Chapter 13 Chapter 13
That was all it said. The box was pure black, almost too black; on top was engraved what looked like a family crest. Inside the box on a bed of pure black silk was a pair of daggers.
The blade was carved from solid black obsidian, polished so smooth it looked like a shard of frozen night. It didn't reflect the light; it seemed to swallow it. The edge was serrated just enough to be cruel and deliver pain, and it tapered to a point. I knew it could slide through skin like it was water.
The handle was what really caught my eye, though. It was a deep, dark red, wrapped in a grip that felt like it would never slip out of my hand, no matter how messy the fight got. I picked it up, feeling the perfect balance of the weight, and that’s when I saw the engraving on the gold pommel.
There were two initials etched deep into the metal: I.F. I stared at them for a long time. My name was Isla Rhodes. That’s what I’d been my whole life. But those letters didn't stand for Rhodes. Nikolai had branded this thing, and me, with his own name. Isla Ferro. He hadn't said a word to me in five years, but there it was, carved in gold. He’d already decided who I belonged to before I even had a choice in the matter.
I closed the box, my heart heavy. I belonged to him; I always had an owner, but it was better to stand beside the devil than in front of him.
On Monday afternoon it was pouring; it had been falling all day rain, sun, snow, and thunderstorm. Nothing ever stopped training. It was as if even God knew I was being tested.
When I walked through the gates and onto the tarmac, it was wet, cold, and freezing. I felt the shift. Oris was standing, leaning against one of the poles in the hangar, just looking at me. Vale and the others were standing around. Elena was standing to the side with her arms folded. I barely saw the shadow at the corner of my eye. Drew made a move towards me, and I side-stepped, kicking him behind the knees.
“Enough, you couldn't even sneak up on her. This is your last fight. You get through them to me. You know the rules,” Oris said.
I stood in the middle of the tarmac, the rain soaking me. “No kill, injure at most. “Avoid muscle, arteries, and serious injuries,” I repeated.
“Good and Rhodes, I won’t go easy on you, and just so you know, he’s here,” Oris said with a smirk, and I guess he thought that would make me anxious, but it only pissed me off. I heard the movement, the pounding of boots on the concrete, coming fast and heavy; it could only be Aiden. I listened while Oris kept smirking at me. He was coming from the right.
Before he even got to me, I side-stepped and pulled out one of the daggers. He tried grabbing me, but I ducked, kicking him behind the knee and placing the dagger at his throat.
“It seems it’s just you and me,” Oris said with a smile, stepping onto the tarmac. Oris was a mountain, but I could get him down. I didn't expect him to come; I had stopped expecting it for years. What I didn't expect was for him to take me with him or change me.
PRESENT
ISLA
I felt groggy. When I opened my eyes, I was in a room. Wait, the last place I was was on a table in an operating room. I looked to my left, and a woman was sitting there. I remembered her.
“Maria?”
“Madam, you’re awake,” she said, standing up.
“Isl…” I stopped. “No, madam. Where am I? How long have I been asleep?”
“You are in Velisari, Madam. At Master Ferro’s private place for recovery. “I’ve been in recovery for almost three months,” she said, handing me a glass of water. I took it and ranked it slowly.
“Do you know who I am?”
“You are stronger now, no longer weak. I am the only one that knows who you are, Ms. Isla. You don't need to be worried around me. Mr. Ferro knows you're awake. The doctor will be here soon, and he will be here later. I’ll prepare something for you to eat,” she said, standing up.
“Thank you, Maria.”
The doctor showed up one hour later; he was the same doctor I saw. After he checked me over and said I was okay, he left. I ate the soup Maria made for me and then took a shower. I avoided the mirrors; I didn't want to see what I looked like now.
It was dark when Maria left me alone after dinner. I was sitting on the balcony of the apartment. Looking out at Velisari city. What would he want me to do now? What does he plan to do with me?
“How do you feel?” I heard his voice. When I turned, he was standing there in a suit. I walked over to him but didn't look at him; I kept my head down.
“I am fine, Mr. Ferro.”
He grabbed my chin, forcing my face up to look at him. “You always look at me,” he said in that same cold voice I remembered. He was older now, his dark hair tousled just right, his black eyes guarded but soft at the same time. I could admit he was handsome; he had striking features.
“Yes, Mr. Ferro,” I replied.
“What is my name?” he asked.
“Mr. Ferro”
His hands moved from my chin and wrapped around my throat. “Answer me correctly, Isla, what is my name?” he asked again.
“Mr. Fe…” My words were cut off because he squeezed my throat.
“Do not tempt me, Isla. What is my name?” he asked again.
“Mr…. Nikolai,” I said with a whisper.
“Good girl. You’re the only one allowed to call me by my name,” he said.
He moved away and stood there. We’re returning to Riverside City tomorrow. Have you seen what you look like?” he asked.
“No,” I said.
“Let’s go,” he said, turning around and walking into the apartment. He walked into a room and stood in front of the mirror waiting for me. I walked over to him, and he pulled me to stand in front of him. He grabbed my chin and forced me to look up, and I froze. I still looked like me; my hair and eyes were the same. Only my nose and jawline were different. My hair was now glossier and shinier because I had taken care of it.
“You’re still you, but at the same time you aren’t you,” he said. I felt his touch on my shoulder. He pulled my shirt and touched my birthmark. He was obsessed with that birthmark.