Chapter 2

IVORY

"You will pack and not question me. In twenty-four hours, you'll relocate to your new home."

My father's order stayed with me through breakfast, and then lunch. Charles Weatherby wasn't a man who took no for an answer. The maid he'd hired to provide for my needs would return shortly to collect the tray, and leave another. For twenty-one years I'd existed in that room, gilded and beautiful. Some would say paradise since I had nothing to worry about. My needs were always met. I'd heard the whispers of the staff moving outside the locked door of my room in the tower of my father's favorite skyscraper, but no one other than my father or the maid ever passed the threshold. The activity had increased since his last visit.

I'd even asked my maid about where I'd be moving. Would I have freedom? She'd just smiled and backed out of the room. Her eyes hadn't met mine. What did I know about the outside world?

The only thing I knew of Paralese were the sights I'd witnessed from the windows of my room and through the brass, and redwood telescope. After my mother's death when I was a child, he'd moved me into the tower. Sheltered and coddled me, my education was basic at best. He'd never mentioned a new home. Would he be going with me?

What I wouldn't give for just a bit of company? Someone who wanted to hear the sound of my voice. A person who didn't find my presence distasteful. I was the spitting image of my mother. The pain in my father's eyes when he had to look at me broke me every time. Honestly, it had only been a matter of time before he sent me away–find someone else to care for me.

I was provided a small suitcase that wouldn't hold much. Carefully I chose all my favorite dresses. Little keepsakes I treasured along with a framed picture of my mother. Clarice was a beautiful blonde. Men and women had commented that she was the most beautiful woman in Paralese. Beloved by all for her charity work. Her death had been sudden–a mystery as I wasn't given details. No one spoke of her; not even to keep her memory alive.

I jumped as the door opened way before my dinner was due to arrive. It was the maid with a garment bag.

"You're to change into this and be ready in an hour." Her voice was clipped and cold.

Frowning at the bag spread over the end of my bed. My hands shook as I pinched the clasp to slowly unzip to reveal what was inside. I gasped at the red silk inside. The dress had a plunging neckline which made me uncomfortable just looking at it. My normal clothes were modest, high necklines. Nothing formfitting. I'd plaited my super thick honey colored hair into two braids over each shoulder.

Did he expect me to wear makeup? I rarely wore any. Only experimenting with the random lipstick or whatever I'd ordered through my father's account he'd set up. He didn't like when I bothered him with meaningless requests. Father simply gave me carte blanche.

Might as well prepare for what was to come. From the timeframe I was given, I knew I wouldn't be given dinner before I was taken to my new home. Nerves danced in my belly at the thought of leaving my room. My anxiety heightened at what awaited me.

My routine was strict. No deviations. My father even had his personal physician come to my tower once a year. I glanced toward the door to make sure it was closed. Removing my modest, white dress, I carefully folded it and added it to the clothes I'd already packed. When I lifted the new garment out of the bag, I held it up to take in the thin straps and the simple sheath of silk. The neckline wouldn't allow for a bra. The large size of my breasts never went without support.

The dress made me speculate about what was in store for me. Had my father arranged a husband for me? Would it be far away from Paralese and the nightmares that plagued the city every night? Everyone spoke about the Hag in low murmurs of fear. My parents had suffered through the horror of sleep paralysis. The tower was sealed tight to keep the magic out. Yet would I be protected once I left my room?

Shaking my head, as I realized I'd wasted so much time trying to figure out my father's plan. I stood at the foot of my bed, stepped into the ultra-soft fabric and skimmed it up my ample curves. Once I was dressed, and found a pair of shoes placed in a pocket of the bag, I slipped them on. I precariously made my way across the thick carpet with the heels sinking into it. Stopping in front of the mirror, I took a long deep breath before I raised my gaze from where I'd locked onto the tips of my shoes.

A frown marred the space between my brows and my lips pursed. How much change a dress made; I barely recognized myself. There was too much skin exposed. The top barely covered my breasts and the large size of my nipples that tented the silk. I didn't like the way I felt but I had no choice. Father had ordered me to be ready. As always, I had no say in my future. I wasn't given a choice when he sequestered me in the tower. Or when he told me I was never to step foot outside the door.

A hard knock on the door drew my attention away from the vanity where I applied lipstick that matched my dress. I'd darkened my lashes with mascara. Once again, I didn't know the woman who stared back at me. Although, I rarely took the time to study myself as no one but Father or my maid ever saw me.

The door opened, my father appeared and he shook his head as he took in my appearance.

"Father, where am I going?" I asked, hating the way my voice broke.

"You're going to make a sacrifice to save the city. This is an important mission for you."

"But I'm just… me." Confusion was clear in my tone as I stared at him.

My gaze shifted to the man who entered next, he crossed to my bed and picked up my bag without asking. Father motioned me forward and I figured his explanation was done.

"You'll do as you're told. Whatever is asked of you, you will submit. You have no choice in the matter."

My hands clenched in the fabric over my thighs as I made my way out of my room for the first time in years. The air felt different. Scents filled the space that I didn't recognize or never smelled before the farther I'd got away from what had become my safe space. The tower my father had told me would always protect me. He was pushing me from the nest and I was unsure if my wings would keep me from free falling to the ground below.

A tightening in my chest caused me to panic once I was outside. The early evening's air was muggy and thick. Instantly sweat began to mist my exposed skin and made my dress stick to me. Silently, I entered the back of Father's limo and sat primly with my hands folded on my thighs. As Father entered, the trunk slammed and made me jump.

"Am I getting married?"

He sent me a displeased glare at my question.

"No, you're going to make sure everyone in the city starts getting peaceful nights' sleep. You will make sure the Old Hag is well distracted."

A lump formed in my throat as realization hit. I'd heard about one other sacrifice that had been made to the Hag years ago. It hadn't worked. The nightmares had increased in frequency and intensity. I remembered nights of hearing screams from my parents' bedroom, and over the years from the rooms on the floors below mine. Nothing satisfied the demon. I heard they took great pleasure in the suffering they caused. What was I supposed to do? I was merely a shelter woman.

Would I be expected… No, no, I cut off that thought before it fully formed.

As the car began to move, I fell silent. Nothing would ever be the same. Would I live to see the sunrise the next morning? The stories were legendary, more brutal than the one before when they spoke of the Hag's cruelty. There was no way I could protect myself from that. Would death be more of a mercy?

Several times I opened my mouth to demand more answers. Yet I knew he wouldn't answer them. My once loving father had turned into a cold man. He treated me as a burden and made no secret of that. He spent more and more money on me to make sure I didn't have a reason to contact him. I couldn't even remember the last meal we'd shared. A holiday celebration. Would my death put an end to the loneliness I'd suffered with for far too long? My secret dreams of finding someone to treasure me in ways where I was spoiled and pampered with love, like the romance novels I'd secretly read, slowly died the farther we traveled from my tower. In minutes, I'd probably be nothing more than food or a plaything to a demon who knew nothing about mercy.