Chapter 8 An Unlikely Ally

The quiet in the dining room was oppressive, a burdensome sensation compressing my chest. My father's visage remained fixed in my thoughts, his abrupt emergence and enigmatic phrases swirling like a tempest I couldn't evade.

I slid my chair back, the noise scraping on the marble floor, and headed towards the door. I required fresh air-something to cut through the confusion in my thoughts. However, as soon as I entered the hallway, I recognized that I wasn't by myself.

A young woman was present, her posture both composed and vigilant. She donned a plain black outfit that fitted her slim figure, her cropped black hair neatly secured behind her ears. Her deep brown eyes locked onto mine, unwavering and inscrutable, and for an instant, I believed she might completely dismiss me.

"You ought not to be roaming about," she remarked, her tone steady yet gentle.

"And who are you to say that to me?" I erupted, my irritation spilling out. I was exhausted from being instructed on where I could go and what I could do. Initially Alexander, and now this unknown person?

Her lips formed a slight smirk, and she crossed her arms over her chest. "I'm Vee." Your servant, it seems. However, don't be misled by the title-I'm also present to ensure you avoid any trouble"

"Trouble?" I echoed, narrowing my eyes. "What kind of trouble?"

Vee's gaze flicked down the hall, as if checking for eavesdroppers, before settling back on me. "The kind that gets people hurt in this house. You think you're the only one here against their will? You're not. "The sooner you grasp this understanding, the better your odds of survival will be."

Her remarks had a powerful effect on me, like a punch to the gut. I had the desire to dispute, to convey that she was wrong, but deep down, I acknowledged that she wasn't. This home was a golden prison, and Alexander wasn't the sole one with the keys.

"Why are you sharing this with me?" I inquired, doubt slipping into my tone. "What do you gain from assisting me?"

She angled her head, examining me. "Perhaps I notice something within you." Or perhaps I have experienced what you're going through, and I wish to prevent you from repeating the errors I made." Her grin disappeared, substituted by a gentler expression, nearly sympathetic. Regardless, you will require someone to support you. "And fortunately for you, I excel at keeping secrets."

I was unsure of what to say. A part of me desired to trust her-she was the first individual in this mansion who didn't regard me as if I were an object. Yet, trust was a luxury I couldn't possess, not in this place, not at this moment.

Before I had a chance to reply, Vee stood up straight, her look becoming more intense. "Alexander's soldiers are omnipresent." If you're clever, you'll stay near me. "At least until you understand the rules"

"Rules?" I repeated, bitterness lacing my tone. "What kind of rules?"

Her gaze darkened. "Rule number one: Don't question Alexander. Rule number two: Don't try to run. And rule number three..." She hesitated, her jaw tightening. "Don't trust anyone. Not even me."

Her remarks gave me a shiver, but just as I was about to question her more, the sound of footsteps reverberated through the corridor. Vee's attitude changed immediately, her stance becoming erect as a figure emerged at the distant end of the hallway.

It was John, Alexander's loyal bodyguard. His hulking frame filled the hallway, and his piercing eyes locked onto us with a sharpness that made my stomach twist.

"Miss Salmon," he said, his voice a low rumble. "Alexander wants to see you. Now."

I looked at Vee, but her expression showed no emotion. She offered a brief nod, as if to convey, *You'll be okay.* Yet her eyes expressed another tale-they were brimming with caution.

With an unwilling sigh, I trailed John down the corridor, my heart racing with every stride. The further we ventured, the more the grandeur of the mansion appeared to overwhelm me. Ornate mirrors, sparkling chandeliers, and soft carpets-it was all so stunning, yet so frigid.

Upon arriving at Alexander's office, John swung the door open without a knock, motioning for me to go in. I paused, my feet stuck in place, but his intense stare allowed no space for dispute.

Inhaling deeply, I walked in.

Alexander stood by the window, facing away from me. The late afternoon sun poured through the glass, enveloping him in a halo of gold. However, he was far from angelic. Even from the back, he radiated authority and peril, a man who dominated everything and everyone in his vicinity.

"Did you want to see me?" I stated, maintaining a calm tone even though a tempest of feelings swirled within me.

He rotated gradually, his frosty blue eyes fixating on mine. For a brief period, he remained silent, merely watching me with that unsettling intensity of his.

"Your father," he said at last, his tone sharp, "alleges he possesses details that could destroy me." Are you aware of what he means?

My stomach churned. "I don't," I replied truthfully. "He never shared anything with me."

Alexander's jaw clenched, and he moved nearer, his presence dominating. "I find it hard to trust you," he remarked, his tone quiet and menacing. "However, that is not important." If he's dishonest, I'll take care of him. "And if he's being truthful..." His stare became intense. "Then let it be."

His words sent a shiver down my spine, but before I could respond, there was a knock at the door. Alexander's expression darkened, clearly annoyed by the interruption.

"Come in," he barked.

The door swung open, and Vee entered, her typical calmness substituted with a sense of urgency. "There's an issue," she remarked, her tone sharp. "One of Max Carter's men was spotted near the east gate."

Alexander's expression shifted instantly, his eyes narrowing. "Carter," he muttered, the name dripping with venom.

I glanced between them, confusion and fear bubbling to the surface. "Who's Max Carter?"

Alexander didn't answer. Instead, he turned to Vee. "Double the guards at every entrance. And make sure no one gets in-or out."

Vee nodded, but before she could leave, Alexander's gaze snapped back to me. "Remain in your room," he ordered. "Don't even consider going against my orders."

I started to speak in protest, but the expression in his eyes muted me. Whatever was happening, it was more important than I realized. I questioned for the first time if I was actually safe in this house or if I had just exchanged one restriction for another.

I couldn't get rid of the feeling that something horrible was going to happen as Vee walked me back to my room, her face unreadable. When she paused outside my door, her voice gentle yet urgent, it simply confirmed my worries.

"Stay alert, Dysis," she whispered. "Conditions are close to becoming chaotic."

With that, she disappeared down the hallway, abandoning me with my anxious thoughts. My mind was racing with questions and concerns that I was unable to address as I perched on the side of the bed. Then I heard it-a very slight sound, scarcely noticeable, but enough to chill me.