looks like a man with long hair appears. He looks vaguely familiar. I've definitely seen him around the compound, but I don’t remember ever speaking to him.

"Callie, I’m Soren." He states.

I don't respond but I catch sight of the small package he’s holding. He unzips the pouch and pulls out a needle.

"Can you put your arm up, so I don't have to call the guard or Damien to assist?"

I scoff. "It's not happening. Call whoever you want." I go to walk away but hear him whisper something just loud enough that only I can hear.

"Stan died, they will too."

I stop and turn to face him. "What did you just say?" Stan was Barrett's stepfather's name. The one that he killed in the fire as a child.

"I said we have to do this before the wedding. Don't make me disturb your father."

I watch his eyes shoot over to the right like he's trying to tell me something without actually speaking. I step closer and he reaches into the window to grab my arm.

"Play along." He whispers.

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