Page 29 of Music of the Night
Zorik approached, placing one hand on my head. His fingers twisted through my hair and he yanked my head back. The dark glow of his eyes frightened me, as though he would eat me alive if I spoke another word. “You’ve always been mine, Aria. All mine. And now I will do what I please. I saved you. I brought you here. You will sing when I command it, and you will not leave this room unless I request it.”
He whirled, coattails flying, and stormed out of the room.
I heard the key turn in the lock, and I sank down on the carpet and sobbed.
25
Uriah
The world swirled in slow motion as I read the hastily penned words. Lucia. I still remembered her. Dark skin, like Aria's, a head full of glossy brown curls. She was full of life and energy, vibrant, bright, and she could sing. When I took her under my wing, I'd been able to change her, give her the magic that made her music soar. And then it went all wrong. The official story was that she'd gone mad and drowned herself, but I'd stood over her body, bloodied and broken.
Remorse filled me for what I'd done. I recalled lifting her body and giving it to the waters, then burning my blood-stained clothes. It was a sore reminder of what I was up against and what might happen to Aria if I did not reach her in time. It was clear she assumed it was all my doing, and I'd misread her. Perhaps she'd come to the tower to ensure I wasn't a monster, to hear it from my lips, and now she thought I'd killed Lucia.
Fear made me move, sent me down the trapdoor to the lagoon. I felt that subtle shift in the air and a cry. Something was wrong, something was very, very wrong. My heart pounded in my chest as I rowed, staying alert to the waves, for I could not forget that I'd called the untameable to that watery grave. Still, I moved quickly, already seeing the secret passageways in my head. I had to reach her before whatever madness resting in High Tower Castle consumed her. Would I be too late?
The grate was locked when I reached it, a heavy object had been moved over it, confirming my worst fears. I punched at it, hopelessly, knowing it had been sealed with magic I would not be able to break. Still, fear made me punch it again, brushing my knuckles against the metal.
It would happen again, just like it had with Lucia unless I found a way to get in. Mad with panic, I turned to the waters and a dangerous plan twisted in my head. I had to be calm, I could not let on to him that I knew that he knew. It was time to sing my final song, and damn High Tower.
26
Aria
Hurling myself on the bed, I sobbed until my head pounded and my throat was raw. I could not sing, not after what happened tonight. The very thought shriveled up and died within me as I thought of Uriah. The signs had been there all along and I ignored them. How he’d tried to push me away, at first, and then succeeded in pulling me under his spell of magic. I knew the magic was dangerous, but he was so beautiful, so sad. My empathy reached out to him, wanted to help. But it wasn't just that; it was also the way he changed me. I'd come alive with his guidance, my confidence swelled and I'd learned how to sing without painful memories. I could not forget the way the roses bloomed under my song. How could such magic like that be dark and evil?
The first murder had taken place the night I went to see him. Before, in fact. I'd fled the castle right after, but he’d had plenty of time to creep in during the performance, especially with access to the underground tunnels. He'd mentioned my face was familiar. Did he sneak in to watch the performances? To steal food from the kitchen and play jokes on the Count? Breath whooshed out of my body, replaced with a deep-seated fear. I’d fallen for a dark angel. I did not know what Uriah was, other than some sort of magical demon who haunted High Tower and needed the music of the night. Was he an immortal soul seeking revenge? I dared not think of why, all I knew was that I had to get away from High Tower Castle, I had to flee into the night. But how? My door was locked and Count Zorik in his anger seemed dead set on keeping me there. I thought of poor Lucia, who'd gone mad. Had this happened to her?
With a pang, I recalled the note and moved to my cloak to retrieve it, but it was gone. It must have fallen out during my flight from the tower. Miserable, I huddled down on the bed again and pulled the covers over my head. I had to sleep, to plan. Tomorrow, maybe, everything would seem different.
A dream filled my sleep, vivid, striking. A presence entered my room, seeping between the cracks in the wall to haunt me. A soothing melody played, bringing me peace, and when I opened my eyes, the presence was Uriah. Light hovered about him and he was dressed like a prince wearing a cloak of crimson. A gold and black mask covered one eye. He was so beautiful my heart ached all over again, and when he pulled back the covers, that place between my legs throbbed. Despite everything I'd learned, I wanted him desperately, and that knowledge broke me.
He hovered over me and opened my robe, spread my thighs and bent to kiss the bruises on my neck. His kisses were a healing balm and tears filled my eyes at the sweetness of his movements, the grace in which he adored me. I felt that deep intense connection to him that went beyond the heat of his gaze and the quickening inside my body. I did not know how to explain it. My heart beat faster as I trailed my fingers down his sculpted body, running my hands down his chest, up his arms, sinking my fingers into his dark hair.
Pressing his warm mouth against my beating heart he moved further down. He lifted my breast to his mouth and tasted my nipple, fanning the flames of desire as he sucked and kissed, taking his time. I squirmed beneath him, encouraging him with soft moans as I spread my thighs. Wetness seeped from me as I waited for him to reach my hardening bud and take me again, for in doing so he'd wipe away the darkness and ease the longing in my soul.
My body burned for release as he kissed his way down my stomach and paused, cupping my bottom with both hands to give him better access to my wet entrance. He kissed me there, so lightly, so gently a small cry of pleasure left my lips. I lifted my hips as he rose above me, strong arms embracing me. He entered me in one thrust then stilled, guiding my face toward him, taking my lips, dangling us both on the edge of untold pleasure.
Moving my hand from his hair, I reached for the mask, trailing my fingers along the black and gold. It was hard, and I had the idea that if I took it off, I'd see the truth, understand the man who'd seduced me, who'd made me fall in love with him. He shook his head firmly and drew back, but I had to know. Despite his warning, I pulled, and the dream shattered.
27
Aria
Iwoke, flustered and disturbed, my body pulsing with need. Disoriented, I stumbled out of bed, unsure what time it was, only aware that if it were evening again, the music from the tower had not played. I did not know what it meant, and yet I wanted to go to the window and catch a glimpse of it through the mist. The dream left me wavering between desire and flight, yet I returned again and again to the knowledge that I had to leave High Tower and start over again. This time I had my voice, although my throat was swollen. I touched it gingerly, recalling Count Zorik’s anger.
Again my father’s words drifted to me, as though he were there in spirit, guiding me.Be strong, Aria, be bold when I am gone. Do not hesitate to follow your heart…
Followed by Uriah’s rich tones:Trust your instincts.
How could I when I was frightened of the wrong man? It was Count Zorik who made me tremble with fear and Uriah who made my heart soar.
The key turned in the lock and I backed against the wall, pressing my hand to my mouth as the door swung upon. Relief was instant as Samara breezed in and set down a tray of steaming hot food, the aroma reminding me I’d missed dinner the evening before. I moved toward it and then caught Samara’s face. It was pale, her hair wild and unbrushed, her eyes red-rimmed.
“What’s wrong?” I gasped as she locked the door.
Samara sank in front of the fire, shoulders shaking as she held back a sob. “Kita is dead.”
“Kita?” The maid who helped me when Samara was busy. When I’d first come to High Tower, her kindness helped ease my sorrow. Now it was my turn to stumble. I reached a chair before my vision went dizzy. Had he lashed out in his anger? Gone seeking blood because I rejected him? “When?”
