Ferox Amor by pearl

unwelcome transfer

I felt the world crashing down around me, like the fragile glass vase Mom left on the mantle had shattered into a million pieces. If you were in my shoes, you'd understand.

Sasha Alexander sat in her father's opulent sitting room, surrounded by lavish furnishings and priceless artwork. The room's centerpiece was a grand piano, polished to perfection. Richard Alexander, the wealthiest man in the country, sat across from her, his expression stern.

"Sasha, you're transferring to Ravenswood Academy," he announced, his voice firm.

Sasha's eyes widened in protest. "What? No, Dad! Why?"

Richard's face remained unyielding. "It's for your own safety, Sasha. Your current school isn't secure enough."

Sasha's frustration boiled over. "That's not true! I love my school, and my friends are there. You can't just uproot me like this!"

Richard's expression darkened. "I've made up my mind, Sasha. You'll do as I say."

Sasha's voice trembled. "You always do this, Dad. You never listen to me. I hate it!"

Richard's face reddened, and he slammed his fist on the coffee table. "Enough! You'll obey me, Sasha."

The room fell silent, the tension palpable. Sasha's eyes welled up with tears as Richard stood, his tall frame looming over her.

"I've had enough of this conversation," he growled, striding toward the door.

The door, hidden behind a tapestry, blended seamlessly into the wall. Carved with intricate symbols, it seemed to whisper secrets to those who dared to listen. Sasha knew that door led to the Underworld, a realm her father had sworn to protect her from.

As a child, Sasha had stumbled upon her father's hidden library, filled with ancient tomes and forbidden knowledge. One book spoke of the door, how it connected their world to the realm of darkness. Sasha's curiosity had gotten the better of her, and she'd peeked through the door, witnessing the eerie glow of the Underworld.

Now, as Richard approached the door, Sasha felt a shiver run down her spine.

"Dad, don't go!" she pleaded, but he ignored her.

With a swift motion, Richard pushed the door open, revealing a dimly lit staircase descending into darkness. The air that wafted out carried the scent of smoke and ash.

Sasha's heart pounded as Richard stepped through the doorway, disappearing into the shadows.

The door creaked shut behind him, leaving Sasha alone and frightened.

--

This wasn't good. Whenever Dad was this angry, he'd head to the underground, and that never ended well. The forbidden door loomed in my mind, its heavy iron knocker gleaming in the dim light. Dad's warnings echoed: "Stay away, Sasha. The underground is no place for you." But why? What secrets hid in the shadows, waiting to be uncovered?

I remembered Uncle Karen's hushed conversation with Dad's men: "Take care of it. Do a clean job." His words sent a shiver down my spine. When I asked him what it meant, he smiled, his eyes glinting with warning. "Nothing for you to worry about, Sasha."

At seventeen, I deserved answers. Why couldn't they trust me? My family was weird. Since Mom left, everything changed.

Mom's absence still lingered, a constant ache in my heart. Her perfume, once a comforting scent, now brought tears to my eyes. I missed her laughter, her warm hugs, and her reassuring smile.

"Mom, why did you leave us?" I whispered, tears welling up. My hand instinctively grasped the necklace she left behind - a delicate, key-shaped pendant. This pendant felt like a key, but to what?

I stared out the window, watching the trees sway in the breeze. Our estate, once a symbol of happiness, now felt like a prison.

For now, I needed a plan to stay in this house. Convincing Dad was futile.

I trudged upstairs to my room, feeling trapped. The walls, once adorned with colorful posters, now seemed to close in on me. I collapsed onto my bed, surrounded by memories of Mom.

As I lay there, questions swirled in my mind. What lay beyond the forbidden door? Why was Dad so secretive? And what did "coming of age" have to do with anything?

The clock ticked away, each passing minute feeling like an eternity. I knew I had to act, but where do I even start?

As night fell, I made a decision. I'd uncover the truth, no matter what it took.

I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease after Dad's announcement. The forbidden door lingered in my mind, its secrets beckoning me.

Determined to uncover the truth, I snuck out of my room and crept downstairs. The grand piano seemed to loom over me, its polished surface reflecting the dim light.

I approached the door, my heart pounding. The intricate symbols etched into its surface seemed to pulse with a mysterious energy.

"Dad's warnings can't stop me," I whispered, grasping the door handle.

As I pushed the door open, a musty scent wafted out. The staircase descended into darkness, the air thick with anticipation.

I took a deep breath and stepped forward, my eyes adjusting to the dim light.

At the bottom of the stairs, I found myself in a narrow corridor lined with ancient tapestries. The symbols on the door seemed to match the patterns on the tapestries.

Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows.

"Sasha, what are you doing here?" Jasper my body guard asked. His voice was low and urgent.

I stood tall, despite my racing heart.

"I need answers, Jasper. What lies beyond this door?"

Jasper's expression turned grim.

"You shouldn't be here, Sasha. This is not for you."

I frowned.

"Why not? I deserve to know the truth."

Jasper sighed.

"Your father's secrets are not mine to share. But I can tell you this: the Underworld is not a place for the faint of heart."

I steeled myself.

"I'm not afraid. I want to know what's going on."

Jasper's eyes narrowed.

"Jasper, I need to know what's going on," I pressed, my voice firm.

Jasper's expression turned stern.

"Sasha, I've already said too much. You need to leave. Now."

I stood my ground.

"But Jasper, I deserve to know the truth. What's hiding in the Underworld?"

Jasper's eyes flashed with warning.

"You're not ready for this, Sasha. Your father's secrets are not for you to uncover."

I felt a surge of frustration.

"That's not fair! I'm almost an adult. I can handle it."

Jasper's voice turned cold.

"Handle it? You have no idea what you're dealing with. Leave. Now."

He stepped forward, his tall frame looming over me.

I hesitated, then turned to leave, feeling dismissed and angry.

As I climbed the stairs, I heard Jasper's whispered warning:

"Sasha, stay away from the Underworld. For your own sake."

I emerged into the grand sitting room, feeling more determined than ever.

I wouldn't be dismissed.

I would uncover the truth.

I vowed to myself.