Forsaken Secrets: A slow-burn new adult fantasy romance (Isle of the Forsaken Book 1)

by Olivia K Moto

  "It's not like I could tell them I have a strange magic that lets me find relics, though, Sylvie."

  She laughed, "I suppose not. Your neck is far too pretty for one of those disgusting collars, not to mention a King's mark! Oh, your poor pretty face. That tattoo is just … ugh." her shudder was palpable, and I tried not to laugh.

  "None of those things are happening, though," I reassured her. "I get to stay here with you and Aunt Grace for a while longer. It'll be okay. Trust me."

  Sylvie nodded. "Don't the Harlsteds have some contacts? Surely they could help you get in?"

  I shook my head. "No. That door is closed for me. I'll just try Lady Frexin next. It'll be harder and more dangerous," Eli's words flitted through my mind, "but it would be something."

  "Of course." Sylvie sniffled and grabbed a strand of my hair with her free hand. "Let's give you an amazing hairstyle, and then you can go see your friend and let him cheer you up." Her wink told me just how she expected him to help.

  I rolled my eyes. Eli had kept to his word and there hadn't been any more almost-kisses since that one after the Overseeker visit.

  She twirled strand after strand into a curly bun on the back of my skull, then stood back and smiled.

  "It looks beautiful, as always," I said, then changed into a pair of britches, my blouse, and a corset. Sylvie just shook her head and went back to cleaning the dye out of my gown.

  Eli really did owe her a sandwich.

  He was waiting for me in the clearing, as usual. If I hurried, we could get a few hours of exploring the above-ground ruins before we had to return and work on the house's siding.

  Yes. That sounded MUCH better than sitting around here and moping all day.

  41

  Kaiya

  I practically ran to the ruins. It felt good to be outside and away from the confusing emotions that letter had caused.

  "Miss Maderoth!" The masculine voice made me pause, and I turned around to see several constables walking quickly behind me. What did they want?

  "Hello, sirs. How can I help you?" I dipped into a curtsy and cursed my luck. Of course, today I was wearing my leathers and not a normal skirt! Why did they have to show up right now? I had no patience for their inquiries and thinly veiled insults.

  They caught up, and my stomach took a nosedive as their faces came into view. These men were angry.

  I looked around, praying that this was one of those times Lynk would jump in to save the day.

  Nothing. Of course.

  I held my hands high.

  "Put your hands behind your back." The leader was taller than the other two, and he held some sort of weapon in his right hand. "We don't want to have to use force, but we will."

  I did as he said.

  "Gav. You check her," he said, motioning to a shorter man with black hair curling beneath his constable cap.

  Gav walked up and ran his hands up my legs, lingering far too long on my ass and breasts.

  Gods, I hated the constables.

  "Shouldn't wear these kinds of clothes if you don't like it, bitch," he whispered in my ear, then pulled the dagger from my sleeve and whistled low and slow. "She's prepared, boss. Perhaps I should look a little closer?"

  I seethed inside, but I kept my face blank. Responding made things worse. They were here for a reason, and if I gave them any excuse to escalate it, they would.

  "I think she's been searched enough, sir," the last man — an older man with thinning white hair and a neatly trimmed grey beard — broke in, offering me a slight smile and taking Gav's place.

  Gav sneered at him. But the leader let the new man stay with me.

  I cleared my throat. "What am I being charged with, exactly?"

  Had the Ellingsworths found out about my push against them? Or had they found out we'd broken the creatures free?

  No. Neither was possible. We were the only ones who knew.

  "You can ask the Captain, my lady." The leader's words were little more than a sneer.

  Luckily, the grey-haired man holding me had more compassion. He leaned close enough so only I could hear. "Treason, miss. They have proof you spoke against the Magistrate."

  I cringed inside, but nodded thanks at him.

  "Olren," said the leader, "Come on. Bring her along."

  So the nice one was Olren.

  What in the seven hells was going on?

  I slumped a bit and followed the men to the constable's office. They locked me in a holding cell, leaving Olren to remove all my personal items.

  They laughed as they walked away, ribbing each other. The leader shouted over his shoulder, "Her skin will look so pretty all striped from the seven tails, won't it, Gav?"

  I cringed. At least it was just a flogging. I could survive that.

  "Did you hear about all them Seekers?" Gav said, barely audible down the hall. I listened in, curious. Another voice replied, but it was too muffled for me to hear.

  "Dead — the entire Institute," Gav muttered, his voice sounding almost gleeful. "Someone snuck in and sliced 'em up. A few bodies are missin', but I'd bet they're gone, too. Someone's gonna pay! That's fer sure!" He laughed. "At least those creeps won't be botherin' us no more, though …"

  My stomach rolled, but I pushed it down.

  So that was what had happened. Somehow Lady Ellingsworth had gotten all the Seekers killed … because of me?

  What had I done? No. I couldn't think about it.

  I had to keep my emotions buried for now.

  Later, I could let myself work through them. Right now was the time for numbness. I just had to get through the inevitable interrogation and the flogging. Then I could be free to warn Eli and figure out what to do about the Seekers.

  I'd known she was evil, but had never imagined she was insane enough for that!

  A jingling of keys made me stand. I'd checked the other cells on my way in, and I was the only person here. My stupid heart fell when Lady Ellingsworth stepped up to the bars, her fuchsia gown a hideous mess of bows and gems.

  What had I thought? That Eli and Lynk would come and rescue me?

  They didn't even know that I was here. Besides, the last thing I wanted was to get either of them arrested.

  No. I could handle this on my own.

  "Miss Maderoth. How … surprising." Her voice was deep with satisfaction. She leaned in and motioned for me to come closer. I refused. "I should have known that you'd find some way to cause yourself more problems, though. I just had to sit and wait long enough for you to twist yourself in so many knots that there was no escape."

  I dipped my head, hiding my grimace. Anger boiled in my stomach for the vrytras she'd tortured, for the Seekers she'd killed … but letting it out now would do no good. Instead, I'd bide my time.

  "My lady. I'm sorry for this inconvenience. I believe there has been a miscommunication of some sort."

  Her smile tightened, and she leaned closer to the bars. "I don't believe there has, though. A little birdy told me you'd found our operation, and I could hardly believe my luck that you had the gall to go to the Overseeker about it! Do you have no self-preservation skills? And then … to hear that every last one of them was murdered? It's just such a travesty, isn't it?"

  She ran her nails down the metal bar, and the scraping sound sent a shiver down my spine.

  "I feel for the pain your poor aunt must be going through at the thought of your upcoming punishment, though. I know that she and my husband were … close … at one time."

  I cringed, but that wasn't recent news to me.

  "That doesn't matter at the moment, though. Right now, I want to know just what you were thinking when you spread your little lies about me." She'd stepped closer as she spoke until she stood directly in front of me. "Did you not know that I'd make you pay? Did you assume that just because I wear gowns and pearls, I'd sit at my house and let you ruin everything we've worked so hard for? No. Dear Kaiya. I'm not you."

  I swallowed hard and made myself stand still. Do not r
eact. Do NOT react.

  "Oh, I know what you thought you were doing," she continued, "but it would never work." She leaned closer until her nose almost brushed my ear. "No one would ever believe you — a homeless, penniless, hoyden, over me — a rich, powerful, real woman. And anyone who does, well, they won't be able to help you, anyway."

  Her smile widened. "But what should I do with you now? Maybe I'll start with letting Gav have some more fun …"

  I grimaced, pushing down the revulsion her words caused. I'd already had enough of Gav for a lifetime!

  Clicking her tongue, she stepped back. "No. I'd prefer something less … messy. I may have a use for you yet. I wouldn't want you getting too comfortable, though. Especially after that stunt you pulled." She pulled something out of a pocket in her skirts and unrolled it before passing it to me.

  The map I'd given the Overseeker? Damn.

  Spots of blood speckled the top right corner, and I had to swallow my revulsion. I held no love for the Seekers, but the Overseeker had been trying to help me.

  My mind raced. The plan was doomed. I needed to keep Eli and my aunt safe, at least.

  Lady Ellingsworth pursed her lips and tapped her nose, then looked up at me, eyes an odd shade of brown, almost black. "What I want — and don't mistake me, it's what you will do, whether you want it, or not. It's just a matter of how much pain you'll go through first — what I want, is to know who this Elimri is and where I can find him."

  My throat tightened, and I stared down at the map. Elimri Westin was scrawled right at the bottom alongside mine.

  Gods. How had we been so stupid?

  I had to give her something so I could get out of here and warn them, though. What could I say that wouldn't be too revealing?

  I laughed, the sound an odd, hysterical mockery of my normal laugh.

  "You're too late, my lady. He left last night. Ask his aunt and uncle if you don't believe me."

  Gods. Please let me get to him first! I quieted my fears, lifted my chin, and met her dark gaze. "However, unless you want to mess with Lady Frexin, I'd suggest leaving him alone."

  Lady Ellingsworth's jaw tightened, and she reached out and grabbed my chin, pressing hard enough to leave a bruise where her nails dug in. Ah, so she knew who Frexin was, too. I smirked and dared her to do more.

  She just stared at me. “Just how sure are you that he is what he says? I had a feeling you wouldn’t tell me anything useful, so I looked into him. That boy has secrets you couldn't dream of."

  My stomach clenched, but I didn't let it show in my face. She was just trying to get to me. I trusted him far more than this evil woman.

  She dropped my chin and stepped back, wiping her fingers on her skirts. “You know, there doesn't even seem to be an Elimri licensed with the Reapers."

  I clenched my fists tighter. Of course there wasn't. He wasn't there under his own name. But I wouldn't tell her that. So, I just shook my head. "I trust him."

  "How naïve can you possibly be, girl? He duped you. That man is no more a Reaper than you are."

  I winced. She was just pushing my buttons.

  "Even if you're telling the truth and he's out of my reach for now, you're going to take the lashings due you." My back burned at the thought, and she leaned closer until her lips were just an inch from my ear. "Then I'm going to take away everything you love."

  She stepped back and smiled. "I can't let people go around thinking they can cross me, after all."

  I stared at her, face emotionless, or at least I hoped it was, while my mind reeled.

  "Fine. Do what you must and I'll be on my way. Just leave my aunt out of it."

  Her red lips quirked. "Oh, it's far too late for that, dear. Once the lashings are done, you are not to leave town for any reason. If I hear otherwise, you will be brought back in," her voice dropped to a whisper, "and there's nothing I can do to keep the Captain from giving you to Gav as a prize."

  I swallowed and nodded, my courage fleeing for a moment at the thought.

  I'd have to figure out an alternative. If I could get to Eli in time, we could make a plan. He'd help. I was certain of it.

  Lady Ellingsworth smiled at me once more. "I'll be seeing you, Miss Maderoth. Until then, stay safe."

  I cringed. The last thing I wanted was to ever see that murderous bitch again.

  42

  Kaiya

  As promised, a few minutes later, Olren walked in, his amber eyes tight. "Well, Miss Maderoth, you're due thirty lashes."

  Thirty lashes? My jaw dropped, and I couldn't stop the tremble in my legs. I'd known it was coming when a guard had removed my stays, but thirty was a lot. How would I be able to move, let alone walk afterwards?

  "I — is there nothing else …" I asked.

  He shook his head sadly. "I'm sorry. The best I could do was administer them myself instead of Gav. It's supposed to be in public, but I slid out of there too quick for them to remind me."

  "Thank you," I said, tightening my body already against the oncoming onslaught.

  He stepped past me to pull the chains from the wall, then slipped heavy shackles around my wrists. They were cool against my skin and the metal edges bit in with each move I made.

  "Stand over here." He motioned towards the wall.

  I walked over, the chains clanking with every step. My heart raced, and darkness threatened at the edges of my vision.

  No. It would be okay. I just needed to get through it, then get away to warn Eli.

  Closing my eyes, I pictured the picnic, willing my mind to dwell in those memories instead of here.

  A sharp crack sounded and fiery pain burst across my back as the lash made contact. My muscles spasmed, and I stumbled.

  "Grab the chains. It'll make it easier," Olren whispered.

  I gripped the cool metal between my fingers and waited for the next lash. The whip cracked again, and it felt like lightning struck my skin. I bit my lip to hold in the scream.

  Twenty-eight left. I couldn't start screaming yet.

  Five lashes later, I couldn't hold the sounds in anymore and tears streamed down my cheeks.

  After another five lashes I wasn't even pretending to be okay.

  By twenty lashes, I was begging him to stop, and by thirty, I was silent — the lashes an unending fire across my back as I hung loosely on the chains.

  My entire body shook as wet blood coated my skin and dripped to my feet.

  "I'm sorry," Olren said, patting my shoulder, "I tried to go easy, but your skin …" He unlocked my fetters, then motioned for me to follow him.

  My body was on fire and I could barely move, but I focused on Eli — probably still in the clearing, completely unaware. I couldn't let him get captured!

  We passed the front desk, and I dropped my hand to the wooden surface so I could rest for a moment. Gav stepped out of his office and smirked at me, letting his eyes drift down my body. Disgust made my stomach spasm, and I bent to hurl on the floor at his feet.

  He leaped back, lips twisted into a smug smile. "I didn't know you had it in ya, Olren. Told Captain I'd have to follow up with some extra lashes … but I guess I won't. We wouldn't want her dying on us, now would we?"

  The lashes had been the worst pain I'd ever felt, but it would have been a hundred times worse if any of the other constables had done it.

  We slipped through the front doors, and Olren passed me a bag with my personal items inside.

  "Thank you." My voice was weak.

  "Just stay safe, okay?" Then he stepped away and back into the building.

  I stood, finally alone, and took a deep breath.

  Sharp pain shot across my back and my vision went blurry. I bit my cheek to hold my moan inside.

  Eli — I had to get to him.

  Steadying myself, I walked through town as quickly as my body would allow. I would find Eli and warn him in time …

  43

  Kaiya

  Body aching, I stumbled through town, over the bridge, and into the fores
t. I paused as I reached the first trees, breathing deeply to make the darkness around the edges of my vision go away.

  Each breath sent a new spasm through my back, but I needed to get to Eli.

  Hopefully, I wasn't too late.

  My vision wavered as I stumbled deeper into the forest, and my thoughts were a muddled mess of stress for Eli and guilt over ruining things so thoroughly for Aunt Grace and I.

  My heart ached at the thought of leaving the manor behind — Uncle Calix would be so disappointed.

  Hot tears coursed over my cheeks, and I rubbed them away.

  Finally, I stumbled into the clearing and looked around. Where was he?

  "Eli?" I shouted.

  There was no answer.

  I stumbled towards the cliff edge and sure enough, two ropes were hanging from the anchors we'd installed that first day. My heart leapt. Was Lynk there, too?

  What were they doing down in the ruins?

  We'd tried going down once, curious if we could see anything new. But had heard people working on the other side of the rubble in the storage room. The last thing we wanted was to run into those twisted mages again!

  I could wait here for him to return …

  No. That might not give him enough time.

  Groaning, I hooked myself into the rope and whimpered as it rubbed against my torn back.

  This was stupid — so stupid. But I couldn't just let them walk into danger without warning.

  Gritting my teeth against the wave of nausea, I slowly released the rope. My stomach lurched at the fresh, fiery pain. A cool trickle down my back told me the wounds were still open.

  Darkness closed in on my vision as my feet touched the ledge. Stomach rolling, I turned and heaved over the cliff-side.

  Fuck.

  Head spinning, I slipped into the main room, unhooked the rope, and tied it off. Two voices were arguing down the tunnel to my left. Good ol' Eli and Lynk, they could barely agree that the sky was blue if I wasn't around.

  Lynk had better have a damn good reason he's been gone so long.