Chapter 16

W hen we walked back into this place of horrors, I threw up. Finding out Tempest was gone was the last straw, and Snake and I left immediately.

Chastity cried and gave us both death-grip hugs. I didn't want to leave them, but I knew I had to.

If there is any way to help Tempest, like I did Patience and Rooke, I will. No one deserves to be in this place. Especially Chas' best friend.

I was never close with her, but I know how much she loves my girl, and how instrumental she was in helping her to heal.

I guess I owe her in a way, and now it's time to return the favor.

"Where the hell have you been?" Nixen sneers, stomping over to me. He looks like shit.

His hair is unwashed and his face is covered in stubble. He also smells. The aroma of cigar smoke and liquor is leaking from his pores.

"Had some vacation time. Boss Lady knew," I reply easily, keeping my temper in check.

He has a penchant for whipping.

"Fucking idiotic bitch," he snaps, then stomps off, muttering under his breath.

Snake gives me a look and I nod. That was fucking weird.

"Got some shit to do. You good?" he asks me, and I sigh. His psycho mask is now firmly back in place.

He's worn the psycho mask for so long, it's difficult to tell which side is real sometimes. Though I did see a new side to him when he was around Chas and the kids.

"Yeah, what are my orders?"

"Go find yourself a snack. Something tempting."

Leaving me to ponder his words, I chuckle under my breath. His play on words was smart.

You never know who is lurking within these halls. Isabella has spies everywhere.

I check the showers and the video rooms, but no one is there. A lot of the staff are absent, and I'm starting to feel like I'm missing something.

Heels clacking on the concrete alert me to her presence, before her overwhelming perfume assaults my senses.

I don't think I'll ever be able to smell gardenias again without feeling sick.

"Oh, there's my favorite pet. I missed you," Isabella says as I turn to face her.

If her soul wasn't made of tar, I may have found her attractive. But she's filth, and I shuffle to the side before she can touch me.

"Thank you, Boss, for granting my leave," I grunt, and she licks her blood-red lips, giving me a beaming white-toothed smile.

"My pleasure. You've been such a good boy for me lately." I try not to shudder at the lust in her voice.

Nodding, I pass by her. I still need to find Tempest, and I won't be able to stomach it if she invites me back to her room.

"Come see me later, Spider. I have something for you."

"Will do," I say over my shoulder, avoiding her icy gaze.

I continue to look for another hour, but all I've found is empty rooms. Where is everyone?

Heading down the steps to the dungeons, I check all of the cells, but it's just the usual candidates. People who've pissed off Isabella, or owe money to Nixen.

"Please, boy, get me out of here. I have money. Lots." A woman in her mid-thirties with greasy blonde hair and green eyes begs me, but I just shake my head and continue on.

When I reach the room where they keep the women and children, I hold my breath.

I know this should have been the first place I checked, but usually Isa likes to play with her food before chaining them up.

"Spider, is that you? Where have you been?" Esme sniffles. Her little voice breaks my heart, and I have to close my eyes and take a deep breath to get my emotions under control.

She's so young, and I'd do anything to get them all to safety, but especially her. She reminds me of Chastity.

Broken, but still so strong. She's always taking care of the other children. Trying to keep them safe and protect them. She shouldn't have to do that, especially at nine-years-old.

I hope The Society saves them all, and I will do anything I can to help them bring down Isabella once and for all.

I just hope it doesn't result in my death.

"Boss Lady wants you in her apartment," Viper grunts and I sigh, nodding. I just left the kids after letting them wash themselves.

It would seem that the other guards didn't care enough to let them clean off the filth of living in that room.

Walking down the hall, I'm trying to think of excuses as to why I can't come inside.

I have the shits?

No, that won't work. She will just have one of her lackeys beat me.

Fuck, Isabella only invites me to her place when she wants to drug me and fuck me.

I hate this. I hate her . I don't want anyone touching me except for Jonas and Chastity.

I don't want to feel disgusted in my own body anymore.

I take my time, slowing my pace with each step the closer I get to reaching her door, so I'm not surprised when Isa gets impatient, grabs my throat and pulls me into the furnished room.

There is a door off to the side of the foyer that has locks and chains all over it. One day, I am going to break in and find out what or who Isabella is hiding.

"Spider, I have been waiting. I requested you an hour ago," she snaps and I lower my eyes.

She prefers submission, and though I know what my fate is, maybe if I comply she won't drug me.

Paradise is addictive, and if I take it, I'll need to wean myself off of it again. The first few nights after returning to the Academy were rough.

Snake was there to help me through the sweats and withdrawal symptoms.

I didn't want the others to know.

"Doesn't matter, you're here now and we can play, but first, I have a teeny tiny little favor to ask of you."

She pauses for dramatic effect, and when I look up into her eyes, the evil smirk on her lips proves I just fell into her web.

"There is a new plaything that was just picked up. Bring her to Room Four for cleaning and wardrobe," she says, running her long nails along my shoulder as she passes.

Now that I'm taking her in fully, I can see that her once blonde hair is a blood red, and I have to wonder if she's trying to disguise herself.

She notices me looking and fluffs her hair, giving me a sultry smile that turns my stomach.

"Do you like it? I thought I needed some sprucing up."

"It suits you," I grunt, and she preens.

Opening the door, she shoves me back into the hall.

"Now, go do as I say, and then come back and play with me. I've missed your cock."

As I look along the empty corridor, I once again can't help but think I'm missing something.

Since returning, I've noticed little things that are different. A lot of the guards are gone, and most of the children have been moved.

I hope they are okay, and that Jacob managed to get them to safety. He was planning some big moves with Snake before we were forced to return to this hell.

"Yes, Boss," I say, watching as her eyes light up at how compliant I am. She doesn't need to know that what I'm really thinking about is how much better her neck would look with a garrote around it.

TEMPEST

It's cold and dark here. I don't know how many hours have passed as I've been drifting in and out of consciousness, thanks to the drugs they pumped into me.

My future seems bleak, and I'm starting to forget the face of my baby. I don't like it here.

"Please, someone, help me," I whimper softly, my words sounding like a jumbled slur.

All I can see are eyes. So many are staring at me. Watching me. Someone's little hand reaches for mine, but I curl up into a tighter ball.

"Shh. It will all be okay," someone whispers.

How can they know that?

We are trapped in this place. Who knows how long for! Is this Hell? If not, then it's purgatory.

A bright light flicks on above us and I gasp. I'm surrounded by so many children. The one trying to comfort me is holding a toddler, rocking him to her chest.

She has pretty eyes, and they remind me of someone.

"Do I know you?" I slur, and she pauses.

"I'm Kara. Maybe you know my sister or brother. My mother hates me because I resemble my brother so much."

"Where are we?"

The lights are still on, but there aren't any adults here. Just children. It looks like some kind of twisted daycare.

There are toys, though they are mostly broken, a few places to color, and some ratty blankets, but there are nowhere near enough to go around, and they are far too thin to provide any real warmth or comfort.

I'm the only one chained up. They seem to be able to move around freely. Though I don't see why they would want to.

"My mother calls it the playroom," she mutters, then sighs. "She brings me here when I've disobeyed her, but it's not a punishment like she thinks. I enjoy spending time with the kids."

"Who is your mother?"

"They call her Boss Lady here, but my father called her Isa."

My eyes widen, and I try to sit up. I'm now wearing a long shirt, it gives me a modicum of modesty, but it doesn't stop the chill.

"Chastity is your sister? She's my best friend."

Kara's eyes fill with tears and she nods. "She left when I was little, but she was so nice to me."

"She's the best." I sigh, thinking about my bestie. She's probably lost in her grief over my disappearance.

I hope those guys of hers are keeping her from the chapel. I won't be able to survive this place if she does anything stupid, like trying to end her life again.

We chat for a little while until a guard comes to return Kara to her mother. She gives me a hug and whispers into my ear, "Don't trust anyone but the spiders."

"Huh?" She gives me a look, pleading with her eyes for me to understand, but I think I'm still delirious.

The tall man in the black clothes rips us apart and drags her out of the room. I try to fight against my chains, but it's hopeless.

Some of the children begin to cry, so I shush them, offering them what little comfort I can while restrained.

This place really is hell, and from the looks of it, some of these kids have never seen the outside.

I wonder if they were born here.

The door opens again, and I hope it's Kara returning.

It's not.

ASH

One thing I should have asked Isabella was where her new pet is actually being kept. I have been on a wild goose chase, checking all of the usual places, but I haven't found anyone.

Finally, I decide to check the playroom. I don't expect to find Tempest, battered and chained to the wall like some type of animal.

Some of the children back away, whimpering when I enter the room, and my stomach turns.

Tempest lifts her head and her mouth opens. I reach her just in time before she blows my cover.

"As…" I cover Tempest's mouth and she squeals, her eyes growing larger. Checking the coast is clear, I whisper in her ear.

"Don't say my name. I'm Spider here."

She blinks, then nods, and I remove my palm.

"What's going on? Where am I?" she mumbles, and by the glazed look in her eyes, I know she's been given a dose of Paradise.

"Only trust the spiders," she slurs, and I raise an eyebrow, while attempting to remove her chains.

She squirms and tries to pull away from me.

"Stop. It will be okay."

"No, I'm trapped, and I'll never see the sun again."

"Please. Not here. Don't fight me and I will help you," I say quietly as I toss her over my shoulder and exit the room.

I try not to look back at the little faces. Some scared, others hopeful. I take her to Room Four, like I was instructed.

I've already wasted enough time, and I know Isabella will have a punishment waiting for me.

I knock on the door, waiting for Marla to shout for me to enter, like she always does. There's no answer, and I can't help but wonder where she is. Opening the door, I look around and find no one inside, so I carry Tempest over to one of the beds.

Checking the corners for cameras, I find it clear of any spyware. Isabella doesn't usually record the wardrobe rooms, but it's best to check. The showers… that's another story.

"Okay. I need you to stay here until I get back. Shower, change, there are some snacks hidden in the closet too."

Tempest continues to blink at me, but I can't get her out of here without help. I need to find Snake before Isabella orders me back to her room.

I don't have the access codes to leave this place.

"I need you to nod, yes or no," I bark, and Tempest curls in on herself, but she nods a yes.

"I won't be long, okay? But please, don't leave this room."

Checking that the hall is clear, I lock the door and begin my search for help.

SNAKE

I leave Ash to find Tempest. He has a better chance at getting her out of here, and I'm on a solo mission at the moment.

Isabella will pay, but first, I need to find out about Angel. I haven't heard her name around the compound, so I don't think she's hidden away here somewhere.

As I reach Isabella's office, I knock and wait. No one calls out from inside, so I take a gamble and guess that she's not there.

Pulling out my keyring, I unlock her door and step inside. Her depravity has no boundaries.

There is an unconscious body chained in the corner, and a dead woman near the desk.

Bending down next to the dead body, I move the hair off her face and sigh. Marla was a nice woman. Subservient. She helped the women with their makeup and wardrobes, but she must have pissed someone off.

Ligature marks and bruises cover her naked flesh, and Isabella's signature brand is melted against her breast.

"I'm sorry. No one deserves this life," I mutter softly, then close her lifeless eyes and leave her for the moment.

I don't know how much time I have, and I need to check Isa's computer. Her files are encrypted, but not to me.

I have been her loyal servant for way too long. I have stayed by her side, witnessing unspeakable acts, and disposing of countless bodies.

My soul is as tainted as hers, and I know she will haunt me in Hell for all of eternity.

As her computer loads, I check all of her desk drawers, ignoring the sex toys and weapons.

She really has a penchant for blood play. At one time, when I was young and dumb, I didn't mind her slicing me as I fucked her.

Now, she makes my skin crawl.

As I reach the bottom drawer, something sticks out to me. It's a folder with The Locked Souls Society labeled on it.

I double check that I'm still alone, then place it on the desk and open it up.

"Oh, fuck!"

We are completely screwed. Isa has photos of everyone, including Spider and me.

She has bank accounts, phone records and hour stamps, and it looks like she's been watching us for a long while. Biding her time before striking.

There isn't anything about Angel, but there is a file on a little girl named Hope.

She looks like my Chastity. This must be her. I pull out my phone. I have to call Jacob and tell him. He will know what to do.

The click of a gun echoes through the room as I bring the phone to my ear.

"Ah ah ahh, I wouldn't do that, Snake," Isabella sneers from behind me.

I slowly turn.

" Snake? You there?"

I end the call. Behind Isa, there is a hidden panel in the wall, with an open door. Fuck.

"Ah I can see by your shock you didn't know about my secret tunnels. Imagine my surprise when I came to check on my little pet here and found a snake slithering in the grass."

"Isabella, lower the gun. You know I'd never betray you."

"See, Snakey, that's where you're wrong. I've known for a while that you are a spy in my garden, but I kept you around because you've always been so pleasing, but I knew one day it would come to this."

Before I can say another word, she pulls the trigger, and a burning pain explodes in my chest, just under my rib cage.

Pouting, she gives me a look like this is all my fault.

"It's a shame, but such is life. I'd leave now, if I were you. Run back to your little girl before it's too late."

Holding my stomach, I wait for another shot, but she rolls her eyes and walks back into the wall.

"Bye, bye, Snakey," she cackles.

I don't know why she's letting me go, but I'm not going to waste another second.

This isn't the first time I've been shot, but I know it could be fatal. The bullet didn't leave an exit wound, and I'm going to bleed internally.

I have maybe forty-five minutes left to live, and it will take thirty to reach the Academy. I should try to go to a hospital, but who knows if I'd survive the surgery.

Chastity is more important to me. I need to tell her how much I love her, and how I wish things could have been different.

I'm fading. My breaths are slowing, and my eyesight is hazy.

I reach the gates to Holy Cross and smash through them, driving straight up to the front door.

I know I'm dying. This is my end, but I just need to see her one last time. I have to say goodbye to my little girl.

I just hope she forgives me for getting myself killed, especially as it was all for nothing.

Everything that's about to happen to them can't be stopped.

Levi and Bastian come tearing out of the Academy, guns raised. Chastity's grandmother soon follows with a few nuns.

Levi opens my door and helps me out.

"Fuck, Snake, what happened?" he shouts, and someone gasps from inside the open doors.

Chastity runs down the steps as Levi and Bast try to carry me.

"No, don't bother. I'm done for," I slur. The blood loss and pain is catching up to me now.

"Daddy," Chastity sobs and I smile. I never thought I'd hear that word from her, and it is the perfect gift to give a dying man.

"I love you. I wish I could have told you that every day," I grunt, then groan.

"No, no, we need to get you help. You're not leaving me!" Chastity wails, placing my head on her lap after Levi lowers me to the ground.

"Let's at least bring him inside," Chastity's grandmother says, but I shake my head.

"Don't want to dirty your floors."

She waves her hand and purses her lips. "Stop it now, Charlie," she scolds, but I can see her tough exterior cracking.

I try to laugh, but all it does is cause me to cough up more blood.

I haven't heard my God-given name for so long. Charlie seems like a stranger to me. From another life.

"Jacob. Do something!" Chastity screams as the nuns begin to pray, and Levi looks at me with concern.

He knows that I'm a goner, and his wife is going to need him more than ever.

I look up at my baby girl and smile. My lips crack from the blood as tears run down her cheeks, dripping onto mine.

"Remember the bassinet. I'll always be with you."

Chastity holds me in her arms, rocking me as she begs and pleads for anyone to save me, but they all know it's too late.

Jacob has called for an ambulance, but it won't matter.

My time has come and gone, but I can do one last thing. Maybe it's my redemption arc.

"You must find Hope," I whisper. Chastity holds me closer as I repeat the words.

"Please, Daddy, don't give up. I need you. I just got you."

I offer her a weak smile and reach my hand up to touch her cheek.

"Hope."

I know I'm not making any sense, but maybe one day she will figure it out. I pray she does, because without hope, there is no tomorrow.

My lungs are burning and my head spins as I cough up more blood. There is a bright light shining above me and I see her.

She smiles at me, offering me her hand, and I don't hesitate to take it. While I'm reuniting with my one true love, I leaving a piece of my heart behind.