29

The following days passed restless and infuriating. She didn't see him again, not ever since that day she learnt about Vesper's betrayal. The only people entering and leaving her room were Althea and Seraphina. It had turned like an isolated class of magic lessons. 

Regan had shown improvement, particularly in her fire powers and self defense. But the chamber was a confinement, and she longed to see once what the outside world was, despite the mentor's descriptions of it being a highly advanced place were aliens and monsters roamed freely.

And now she was sitting on the bed, playing with the hem of her shirt. She was all alone, thankfully. Seraphina had left after the exhausting theoritical lessons. But whenever she spoke, there was a groundness in her voice, as if she was constantly hiding something. Regan couldn't stand it, they were all very, very mysterious.

Just like her fire powers, that she didn't know if they were a gift or a curse. But sometimes she acknowledged that they mirrored her own hot-tempered nature. Her mind that was a forest of tangled trees, fire burning at their roots. The negativity and intrusiveness that she didn't want, but couldn't shake. And as she sat there, she still thought about Sirius, about how everyone painted his character, from ruthless cruelty to deranged debauchery. She felt like she was going to go crazy from the servants words. They talked about it without her even asking, without her doing anything. 

"How pathetic," Regan murmured to herself. Althea hadn't been the only servant entering, there have been also others, and their words had been polite but filled with an undercurrent venom, as if someone had taught them to say things she didn't even want to hear. She wasn't here to awe over Sirius's life, she was here....she didn't know why, but she needed answers. His dark words about the blood running in her veins.

Regan sighed in frustration. No one told her anything worth. They all spoke about terrifying punishments, but she didn't care. She could never relate to their words.

There was a knock on the door and Regan forced herself to go and unlock it. She couldn't help but think that the lock was a mere facade of formality; he could open the door whenever he wanted.

It was Althea behind, her face a mix of unease and nervousness. She wasn't holding any tray of food, so she must have something to say.

"My lady," she began with a low voice that was trembling slightly, "His highness requests your presence."

"What? Why?" Regan said, her eyes narrowing with a hint of surprise and curiosity as she looked at her.

"I don't know why, but you should come," Althea replied, her voice small.

Regan was about to protest, but curiosity was getting the best of her. And she hadn't seen his face for a while, she had grown both repulsed and strangely irritated.

The hallway as she followed Althea was concealed in darkness as ever. Their steps on the cold black marble floor were the only sound, echoing with something that was already grating on Regan's nerves. They stepped down the imposing stairs that were as frightening as the monstrous painting staring at her.

She found herself led to a pentagon hall, with four doors on each side. The doors were black, contrasting with the silver knob that glinted in the dim light. The maid knocked on one of them, her hand shaking slightly as if she was chosing the path of death. 

The door opened itself and Regan couldn't shake her curiosity to see what was inside. She followed Althea, her eyes scanning the place, which was a grand chamber, devoid of sunlight or moonlight. The curtains were ornate, deep shades of red velvet, resting gracefully on the polished wooden floor. A throne, a rich piece of dark oak and red velvet, stood tall over four stairs, dominating the room. The imposing figure seated was barely lit by the crystal chandelier hanging from the high ceiling. But somehow, the faint light of the window behind him spoke more.

"What do you want?" Regan demanded, her voice sharp as she looked at him. He was holding a glass of wine, a thin smirk on his lips as he looked at her with a cold, calculated gaze.

"What a pleasure," Sirius mused, placing the glass beside with a click, "to see you again."

"Keep the pleasure to yourself," Regan retorted, the sarcasm in his voice clear. She crossed her arms, feeling a mix of both irritation and agitation.

"How delightful," he murmured, waving his hand to Althea, ordering her to leave without much of words. She bowed quickly and left, as if she'd been already in edge, closing the door softly behind her, "But let's let aside formalities," he paused, "You'll be granted a little more....freedom," he drawled, watching her reaction closely, "Perhaps this way you'd appreciate more of what you have."

His words were like a knife with two cuts, one that gave her the illusion of freedom, the other that expected something, something she didn't even know what it was. But Regan couldn't ignore a small flicker of excitement despite of how twisted her situation was.

"What freedom?" she asked, not being able to hold his scrutinizing blue gaze.

"Freedom that comes with limits," he answered, his eyes never leaving hers, "You can leave your room, you can walk around, but you can't...." he paused, letting the words hang in air, "you won't dare mess with me, or with anyone else around here. Is that clear?"

Regan could feel the spark of anger but she couldn't give him what she felt, "Clear as crystal," she retorted, voice thick of sarcasm, "but to make it even clear, for me it's not worth messing with you, or your lovers," she dripped each word with venom, though she kind of regretted saying the last, seeing how his expression darkened. But what? It was true. Nevertheless, the thought made her feel a pang of something she couldn't name.

"I'd be careful of speaking like that, little girl," he grounded, his voice a chilly warning.

"I'd also be careful of who to call little girl," Regan shot back, raising her chin defiantly. He didn't move, didn't stand, just watched, a cold, detached look. The air grew charged, and Regan wished she could just disappear within it.

"You've got quite the temper to play brave, don't you?" he sneered, his voice now a low, menacing growl, "It matches your fiery aura. But you wouldn't want me to hurt your loved ones, my dear."

The threat was cold, but it was unmistakable. He either meant her aunt, or her herself. She swallowed hard, the comeback on the tip of her tongue. "So, I'm a prisoner with a longer leash. How thrilling," she spat through gritted teeth, a forced attempt to change the subject. 

"Call it what you want," Sirius retorted, unfazed, "That way, you might find your situation more lovely."

"Lovely is not a word I'd associate with anything involving you."

A mocking smile curled in his lips, "I'm flattered," he said. He didn't motion for her to leave, it was as if he was enjoying looking at her. But Regan couldn't stay there anymore, she turned and left, slamming the door shut behind her.

Althea was standing outside, her eyes wide with something like fear and awe. Regan looked at her with narrowed eyes, "You've been eavesdropping?" she snapped, unable to keep her frustration anymore.

"What? No!" Althea quickly replied, "Even if I wanted, these walls are unpassable of any sound."

"Whatever," Regan muttered under her breath, "I want to walk alone for a while. Please." It was not a request, it was more of a demand to be left alone, just like she really was.

"But I should escort you to your room-"

"Well, he said I'm allowed to leave," Regan interrupted, not waiting for her words. She left on her heel, towards a corridor that she didn't even know where it'd lead.

Regan was practically fuming as she wandered in the hallways, her steps heavy and her breaths quick. Why would she even want such useless freedom? It wasn't like she was found of his castle. But despite herself, she couldn't help but admire the grandeur of it, the way the walls seemed to hold their breath, the ancient paintings that enhanced its nobility.

Her attentions was more drawn to the curtains, those guardians of the windows and she wondered what lay behind them. She walked over to one of them in particular, pushing the window aside to see.

Her breath catched at what she saw. The window was tall, arched, and showed a full view of a dark forest that stretched endlessly, shrouded in mist. The sky was crimson and story, looming over the forest with a terrific hue, giving it an evil quality.

She closed the curtain and took a deep breath. The scene was as terrifying as it was intriguing. She wondered if people....if the aliens who lived out there were used to it. Of course they were.

The castle on the other hand, the quiet hallways, they were obscure but filled with a strange sense of ethereal beauty. But it was ruined by him, the one who owned it. It was tainted by his darkness in every corner and she knew she shouldn't like it. She was a prisoner after all, and she was caught in a web of things she had no idea of. 

However, soon enough, she realized she was lost. Great. She had taken so many turns that she didn't even remember anything. Even the paintings she had passed by now were a blur in her mind. The hallways seemed never-ending, a maze of secrets that probably lay behind those dark tall doors she didn't dare enter.

The sounds of laugher, sweet, malicious laughed filled the empty air and Regan felt a hint of anxiety. She stopped, watching as Vesper and Allegra appeared from a corner, wicked grins on their faces.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't our bird out of its cage?" Vesper mocked, her voice dripping with spite as she walked closer, Allegra following close by.

"Oh, are you lost?" Allegra sneered, faking a sympathetic dollface, "How pitiful, you can't find your way home. Maybe you need a stronger leash from Sirius."

Regan glared at them, "What do you want? What is your problem with me?" she snapped, crossing her arms.

"Oh, Regan. There's always a problem others have for you. Indeed, you've caused so many problems lately," Vesper retorted, her eyes glimmering with malice.

"Yes! Because of you, we had to endure punishment, you dumb redhead!" the blondie added with a scowl, her voice high pitched and angry.

Regan had no idea what they were talking about, but she decided to play it cool, "Do I look like I care?"

"You should. You have no idea what you're getting yourself into, you little brat," Allegra snapped back.

"Let her drown in stupidity," Vesper said as she swirled her finger on the air, like summoning a spell, "Now, are you ready for a magic show, Regan?"

"Magic show? Absolutely. I've been bored lately," Regan retorted fearlessly, believing that she'd find a way to defend herself.

Vesper, caught aback by Regan's sudden words, exchanged glaces with Allegra, who was getting even angrier and impatient.

"Shut up! You think you're better than us?" Allegra sneered, holding her hands in a strike position.

"You should know that we're going to make your life hell in there," Vesper added.

"Try me," Regan challenged, her jaw clenching, "I'm not afraid of you."

"Oh, you have no idea what we can do to you," Allegra said with a sly smirk, "but before we can get violent, Ves has something to tell you, doesn't she?"

Vesper shot Allegra a questioning look, "What could I possibly talk with that loser?"

"I'm not a loser," Regan said through gritted teeth. "Say it. Don't keep it in."

Allegra's smirk grew, "Yes, Ves. You can tell our dear Regan about how our master gifted her red roses."

Vesper's expression darkened, "The fuck are you on about, Allegra?" she hissed.

Allegra's eyes sparkled with malicious glee, "Oh, didn't you know, Regan? Our master Sirius, he's quite the ro-"

"Shut up," Vesper snarled at Allegra, cutting her off. "Leave the games to me."

Regan remembered that time, when Vesper had been in her room and had seen a rose. She had been so unsettled by it and had acted weird.

Allegra stepped back with a smug look, crossing her arms over her chest. "As you wish," she said, turning to leave.

Vesper turned to Regan, her expression cold, "You think you're so clever, don't you?" she sneered. "But you're just a pawn in a game you can't possibly understand."

"I don't need your opinion," Regan shot back. "It's just that....you can't pretend like you've never known me," she said, hoping that there was still left a piece of her old fake friend in her. Their friendship had been fake all along but maybe there was some time, when they had it good.

"I can pretend whatever I want," Vesper snarled.

Regan watched her for a moment before saying, "You're blind. He's using you. The moment he gains what he wants, he'll throw you."

Vesper's expression darkened further, her anger palpable, "You dare speak to me like that, you little witch?" she spat. "You don't know anything. You're jealous."

"Jealous?" Regan said with a scoff, "Don't hold your breath for me to be jealous of you."

Vesper stepped closer, her heels clicking on the marble floor, "You've always craved attention, Regan. Now you found someone powerful and handsome to cling to, but you're nothing important. You think Sirius cares about you? You're just a means to an end. He'll stomp on you, just like he had done to many before."

Her words were venomous and they made Regan's blood boil. She couldn't believe she was getting morally insulted by someone like Vesper.

"Watch your tongue, Vesper. Unlike you, I'm not in need of anyone, I don't need anyone's attention, I've never had and never will."

Vesper continued angrily, "You're always playing the victim, the vulnerable. You act like you're not like everyone else. You act like you're different. If I was in your place, I would have given up already."

Irritated at the core, Regan snapped, "You know what, Vesper? You have no honor. And I'm not going to waste my breath for you," she took a step back, her expression a mix of disdain and disbelief.

Vesper, fueled by her own insecurities, persisted, "You can pretend all you want, but deep down, you know you're seeking attention!"

"You're stupid, Vesper. Enjoy your illusions of grandeur," Regan retorted, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions within her. 

As Vesper continued her schemes, Regan decided to shrug her off as she walked on the other side. Her fists clenched but she didn't turn her head back. Her steps quickened and she wanted to lose Vesper's track. Taking some turns, she saw a set of stairs that led up and down.

Having no idea where to go, she took the way upstairs, remembering from earlier that she went downstairs when she stepped out of her chamber.

The dimly lit corridors seemed to stretch endlessly again, adding to the feeling of being lost in a hostile environment.

The hallways held doors, dark sets of tall doors. They were mainly carved into ancient styles and they were still intriguing.

Vesper's venomous words lingered in her mind and wounded her, although she knew they weren't true. She had never longed attention from anyone, let alone attention from Sirius. She would never stop so low as to cling to him. Merely the thought made her shiver in disdain. Yes, he was handsome and powerful, but she wasn't that sort of girl. She'd rather die than try to manipulate him or any other one into liking her.

Suddenly, she noticed two statues which resembled mythical scary lions. She recalled seeing these statues after Althea escorted her out of her chamber.

As she kept walking, the dark patterns of the hall seemed familiar and she hoped she was on the right track. Her footsteps echoed annoyingly in the hallway. She didn't want to attract any attention and she was grateful that except from the witches, she hadn't seen anyone else.

Finally, she saw a dark tall door at the end of the hall, two oil lamps hanging on each side. This door resembled her chamber.

Praying and hoping it was the right one, she stepped near it and anxiously cracked the doorknob. It opened swiftly to reveal the chamber she was looking for. She let out a long sigh and relief washed over her.

Even though she was caught in the midst of a tangled situation, she couldn't help but fill a glimpse of happiness, knowing she had the opportunity to walk out of the room.

She approached the window and stared at the stormy sky. She wondered if the castle had any garden or outdoor space and if she was allowed to go to.

However, she couldn't shake the feeling that these were just the demon and Vesper's sinister plans for her. She hated them both, with every fiber of her being. She didn't know if it was because of each one's doings, or because the fact that they were together.

She leaned against the pillows of the bed and placed her knees on her chest, thinking of what to do next. Regan knew that there wasn't anyone willing to help her escape from this otherworldly world, but at the same time, she knew she didn't need anyone's help. She could help and defend herself alone.

The room's temperature had dropped and she began to shiver uncomfortably, noticing how the fireplace was put out.

She walked closer to the fireplace and wished for it to lighten, just as that time when Olivia's hair caught a flame. However, nothing happened to the logs. She sighed and looked at her hand instead. Closing her eyes, she wished to summon a flame. It didn't work.

She sat on the ground near the bed, frustrated and rubbed her hands together to warm them up. But suddenly, a flame started to flicker out of them.

Her hands looked like they were burning but she couldn't feel any pain. Being thrilled and scared at the same time, she approached the fireplace again and put her hand on a wood. The wood caught fire with a gentle touch, confirming her abilities. A mixture of awe and fear washed over Regan as she realized she lightened the fire herself, and her powers weren't temporary or mistakened.

She smiled at herself and heat started to engulf her body, while s

he marveled at the flames dancing on her fingertips.

Now hunger kicked in, her stomach growling. She wondered what happened with Althea, and why she hadn't come in to bring her food yet.