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I yell out hitting the stone wall in frustration. Observing my surroundings it looks as though I have walked in a circle. This place seems to be way larger then I thought, and I have no idea where I am. Even if I wanted to return to Felix's quarters I wouldn't know how.
I had descended stairs at some point thinking myself to be higher up but I am pretty sure I went too far down. Based on the fact that I haven't seen any windows and how chill the air is, I believe myself to be underground. I begin walking slowly and open each door I pass in hopes of finding a staircase. This section of the castle must be abandoned because I haven't ran into or heard anyone for the past thirty minutes or so. Each step I take requires more and more effort, as my rapid breathing can be seen with every exhale. My fingers feel numb against the door handles and ache under pressure. Finally behind a small wooden door is a wooden spiral staircase. There is no railing so I keep my shivering self steady by holding onto the wall and I start to climb my way up. I continue to feel weaker and weaker when suddenly my foot slips and as I reach out to catch myself I receive a long gash on my forearm. I try to look up to see if I can spot a door ahead but it is too dark. I sit down on a step and hug my legs to my chest, my intention is to only take a few seconds break but now I can't seem to get back up. My breathing finally slows down and I feel very relaxed. Closing my eyes I lean my head against the wall. Just as my conciseness starts to drift I recognize his annoyingly perfect voice.
"So you have given up then. You are just going to sit and die."
I groan in response.
"I…..S..S..Su. Suppose So."
My words come out in slurs but they still hold true to my defiance. My eyes blink open revealing Felix who is now a few steps below me, exactly at eye level.
He lets out his obnoxious chuckle.
"Well my apologies my pet, but I can not allow that."
Removing his cloak he flips it around me, and with his gloved hand strokes my hair behind my ear progressing to caress my face. My eyes close again as I lean into his hand. Pressing his lips against my forehead he gives me soft kiss. I then feel him scoop me into his arms and the sensation of flying surrounds me. I allow my mind to drift and fall into a deep slumber.
I wake with a gasp and shoot up straight. The room is dark but I can tell that I am back in Felix's room. Rubbing my eyes I kick off the blankets piled on top of me and crawl to the end of the bed. Just as I reach the bottom a match is lit lighting a candle. The soft glow reflects off Felix's face as he inches his way towards me. My head throbs and my body feels weak. Placing the candle in a stand Felix sits down next to me. My eyes stare off across the darkness and we sit there in silence.
"What happened?"
My voice sounds rough and weak, throat aching with thirst.
"Do you mean before or after you tried to kill yourself?"
My captor responds sounding disinterested. I take a deep breath.
"Um... Before."
Felix tilts his head not taking his gaze off me. He rises from the bed walking towards the bedside table, and grabs a glass of water. While handing it to me he begins to speak.
"Well, we are not entirely sure, but it appears as though you have some sort of ability that allows minimal mind manipulation. That is indeed how you were able to escape. Although your attempt failed, because you got lost in the castle and ended up with a pretty severe case of hypothermia. I had Demetri track you for most of your journey and only had him come fetch me when he thought you had enough. I came to retrieve you, had Heidi bandage you and you have been asleep since. Now that you are awake I am suppose to escort you to the masters. Aro wants to have a chat, but before that I need you to clean yourself up. So keep quiet for the moment. Understood?"
I have a ton of things to say but because my energy just seems to be drained I don't fight him. I finish the glass of water and hand it back to him. Felix then ushers me into a sparkling clean bathroom. On top of the counter is a basket filled with toiletries. He grabs the bath soaps, a fresh towel, then walks over to the giant walk in shower and turns the water on. Steam instantly begins to waft and the water seems inviting.
"Please clean yourself, the only thing worse then how you currently look is how you currently smell.."
Although his comment is unnecessary, I don't disagree. Looking into the mirror I can't even recognize myself. My face looks swollen and tired, it is covered in dirt and has bruises along the jawline. I reach up to touch the bite mark on my lip and marvel at how its already healed. My body is covered in more bruises and cuts with dried blood sporadically, looking down I notice two dark handprints on my wrists. Felix notices me gawking and reaches out to examine one of my wrists.
"I will try and be more careful, if you promise to behave. My kind is so very strong, and you are so fragile. When you fight it causes my instincts to initiate and it becomes more difficult to control my strength."
My mouth opens in shock as my eyes bore into his. He is the one that hurt me and he somehow is finding a way to blame it on me. So very typical. I have dealt with this my entire life. The only reason I get hurt is because of what I do, it is never the abusers fault. Ripping my wrist from his grasp I turn around, grab a brush from the basket and begin to rip it through my tangled curls. Felix can probably tell that I am on the brink of an outburst, because he says nothing more as he walks out closing the door behind him.
Ignoring the pain from my roots I continue to brush my hair until it is free of knots. I look through all the supplies and find a razor, and washcloth. Climbing into the hot shower is pure bliss. The warmth encircles my aching muscles, and instantly makes me relaxed. I scrub every inch of my body, shave off all unwanted hair, unwrap my bandages, and clean my hair three times. After being submerged in this heaven for probably an hour, I decide to get out knowing that if I take much longer Felix will probably come to retrieve me. Turning off the water I step out and grab a big fluffy white towel I squeeze my hair, then wrap it snug around my body.
On a hook hangs a black lace dress, that I know wasn't there before. I try to shake the thought that Felix had come in when I was showering, but to make myself feel more comfortable I tiptoe towards the door and turn the lock. I look up at the beautifully made dress, it is half sleeved with a wide scalloped neckline, and has a full skirt that will reach a bit past my knees. On the counter is perfectly sized undergarments. The fact that Felix knows my bra size makes me blush and my privacy feels even more invaded. Next to that is a pair of black Mary Jane heels. I look down at my torn clothes on the floor and instantly know that I won't get away with putting them back on so I begin dressing in my new outfit.
Once fully dressed I grab a comb and pull it through my hair. I then start tugging my hair into one braid diagonally across the back of my head so it falls onto my right shoulder. A few curls are left framing my clean but still bruised and worn face. I find a tinted moisturizer apply that and follow it with a light layer of powder. I brush my teeth and reapply a bandage to my arm. I have now come to the realization that I have nothing more to do and should exit the bathroom. The only problem is, is that this is the most privacy I have had in a long time and don't want it to end.
I sigh and once more stare at my reflection. All my emotions inside me start emerging and the next thing I know I am uncontrollably crying. Here I am playing dress up for a coven of vampires that are holding me captive. I am a pet to one who shows no sympathy for all the pain he has caused me. I start replaying the night of when I was abducted wonder if I could have done something differently, when I hear a knock on the door.
"Nova, are you alright. You have had a substantial amount of time in there."
My breath is jagged but I control it enough to respond.
"Just a few more minutes."
I grab tissues and try to dry my now red eyes. The door handle giggles.
"Nova, open this door. I did not give you permission to lock it."
My throat is still tight but my tears have finally stopped. I don't open the door though. Felix then pounds on the door.
"Nova! This is the last time I will ask, open this bloody door now."
His voice is loud and stern. The sound of his frustration makes me freeze and I can only stare at the shaking door. Forcing myself to take a deep breath I walk over and turn the lock. Suddenly he bursts through the door making me stumble back.
"What the hell! I was just about to open it."
I yell at him, taking a defensive position.
At first he seems infuriated but then his features smooth and he straightens out of his lunge as his eyes examine me.
"You were a second too late. When I ask something of you, it should be done immediately. Now come, I have something for you."
Felix walks into the bedroom and I follow. He grabs something off the desk concealing it within his hands and turns to face me.
"Close your eyes."
I look at him unsure.
"You will like it, I promise."
I hold my breath and squeeze my eyes shut. I feel something cool lay against my chest and Felix's hands briefly touch the back of my neck. I flinch as his hand cover my eyes. His other hand leads me over to the other side of the room, and then he removes his hands stepping to the side.
I am standing in front of a floor length mirror, and although I see my entire reflection my eyes go straight to the object around my neck. I gasp and take a step closer, instantly reaching up to my necklace that I thought I would never see again. It is small wooden circle that has Ursa Major and Minor carved on the front and the quote 'Our Brightest Nova' carved on the back. It is secured by A black thin rope and has a gold clasp. It was given to me by my parents, and is the only thing I really have that their hands have touched. I thought it to be gone after Jerome had ripped it from my neck.
"How did you..."
My words trail off, as I continue to admire it.
"We found it in storage at the facility, along with a few other possessions that are yours. I put it all over there so that you can sort through it."
I instantly recognized my brown leather backpack and feel a rush of excitement. I wonder briefly how they knew what things belonged to me but excuse the thought reminding myself to ask later. I step towards it but Felix catches my wrist.
"Later my pet. Aro has already been waiting far too long."
My brow furrows and I pout.
"I say we just forget about him and the others. He is extremely moody and I would prefer to just stay here."
Felix ruffles my hair.
"If it were only that easy. Now no more stalling."
All of a sudden, Felix swoops me into his arms and I feel the sensation of flying again.
I burrow my head into his chest as the feeling of nausea hits me, just when I think I am about to hurl we come to a abrupt stop. I am set down on my feet but Felix keeps me supported until I regain my footing.
"I really hate that mode of transportation."
He doesn't respond instead he pushes the big wooden doors open revealing the familiar white marble room with the three demons from hell perched on their thrones.