Page 1 of Sold to the Devil
PROLOGUE
Aelys
A knock on my bedroom door wakes me. I open the door, meeting my father's brown eyes.
“Hello, Father. Is everything all right?”
He stares at me for a few seconds before straightening up a little more.
“Put on formal clothes, darling. We have somewhere importantto go.”
My eyes widen and a smile spreads across my face. Father never lets me leave the house. He always claims it's for my own safety, saying that being on the Dark Mage's side could make me a target. He says his enemies won't hesitate to harm me for information even if I know nothing about my father's business. I only know whose side he's on, and honestly, I don't care. Who am I to challenge my father's beliefs? If he's on Darkvis's side, he has good reasons and I have no right to question him. Father asks me to meet him downstairs in ten minutes, so I run to my closet and pick out a pretty black dress. Its length sits just above my knees, the sleeves end mid-elbow, and it hugs my wide hips perfectly. It's formal, but it still makes me look sexy.
I grab my wand and cast a spell to do a simple makeup look—basically mascara and lipstick. I brush my brown hair down, leaving it loose and falling down my back. I tuck my wand into the strap I tighten around my thigh, not wanting to carry a purse. I put on black heels and head downstairs to where my father is waiting.
Once he sees me, he nods, approving of my clothes, before offering me his arm. I realize we're going to teleport and I link my arm in his. He waves his wand, and a crushing sensation fills my body, making me close my eyes in discomfort.
When I open them again, they widen, amazed by the immense mansion we stand in front of. Father opens the gates and beckons me to follow him, soon we stand in front of large doors and knock. A woman with black and white hair opens the door with awarm smile.
“Mr. Hewloc, please come in. Oh, hello my dear, you must be Aelys?”
“Hello, madam, yes, it's me. I'm terribly sorry if I seem rude, but I'm afraid I don't know your name,” I say, embarrassed.
Her smile widens and she hugs me after closing the door behind us.
“Don't worry, my sweet girl, you're not being rude at all! I'm Carmen Leroi, it's a real pleasure to finally meet you. Your father and your cousin have told me a lot about you!”
I smile at the mention of my cousin, Nancy. Considering Father always keeps me locked up in our manor, she's my only friend and I care deeply for her. Unfortunately, since she's studying at the Scotland's National Witchcraft Academy and I'm at home, we don't get to see each other as much as we'd like. I really miss her and hope to see her again soon. My father clears his throat, bringing me back to reality.
“Is the Dark Mage busy, Carmen?”
Her smile fades a little before returning to her face.
“The meeting ended a few minutes ago. He's waiting for you now, Caius. You're right on time.”
Father nods and gestures for me to follow him. Carmen gives my arm a gentle squeeze and smiles sadly when I look at her confused. I ignore her and follow Father to a pair of large double doors. He knocks before entering, letting me join him. We find ourselves in front of a huge table, with the Dark Mage sitting at he end, smiling.
“Ah, my dear Caius. I see you kept your word and brought your daughter with you today.”
Father bows slightly, answering him while I remain silent.
“Yes, Master. Please allow me to introduce you to my sweet daughter, Aelys.”
“Come here, my child.”
I move my feet without thinking and go to the Mage's side, bowing once I reach him. His smirk widens as he offers me his palm, asking for my hand. I place my hand in his and he seems to inspect me closely. His skin is cold, too cold for a human being.
“Tell me, my child, which side are you on in this war?”
I don't hesitate before answering. “Yours, Master.”
I feel a tingling sensation in my head and quickly realize that he's reading my thoughts to see if I'm telling the truth. I don't worry because I know I am. Like I said, if Father is on the Dark Mage's side, then so am I. He seems satisfied with my answer and sniffs thoughtfully.
“Would you like to join me, like your father, my child?”
“I would be honored to become one of your disciples Master.”
I bow again. Feeling proud to be offered a seat next to the Master, knowing Father will be equally proud. Darkvis chuckles evilly before turning my hand in his palm toward the ceiling.
