Page 36 of The Umbra King

Shewoulddo this. Her sister’s soul depended on it. An hour passed before she marched back inside like a soldier heading into battle.

Throwingthe door to her room open with newfound determination, she began ripping off her wretched uniform but stopped short. On her bed sat a tray of food. There was a burger, potato sticks, and what looked like a glass of lemonade.

She approached her bed slowly and poked at the food. Herfirst thought was,they had burgers here?It dawned on her they must have shipments brought in from Erdikoa, which would explain the modern clothes and whatever else was in town Bellina told her about. There was nothing like this in the kitchens, and she surmised it came from town.

It could be poisoned, but she was starving enough to risk it. Grabbing the burger like a wild animal, she bit into it and moaned. It was delicious. She lifted the bun to see what was on it. There were no condiments, only lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and onions.

Setting her burger down, she picked up the tray and placed it on her nightstand before taking a seat on the bed to eat the rest. News in the palace travels fast, and Bellina must have heard what Nina said to her in the kitchens and grabbed it for her. She was a lifesaver.

After scarfing down the rest of her meal, she took a shower, relishing in the warm water as it pelted against her skin. Showers were her only reprieve as of late.

She needed to get the king alone, but how?

She might not have to. Somehow, he kept finding her. Her lips curled into a smile as she rinsed her hair. This might be easier than she thought.

Rory meanderedher way through the halls to the seamstress’s quarters in search of Bellina. No one else would speak to her aside from hurling insults, and she needed a guide around the town. A dark bob caught her eye, and she made a beeline to the back of the room.

Glares were thrown her way as she passed the other workers, but she ignored them when Bellina spotted her and waved. “What are you doing here?”

Rory leaned on Bellina’s workstation with puppy dog eyes. “I was hoping you could show me around town today and help me order clothes.”

Bellina clapped excitedly with a wide grin. “I love shopping! Let me clean up, and we can go.”

Rory steppedoutside the front of the courtyard for the first time since arriving in Vincula and was taken aback. Her eyes widened as she took in the bustling town. The brick buildings lined the modern streets, oil lamp posts dotted the sidewalks, and people were everywhere, as well as legion officers on patrol.

It wasn’t a city like Erdikoa, but it was more civilized than she’d imagined. What took her breath away was the beauty of the town silhouetted against the twilight sky. She knew she’d miss the sunshine, but the dusky sky was just as beautiful. The sunset wafted over the town like a blanket, and various plants decorated the buildings.

“This…” she began, but her voice trailed off.

“Is gorgeous,” Bellina finished for her. “I couldn’t believe it the first time I saw it. I expected a muddy, dreary mess, but in some ways, I like Vincula more than Erdikoa.”

Rory could only nod, still in shock. Keeping up with Bellina was harder than she thought. The woman’s tiny legs moved fast, and Rory took long strides so as not to be left behind.

“Where are you taking me?” she asked.

Bellina pointed to a shop across the street. “We’ll order clothes first, and then I’ll show you around. Have you received your card yet?”

Rory furrowed her brow. “Card? I’ve heard nothing about it.”

“Those assholes,” Bellina huffed. “You’re supposed to be given one on your first day. You show it to the vendors to keep track of your credits. There is no money system here. Every inmate gets credits for each shop per month to get whatever they’d like.”

“How do they scan cards with no essence?” Nothing about this realm made sense.

Bellina pulled out her own card to show Rory. “It has your nameand number on it. They look you up by your number and mark how many credits you spend.”

Rory grabbed Bellina’s arm, forcing her to stop. “How is this a prison if we are given things for free, no matter where we work? I don’t understand.”

Bellina shrugged. “I told you it isn’t the hell they’ve painted it to be. We’re treated well, as long as we follow the rules. I know you hate the king for whatever reason, but he is good to us and makes sure we are taken care of. Rumor has it theSeraphimthought being in Vincula would help change souls for the better, and even though we don’t remember our time here, our soul is changed all the same.”

Briefly, Rory wondered if there was a chance for her soul but shook off the notion. She didn’t want redemption. She wanted retribution.

“That is brilliant,” she said finally. “Rehabilitation for the soul.”

Bellina nodded. “If everyone wasn’t a dick to you, I think you’d like it.” She stopped in front of the shop. “Do you at least know your number?”

“Like my phone number?” Rory asked. “Or my mystic number I was given by the Crown?”

Bellina puffed out a burst of air. “They told you nothing. It’s your inmate number for Vincula. It will be printed on your card and above your room.”

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