Chapter 5 Heart of the beast

In the dimly lit room, I sit on the cold floor, my head resting on my knees. The persistent grumbling in my stomach echoes the hunger I've become all too familiar with. It's been eight long days since I last stepped out of this small, confining space. The monotony of my existence is interrupted only by the two meager meals I receive-one in the morning and another at night. The only connection to the outside world is a small hole beneath the door through which they pass my food.

As I fade into my thoughts, a cloud of sadness and confusion envelops me. The walls seem to close in, and the weight of my isolation presses down on me. I wonder how I ended up here, trapped in a space that feels both endless and suffocating. The routine of my two daily meals is a stark reminder of the limited control I have over my own life.

The occasional sounds from the outside world only serve as a painful reminder of the life I once knew. I yearn for the freedom to move beyond this confinement, to taste the richness of experiences that extend beyond the confines of these four walls. Each passing day blurs into the next, leaving me with a sense of longing for a reality that feels increasingly distant.

Amidst the solitude, I grapple with conflicting emotions-a profound sadness for the life I've lost and a perplexing confusion about why I find myself in this situation. The small beam of light filtering through the crack in the door offers a glimmer of hope, a reminder that there's a world beyond this room, waiting for me to reclaim my place in it. Yet, the uncertainty of when that day will come only adds to the complexity of my emotions in this lonely, hunger-ridden solitude. It's been days since he came in-Lucian. He hasn't returned since he gave me his name. I didn't do something wrong, did I?

With a heavy heart, I drag myself from the cold floor and walk over to the bed. As I lie down, memories flood my mind, and I find solace in the thoughts of the simple joys life once offered. I imagine buying popcorn from my neighbor every noon, savoring the taste of freedom and normalcy. I reminisce about the happier times with my dad, a time that abruptly ended when I turned thirteen.

Tears stream down my face as I contemplate the cruel circumstances that led me to this room. The desire to escape grips me, but the harsh reality sets in-it's not possible. In the depths of despair, the thought of ending my life crosses my mind, but the emptiness of the room offers no means to carry out such a desperate act. The overwhelming realization that I haven't taken a shower in three weeks dawns on me, and the smell permeating the room becomes a haunting reminder.

As I wipe away my tears, a strange sense of humor takes over, and I giggle at the absurdity of my own thoughts. Gathering what little strength I have left, I approach the door, pounding on it desperately. "Hello! I need to take my shower! I am on my period! Let me out!" I call out, hoping someone will hear my plea.

After a brief moment, the door bursts open, and a rush of fresh air fills the room. I close my eyes, relishing the feeling of liberation as I inhale deeply. When I open my eyes, a girl stands before me, her hair a vibrant orange, and she wears a maid's uniform. Her thin lips form a small smile, radiating kindness and warmth. "Hi, I was asked to shower you. Now, will you please follow me? Don't try to run because we will be followed by the castle guards to the washroom," she says, her smile reassuring. With a mixture of apprehension and hope, I nod and follow her, grateful for a glimmer of humanity in this seemingly bleak existence.

As I follow the girl through the narrow corridors, the castle guards trailing closely behind, my eyes scan the peculiar paintings adorning the walls. Bizarre creatures, reminiscent of large foxes or wolves, stare back at me with menacing and eerie expressions. The unsettling images send shivers down my spine, and I can't help but tap the girl's shoulder to get her attention.

She turns around, maintaining her friendly smile, and I furrow my eyebrows in confusion. "Um, why are these paintings here and there?" I inquire, my voice betraying a mixture of curiosity and unease. The strange depictions seem out of place, especially in a castle that, until now, has felt like a prison.

The girl's smile falters for a moment, and she glances at the paintings before meeting my gaze. "Oh, those are just decorations. They've been here for ages, part of the castle's history," she explains, her tone casual as if the frightening creatures on the walls are an everyday sight.

Trying to shake off the sense of foreboding, I nod hesitantly. It's evident that there's more to the story, but I refrain from pressing further, realizing that unraveling the mysteries of this castle might be a perilous endeavor. With a silent prayer for the strangeness to end, I continue to follow the girl, hoping that the promised shower is a step toward regaining a semblance of normalcy.

As we arrive at the so-called washroom, a wave of astonishment washes over me. Contrary to the confinement of my previous surroundings, this space is expansive and exudes an unexpected beauty. The room is adorned with intricate tiles, glistening under the soft glow of ornate chandeliers that dangle from the ceiling. There are several bathing stations, each equipped with an elegant bathtub, fluffy towels neatly arranged, and an array of scented soaps and shampoos. The room seems more fitting for a royal spa than a place of mere necessity. The sheer contrast between the grim reality of my confinement and the opulence of this washroom adds to my bewilderment.

The girl gestures toward one of the bathing stations with a warm smile. "You can choose any of these. Enjoy your shower and take your time. If you need anything, just let me know," she says kindly, leaving me to revel in the unexpected luxury.

I hesitate for a moment, absorbing the surreal atmosphere, and then choose a bathtub near a tall, arched window that overlooks a serene garden-the window was protected with iron bars. As I start to undress, the weight of the past days lifts temporarily, replaced by a sense of relief and a newfound appreciation for the unexpected turn of events.

I hear muffled voices outside, and a sinking feeling takes hold. The prospect of facing him, the one responsible for my inexplicable captivity, sends shivers down my spine. Anxiety tightens its grip as I brace myself for whatever awaits beyond the locked door. After what feels like an eternity, the door creaks open, revealing the girl who had initially guided me. Her eyes avoid mine as she wraps me in a towel forcefully.

"What the fuck is wrong with you?" I ask, trying to push her off, but she seems stronger than me as she tightens the towel around me.

"The master insisted. Take her."

The guards come in, dragging me out of the washroom and up a stairway. I thrash, curse at them, and even beg, but my resistance is futile. Thrown into a room and locked inside, I pound on the door, a chorus of curses escaping my lips.

My attempts to comprehend the situation are futile, and I find myself overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness. The uncertainty of my fate looms large, leaving me with more questions than answers. In the confines of that unfamiliar room, I lean against the door, crying.

"Are you going to cry all day, baby girl?" A deep voice echoes, and my eyes snap open as a chill washes over me, my wet body covered in goosebumps.