HELLHOUND (Book Two of the Wisteria Chronicles)

CHAPTER 16~Easy~

Faedan

    The last book I read before my enslavement was about nymphs. I wished I had completed the book, but I knew I would still have countless questions. Everything about Yurah had fascinated me. I had expected her to speak Japanese, but she spoke the ancient language of her people. We only struggled with the language barrier for three days, then suddenly she was fluent in English. 

    I never thought that I would enjoy my time as a slave until Yurah arrived.  Her favorite foods are red apples. Every time she ate one she would save the seeds. When I asked her what she had planned for them, she would shrug and say she wanted to plant them. I didn’t have the heart to tell her that fruit trees didn’t grow in the Underworld.  

   She was skittish around people, often hiding behind my back. We tried to stay within the inner villa to avoid running into aggressive men. Despite that bastard Gozredal’s wish to fatten me up, I have retained my low weight. I decided to give my second plate to Yurah. She needed to be well fed if she was going to survive here. I didn’t mind though, I was used to getting my one meal.

    Yurah was captivated by a majority of the things that went on here. She was scared when she first saw a washing machine. She had ran away when a car drove past us. She had said that she was unconscious for the trip here and didn’t remember being inside such a contraption. She had several quirks to her, all of them adorable. I was beginning to worry, I think I was falling in love.

   I was sitting in my room, practicing the words she had taught me when Aaron knocked. “The Master wants to see you.” he said. I stood up and tapped on the small window connecting to Yurah’s room. She looked up, watching me gesture towards Aaron. She gave me a small smile and locked her door.  I walked out of my room, following Aaron to Gozredal’s office.

    Gozredal was resting against the window, his gaze distracted. “You called, Master.” I said. He turned and looked at me, his evil smirk already in place. “I did Prince Faedan. I wanted an update on the nymph.” he said, reclaiming his seat at his desk. I told him a majority of Yurah’s progress, leaving out her personal information.

    “She’s an amazing creature!” he exclaimed. I didn’t respond, not wanting to reveal my tenderness for her. “You know, I’m really surprised that you haven’t tried anything with her. The slaves on the lower deck joke about you being a virgin. How hilarious is that!” he laughed in my face. 

     “Well, no matter, I’m just happy you’ve prevented people from putting their filthy hands on her. As long as she remains untouched until the next exhibit, we will have no problems.” he said dismissively. “Master?” I asked, not understanding. He started to fuss with his phone. “Her virtue will be given away to the highest bidder for the exhibit. The Underworld is going nuts about her existence.” he said with a bored tone.

       I stayed silent, my face devoid of emotion. I was an i***t to believe that he would only display her. I tried to focus on his next words. “I need you to run a few errands for me. Since you know her the best, you will be in charge of getting her some clothing. I want several pieces of lingerie, the colors are up to your discretion. She will also need a few evening dresses. If things go well, she will be welcoming a guest for every exhibit.”  

     I clenched my fists, my feet glued to the spot. Gozredal peered at me from behind his phone. “Well, get to it!” he shouted. “Yes, Master.” I murmured, holding in my rage. Aaron led the way out of his office, bringing me to the front gates of the property. “Here is the money, the Master wants you to stay within the budget. Make sure you save the receipts, or you’ll be lashed for every cent that is unaccounted for.” he explained.

   “Wait, you’re not coming with me?” I asked. Aaron shook his head, “The Master believes that you can be trusted to go out unattended.” I frowned a little; I couldn’t be happy that I’ve gained a bit of freedom. “Please look after her.” I pleaded with Aaron. He gave me a swift nod before shutting the gate behind me.

    I thought my first step off the property would give me joy, but I was filled with nothing but dread. I only had a few days to get Yurah out of this f*****g house. I had no idea how I would accomplish it without getting the both of us killed, but I had to try.

Leo

     We crossed through the portal over a month ago. We couldn’t seem to find solid information about Gozredal or his household. When we did receive a hit it was about his exhibit, Discovery. All of the information was useless if we couldn’t find a way into the compound or what the layout looked like. 

       We were becoming desperate, alternating our plans. We decided to stay in Urokon, the demon city where Gozredal resided. The team separated to frequent bars, coffee houses, pretty much anywhere to strike up conversation. Today, I was supposed to scoop out a small diner.  Once again, I was unsuccessful. 

      I stepped outside, letting the stagnant air fill my lungs. I was about to leave when a straggly man in dirty clothing walked out of the boutique located next to the diner. He looked terrible, his wild hazel eyes scanning his surroundings. He held two large bags that had designer names on them, but he didn’t look like someone who shopped for couture items. 

    I studied him more closely. His hood covered his ears, but I could tell that they were elongated and pointed. Something glittered from his neck, a necklace maybe? I tried to get a better look without being obvious. It was a collar, a slave collar. He walked past me, his scent seemed familiar. 

    “Excuse me, sir!” I called out to him. He turned around, walking back to me. “Yes?” he asked with cautious eyes. I got a closer look at his collar, a ‘G’ imprinted into the side. “I’m so sorry to  bother you, but I just have to ask. Is your name Faedan?” His wild eyes narrowed, his gaze weary. 

    “I know that was really random and I’m sorry to have bothered you.” I murmured, second guessing myself. He grabbed my shirt preventing me from leaving. “How do you know my name?” he demanded. There’s no f*****g way it was this easy. I made sure to look him in the eye. “Sir, I work with an agency called Hell’s Shield. We specialize in recovering missing family members. I’ve been tasked with finding you.”

     He became more suspicious, his eyes squinting further. “And who has requested this?” he asked, his voice full of doubt. “I’m not at liberty to say, but just know that she has been looking for you for a long time.” His demeanor changed, a sudden sadness filled his eyes. “She?” he asked, I just bobbed my head. 

    “I see that you are unattended, making this easier. Please follow me. My team and I will reunite you with your family soon.” I said, turning towards the hotel we were based at. Faedan pulled on my sleeve again. I turned to him with a confused look. “I can’t go.” he said. I frowned, not comprehending.

      “Why?” I demanded. “I cannot leave without Yurah.” he replied. Who the f**k was Yurah? “I can’t leave without her.” he repeated. “You would give up your chance at freedom for this person?” He looked me in the eye, “Yes.” f**k! He sounds just like Phoebe. I let out a frustrated sigh, “Are you willing to give me information so that I can come back for you?”

      “Are people going to get hurt?” he asked. I shrugged, “Well, yeah. It’s going to be a raid.” He looked conflicted, the struggle with his emotions evident. “You owe those people nothing.” I hissed, annoyed that he would even think about them. “I’m not worried about them, I just want to ensure Yurah’s safety.” he hissed back. He’s got spunk, I like that.

       “We will guarantee both of your safety, as long as we are properly prepared.” I told him. He  looked around, his anxiousness oozed from his body. “What do you need to know? I can’t stay long or they will come looking for me.” I cracked a wide grin and patted his back. Maybe it was going to be easy after all.

Gozredal

     I smiled at the bags Prince Faedan brought in. He had selected very elegant clothing choices; I was positive that my buyers would be satisfied. That little nymph was about to bring in a ridiculous amount of cash. I was finally going to be able to elevate this place. For decades everyone compared me to that pathetic b***h. For too long have I lived in her shadow. My collection was just as impressive as hers, but all people said was Calypso this, Calypso that.

  I worked hard to make a name for myself, but the dumb w***e continues to stand in my way. With the nymphs appearance at the next exhibit, everyone will be at my doorstep. They will beg for a chance to view my wares. I would finally have the upper hand, and scorn those who have shunned me.

    It wasn’t my fault that my collection was filled with slaves. They had the chance to come willingly. They choose to run or someone decides to sell them off. I didn’t care which as long as I acquired the best. They had called me ruthless and inhumane, what the f**k did they expect from a demon. I had to be this way to stay relevant. I had to kill and tourture to to earn some f*****g respect. I’m proud of who I am and I’ve never regretted what I’ve done. 

             Rumor had it that the Collector might show up to see the girl too. Ha! I couldn’t wait to put her in her place. If things go as planned, I’ll have Calypso’s head as a part of my prized possessions. Everything had to be perfect for the exhibit, I refuse to let an opportunity like this pass.