Chapter 3-
I woke up to Ava pushing my shoulder “Ember, look. We’re slowing down; I think we must be close to wherever they have been taking us.” She said almost in a whisper. It was dark, but I could make out lights and what looked to be a village surrounded by forest. As we came closer, I noticed the village was larger than I had thought from a distance.
There were a lot of spaced-out houses many with gardens and small barns. The town also had what looked to be little shops all surrounding a small lake. It was hard to know for sure with the little light I had, but it looked like a quaint little village. We pulled up to an enormous wooden lodge and as we came to a stop I took in a deep breath; I need to stay strong I tell myself trying to starve off the fear building in my chest. We were led from the wagon in groups of about twelve into the lodge. The building was enormous and broken up into apartments. Even though I was still terrified of what could come next, I was impressed at the beauty and size of the structure, maybe these people are more civilized than I originally thought.
Each apartment in the lodge had beds lined up along the wall and a large fireplace, there was also a bathroom connected to the room with three large tubs inside. It was warm and surprisingly comfortable, much more comfortable than our cabin on the ship that had served as our prison for the past week. Each bed had laid on it a long white nightdress and a robe. We were told that we were able to wash and move about the space freely and that in the morning they would start the interviews. I thought it was strange that it was specified that we were to change into the clothing provided before the morning.
I had no idea what the “interview” entailed but was happy for the clean and comfortable accommodations. As we each were led into the door of the bedroom the chains were taken off our ankles. I was happy to be free of the painful burden, but it worried me how excited the man was to touch our legs and feet and how he had moaned quietly while he freed us. Thinking about the man’s predatory gaze I began to realize that I had not seen any women in the village or the lodge since we came in. Maybe because it was nighttime, I tried to reassure myself.
After we were all inside and unchained the door closed and we heard the lock turn. I am sure it is also guarded by the men who brought us here. The room had no windows and no chance of escape. Ava continued to be glued to my side when we were left in our new shared room even when I bathed, she stayed right next to me. The feeling of washing after weeks at sea was amazing and set me slightly more at ease. There were perfumes and oils laid out, but I decided to stick with soap, I didn’t want to make myself desirable to any of these men. I could face tomorrow now that I felt human again, clean and no longer chained like a rabid dog. I couldn’t believe how much muck had clung to my body and hair during that time between my capture and now. I laid down in the comfortable bed clean and in my new night clothes.
I felt a small tinge of hope enjoying the comfort of the room, but that hope soon left me as Ava snuggled up against me and asked, “Ember what do you think they are interviewing us for tomorrow?” I kissed her forehead and stroked her hair. “I don’t know Ava, but we will need to be alert and do all we can to survive. Maybe we can even find a way to get ourselves back home. Now we need to get some sleep.” I hoped I was right, and we can find some way to either earn our freedom or find a weakness inside these walls and escape. Sleep overtook me quickly it had been so long since I had more than a few hours rest. I will need it for tomorrow. For whatever the interview would bring.
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We were woken up by the sound of a chime ringing through the building. Worry began to replace the peace that had come with the comfortable warm bed. Ava and I got up and tried to ready ourselves for whatever was next. I brushed her hair out with my fingers and repaired her beautiful braid, I had tried but failed to tame my wild locks. They were often temperamental, so I just tied part of it back so that it wasn’t in my face.
We sat quietly waiting for what would happen next. The lock on the door clicked, and we were led downstairs and into a large dining hall, each of us given a meal of hot porridge and eggs. None of the men were eating although there were many open tables, they all just watched us and whispered quietly to one another. Is this part of the test or interview? I just kept my head down and ate trying not to make eye contact with any of them. The last thing I want is to stand out.
After breakfast we were addressed by the man who had captured my attention yesterday by the wagons. The handsome one with the long blonde hair and beard. He strode into the dining hall with an air of power surrounding him, just the sight of him had my heart speeding up. “Women you will stay sitting where you are. When you are tapped on the shoulder you will follow, without any dramatics. After your interview you will be led back to your apartment to rest. Commander Titus will deal with any insolence swiftly.” While he was doling out commands, I began to understand he must be in charge. He scared me and thrilled me all at once, what is wrong with me?
One by one the women were tapped on their shoulder and led out of the large hall and didn’t return. My heart felt like it was beating out of my chest as the woman next to me was taken away. I just hope I make a good impression, or that this isn’t some kind of trap to separate us and then kill or rape us one by one. I saw the man coming towards me with a smirk on his face, I think he was the same man that stroked my leg as he unchained me last night. I gave Ava a sweet smile and told her I would see her soon and not to be afraid. Even if I had no idea what was to come, I wanted to reassure her. I wish I wasn’t afraid, but I am, I hate feeling this weak.
I am led down a long hallway to a room with a group of men behind a long table, each with a stack of papers in front of them. The man seated in the middle of the table who was staring holes through me is none other than the man from the day we got off the boat. The man who gave us instructions not long ago. I have heard the men address him as Alpha, but I don’t know his name. Even now racked with fear I am so drawn to him.