Chapter 6

Lila's POV

I sat on the edge of the bed and clicked my fingers on my lap. Vera’s words echoed in my head. Homecoming. What did that even mean?

She told me she would be back soon when she left, but she was yet to return.

I was all alone in this massive room. Everywhere was quiet. I kept looking around, my thoughts all over the place. The taste of Ronan’s seeds still lingered on my tongue. My throat ached, my scalp stung from the way he pulled my hair, and my heart wouldn’t stop racing. With the way his eyes glinted with delight, I knew that wouldn't be the last of my punishment session with him.

I hated this feeling of helplessness. My sister was out there, struggling with her life, but I couldn't do anything about it. I was stuck in here, like a bird in a cage.

How long do I have to bear Ronan's punishments until Mara gets well?

I sighed and got to my feet. My bare feet sank into the rug. It was so soft, so plush. I looked around, taking note of every detail. Everything about this room screamed of insane wealth. The walls were covered with gold-framed paintings, and the chandelier above dazled with crystals.

After years of living in building with cracked walls and leaking pipes, this was a sudden change. My old life back in sector 9 felt like a dream now. It feels like I'm in the middle of a portal fantasy movie, where you open a secret closet and end up in a different world.

I wouldn't have gotten here without Clark. My lips tightened as I thought about my ex. It's true that his infidelity brought me here. He cheated and threw me out, but the universe turned it to a chance to heal my sister.

I tried the door, and it yielded. Even the door knob was gold-plated. It was crazy that so much wealth had gone into building this edifice while half of Arcadia was derelict.

The hallway stretched out with walls that were lined with beautiful paintings. Ronan was definitely a huge art enthusiast to have these many paintings around.

My breath caught in my chest as I went down the hallway. I felt more out of place than ever. I hadn't taken off my work clothes, and it was stained and all drenched in sweat.

I kept going down the long hallway. Something screamed in my mind that I should go back, but I couldn't resist the urge to keep going, to explore my new environment. Even though Ronan hadn't said much, I knew I would be here for a while.

A massive window at the end of the hall drew my attention. I realised it was a chance to look outside, to get a view of the surroundings of this building. I hurried to the window and peeped out. The estate stretched out so wide. There were gardens and fountains and colorful lights all around.

The wind whipped against my face, and I felt a sense of freedom. I walked away from the window and saw a door to my left. Without hesitation, I walked to the door and grabbed the handle. Maybe this would lead me outside and I would explore all those spots I have just seen.

“Stand back! You can't go outside!"

My fingers froze against the knob, and my heart slammed in my chest. I turned and saw a guard in black and yellow, holding a spear. His eyes had the same unnatural glow as Ronan’s. Yeah, he was an undead. I doubt there was another human in this whole building.

"Back to your room!" He ordered, and I quickly complied.

He fixed those unblinking eyes on me as I retreated to my room. I slammed the door and let out a shaky breath.

Okay, that was super scary. One thing was clear to me right away. Getting out of here without Ronan's permission wouldn't be easy. I had to continue to be a good girl.

Right after I got back in the room, the door opened again. Vera stepped in with her braid swaying. She carried a bundle of fabric in her arms. “Miss, it's time to dress you up for the homecoming."

"Can you just tell me what this homecoming means, please?"

"Sure." She laid out a silk gown with emerald stones on the bed. My mouth fell open. I’d never seen anything so beautiful. Was I really going to wear this?

“So the homecoming is a grand event for we undeads. It is held in the palace of our ruler. Undeads come from all over to feast, drink and celebrate.”

I crossed my hands on my chest. “Celebrate what?"

Vera’s smile stretched. “The gift of immortality. It’s a tradition for us."

"But I'm not immortal."

"You're Lord Ronan's guest.”

She didn’t meet my eyes when she said that. It felt like she knew the truth. I was less of a guest and more of his toy. My body shuddered as the memory of his shaft digging into my throat returned. I couldn't lie to myself. I was his toy, and I had no idea what he would do to me next.

Vera quickly made up my face and dressed me up in the gown. The dress hugged my curves and clung to my skin. I looked at myself in the closet mirror and gasped.

How?

I suddenly I was no longer Lila from Sector 9. I was someone influential, who belonged in this shiny world of warmth and power.

"Let's go," Vera whispered, taking my hand.

She led me through wide hallway to a massive ballroom. It was another stunningly decorated room.

The smell of meat and wine filed my nostrils. I held on to Vera's hand as she took me through the crowd of the undead to a corner table.

“Stay close to me,” she whispered. “We don’t want to draw too much attention to you.”

I nodded and sat quietly, watching everything around me. Ronan sat on a high throne, feasting with his undead comrades. I noticed the way his silver hair shone under the lights, the way his broad chest heaved as he laughed.

"Who are those beside Ronan? Are they his chiefs?" I asked Vera.

"Generals." Vera replied. “can you see that one with the scar on his forehead? Yes, that’s General Darius. He is very ruthless, but very loyal to Lord Ronan. See the woman next to him."

"With the gold hair?"