One Insatiable(57)

Jagged edges and twisting spires like ominous stalactites are everywhere I look. It reminds me of the medieval gothic art I used to study when I was a little girl alone in Hayden’s mansion. I would look at the pictures wondering who would live in such a place when all I dreamed of was golden sparkling waters and soft beaches.

Now I know.

Enormous windows hide behind black velvet curtains, but even if they were opened, no light would filter in. The sky is grey but not cloudy. There’s simply no sun here.

Slipping from the bed, I look down to see I’m wearing a long, filmy white gown. I don’t remember putting it on. The last thing I remember is opening my eyes in the courtyard of this stone castle and crying. Looking up to see my beautiful sun-kissed world replaced by this shadowy underground.

I’m Thumbelina taken by the mole. Sunlight and warmth are a distant memory, and my only hope of freedom would be a dead bird, frozen with its heart still beating. The old story pushes a bubble of despair higher in my chest until I exhale a gasped cry. “Will it always be like this?”

I look around the shadowy corners of my room, the black and purple corridors that now compose my home. For a moment, I think of Penny and her fear of shadows. How long will this be my life? If only I were a mortal, I could count on fifty, sixty more years in this prison. As a shifter it could be more than a hundred.

Dropping my head into my hands I fight the tears. I’m on the verge of despair when I hear a loud noise at what I presume is my door. I can’t see it hidden in the gloom. Another loud rap, and I speak.

“Come in?” It’s a question because I’m not sure if I have the right to forbid whomever is knocking at my door.

Is Hayden allowed to do whatever he wants with me? Am I allowed to deny him entrance? Will his minions torment me?

A low creak precedes his appearance, but he’s so transformed, I almost don’t recognize him. Only his eyes are the same and the sound of his voice.

“I hope you’re settling in.” He pauses at the dresser.

His usual tailored suit is replaced with what looks like armored black leather, tight on his tall, slim frame. A girder is at his waist, and a black cape flows from his shoulders. On his head is a crown that appears to be made of bone, and his fair hair is now long down his back. He’s stunning as Lord of the Underworld. The only problem is he isn’t my gorgeous panther.

“Sleep well?” he says. “That gown is lovely on you.”

Clearing my throat, I answer. “I don’t remember anything after you brought me here. I guess I slept well. Or I was drugged.”

Long fingers clasp at the cape swirling around his slim hips, and his nails are now pointed, long and black. “You were not drugged. I’m sure the stress of the day fatigued you.”

My lip catches between my teeth. “Hayden…” His name is a broken whisper on my lips. It causes him to perk up.

“Yes, my love? Is there something you want?” He takes a few steps toward me. “You can have anything.”

Breath hiccups in my throat. My stomach hurts, and my hand flies to cover my mouth. For a moment, I close my eyes and inhale, exhale… get control. He’s unmoved by my response.

When I feel I’m finally able, I speak. “It’s not nice to be disingenuous.”

“Whatever do you mean?” His slim lips curve into a grin.

“You said I could have anything I want. That isn’t true.”

Straightening, I see longing in his eyes. “I would hope one day the only thing you’ll want will be the same as me.”

“I want you to let me go…” My voice breaks, and I squeeze my eyes shut. I can’t believe I’ve lost control. Control is the only thing I have left.

Anger flashes across his perfect features, and he turns in a swirl of black. “I’ll give you a little more time to yourself.”

My door slams, and a sharp CLATCH! tells me the bolt has been locked behind him. I won’t be leaving this room today.

Lifting my arms, I study the elegant, flowing gown I’m wearing. It perfectly matches Hayden’s long black robes, only mine are the diametric opposite. I’m rainbow and light, while he’s darkness and shadows. My hair falls around my shoulders in rippling raven waves, and I see on a small table a crown like Hayden’s. Queen of the Underworld? I’m no immortal.

Reaching forward, I crawl on my hands and knees into the center of the enormous black bed. Everything is darkness here, from the walls and ceiling to the sheets and blankets covering me.

Closing my eyes, I focus on last night, Koa’s strong arms around me, his words. He promised he would come for me. He promised. Despair tries to overcome me, and my mind says it’s impossible. No one can save me. Still I focus on his words. His promise.

My panther is so sleek and gorgeous. I remember the first time I saw him. His lashing tail, the power in his muscled shoulders as he commanded the forest. If anyone can save me, he can. My insides relax ever so slightly as I envision his lined torso and imposing physique. Squeezing my eyes tightly, I think the words I hope he can hear. I love you, my Koa. I love you my beautiful panther. I believe you will come for me. It’s the only thing that gives me hope.

I’m here because his life is more important than escaping my fate. Still, if there’s any way out of this, I know he’ll find it. I have to believe in him. His words have become my words: I can’t live without my soul.