“Thank you, Seraphina,” I mumble as I take a sip of the broth with shaky fingers, “this is good. What is it?”
“Don’t ask questions dear. The food here in The Underworld is a bit different than what you are used to, but the meat from this creature is tender and reminds me of beef from back home. It creates a hearty stew that we can give you a little later after this meager meal. We just didn’t want you to overdo it.”
After a few more sips of the broth, I butter one of the biscuits and take a small bite, “This is very good. I’m already feeling better. So, why don’t we all stop walking on eggshells and tell me what the hell is really going on here.” I look up from the biscuit in my hand, “I’m not going to fall apart. I promise. Contrary to popular belief, I can take whatever you throw at me.”
Daxell growls, the sound resonating from deep in his chest. My oh my, I love that sound, but it also stirs flashes of him in his demon form looking at me uncertainly. Poppy lands on the table in front of me with her hands on her hips, “Lillie JoBug, I think that its best that we give you time to remember your time here before we found you. Sweetie, you were not in a good place. Those wicked little demons did a number on you, I think they messed with your mind.”
Seraphina reaches over to pat my hand, “Lillie, you have all the time you need to recall what happened to you.”
“Mother, with all due respect, we do not have time. Lillie cannot be found here in The Underworld. Mammon will exact his revenge. As soon as it is discovered that we are harboring a fugitive she will be brought to trial. We need to leave here as soon as possible.” Daxell’s concern has me on edge. What the hell has happened? Something seems to be on the verge of revealing itself to me but it's just out of my reach.
“Daxell, you know as well as I do that it will take a few days for Lillie to regain her strength. We will provide a safe harbor for her during that time. The House of Lust and Envy is a safe place for you and your mate and her friends. Lillie, take your time. You seem to be doing well with what you have eaten. We’ll give you time to clean up and then we will bring you some stew with a heartier bread to eat. You will be back to yourself in no time.” Daxell’s mother sweeps out of the room, leaving me to wonder why they are all still walking around on eggshells with me when she seems so unconcerned.
I pin them with a look, “What’s going on? You all are acting very weird. So, spill! Now.”
Daxell sighs, “My mother is right. You’ve not been awake nearly long enough for us to demand that you tell us what happened to you the night that you were taken, or why we can not remove the bracelet that you wear now. You are obviously having trouble recalling everything. We need to give you time. Time that we really don’t have. I won’t sugar coat it, honey cheeks. It’s important that you remember, but I will not rush you. You’ve been through enough as it is.” The look on his face has me questioning everything.
I look to both Daxell and Poppy and realize that there is so much more to their quiet demeanor, now that I’m awake I can see the concern etched on their faces. Closing my eyes, I focus on remembering. Images flash through my mind. Images of a female beauty named Nyx. Images of me being forced through a portal. Images of me being …
My mind shuts down, not wanting to remember, and I push away from the table abruptly, “I need some time. I need to take a shower, and I need to think. If you will excuse me.” I move toward what looks like a bathroom all the while fiddling with the bracelet on my wrist. The same bracelet that has affectively muted all my abilities. I open the door and close it behind me. Thankful that I was correct and that I could put some distance between Poppy and Dax and me. Oh, God. What am I missing here? What am I not remembering? Whatever it is, it's huge.
Hours later, I find myself in an unusual courtyard. The beauty here is odd and what’s more bizarre? I’m having flashes of memories that don’t make sense. The things around me that would appear to be hideous in The Otherworld appears to be oddly beautiful here. I just sit and look around me with Cara by my side. I’m afraid to delve into many more of my memories. Afraid of what they will bring.
Seraphina slides quietly into the chair by my side. “How are you doing, dear?”
“I’m confused. I’m not sure what everyone wants from me.” My confession escapes my lips before I can think better of it. “I’m not sure why I said that.” Shaking my head.
“We just want you to be safe.” She smiles and I look around me.
“This place is so strange. The lighting here casts shadows everywhere. One moment I want nothing more
