Chapter 20 Summoned
The next morning, Victoria woke up feeling dizzy and weak.
Thora had been burning up all night and was now weakly leaning against her, looking pale.
Breakfast for the lower deck was brought in, still just leftovers. Victoria took one look and felt her stomach churn.
"Victoria, you gotta eat something to keep your strength up," Olivia said, handing her a dark object.
Victoria shook her head, not feeling hungry at all. She had only half a bottle of water left, sipping it cautiously, just trying to survive.
By the third day, hunger had weakened Victoria so much that she couldn't even lift her hand. If this kept up, she'd starve to death... a terrible way to go.
"Victoria," Olivia said softly, moving closer and holding out half a piece of steak with bloodstains, "This is good, not spoiled. Eat it."
Victoria weakly opened her eyes to see the neatly cut steak, obviously leftovers from a guest.
She pushed it away.
Olivia insisted, pushing the steak towards her mouth, "Thora said, there's hope if you stay alive. Victoria, eat."
"Fine." Victoria took it, pinching her nose, and gulped it down.
The meat was cold and tasted strange, but after swallowing it, her empty stomach felt a bit better.
Time blurred in the lower deck.
It was probably evening when the iron door at the end of the lower deck was suddenly pulled open with a grating noise.
Bright light pierced the dark cell, making everyone squint involuntarily.
A steward in uniform walked in, causing a mix of joy and fear among the people.
Some moved forward with joy, while others shrank back in fear.
Of course, Victoria and the others definitely moved back.
But the steward pointed at the cage they were in and said, "You three, come out."
Victoria's heart skipped a beat as she looked at Thora and Olivia, both looking pale.
The steward then picked a few more women, including one from the neighboring cage.
That woman was thrilled, stretching and striking a seductive pose, "Finally, I can get a bath."
Victoria realized that only those chosen by a guest had the chance to leave the lower deck, enjoy a hot bath, and change into clean clothes.
Glancing at Thora and Olivia huddled in the corner, they took a deep breath and helped each other stand up.
She saw her future, stuck in the dark and hopeless cell like Thora and Olivia.
'I need to get out of here!'
This thought was crystal clear and resolute. She wanted to climb out of this cursed F level, step by step, until she could see the sunlight.
As the hot water cascaded over her head, Victoria almost moaned in comfort.
She scrubbed her body vigorously, as if trying to wash away the grime and despair of the past few days.
After cleaning up, they were led to a dressing room filled with various dresses.
The woman from the neighboring cage was named Karen Savage.
She seemed like a regular here, confidently choosing a daring red halter dress and starting to apply seductive eyeliner in front of the mirror.
Victoria opted for the most conservative high-necked dress and intentionally applied foundation to make her face pale.
She then used dark eyeshadow to create heavy dark circles under her eyes.
Karen glanced at her through the mirror and let out a sneer.
"What's so funny?" Victoria asked coldly, stopping in her tracks.
Since arriving in the lower deck, Karen had always been distant and cold towards her, leaving a sour taste in Victoria's mouth.
"New girl, you think I can't see through your game?" Karen turned around, arms crossed. "Trying to make yourself look ugly so the high-class clients won't be interested?"
Victoria stayed silent, silently agreeing.
"Let me give you some advice, don't pull these stunts." Karen's nails glided over the row of bright lipsticks on the dressing table.
"On this ship, women deemed worthless will be 'taken care of.' Do you want to keep your dignity or your life?"
Victoria's heart sank instantly.
Their group of six women was ushered into a lavish private room, shining with opulence.
A wealthy businessman, dressed in a sharp suit and tie, lounged on the sofa, puffing on a cigar.
His beady eyes roamed over the women like a snake, making them squirm.
Victoria could see the fear in the other women's eyes as they laid them on this man.
"Mr. West, have a look at these ladies, any of them catch your fancy?" The steward ingratiated.
Casey West's gaze slid over Karen's provocative form, skipped a few trembling girls, and landed on Victoria, who was purposefully hiding in the background.
He licked his lips and grinned sleazily, "Is she new? Haven't seen her around! Plain face, but great body, smooth skin! Looks fresh enough! She's the one!"
Victoria froze, feeling her blood run cold.
"Why are you just standing there? Go and attend to Mr. West!" the steward barked.
Two burly bodyguards moved in, reaching out to grab Victoria.
Suddenly, Thora dropped to her knees with a "thud," crawled to Casey's feet, and started licking the tip of his shoe.
Then, she looked up seductively, her delicate hands caressing Casey's thigh.
"Mr. West," she raised her head, a twisted smile on her face, "Mr. West, have you forgotten me?"
"You said I was the most obedient last time. This newbie doesn't know a thing, she might mess up your vibe. Let me take care of you instead, I promise, I'll be way more entertaining than her."
Casey squinted, as if trying to remember.
He extended his pudgy hand, gripping Thora's chin, inspecting her like a piece of livestock for a moment.
"Oh? It's you." Recognition dawned on him, a cruel smirk spreading across his face, "Alright, it's still you! So alluring! Can handle the rough stuff!"
"Thank you, Mr. West, I'll serve you well!" Thora said, burying her face in Casey's lap.
The steward gestured, "Okay, everyone, out."
Victoria was pushed out, and as she glanced back, she saw Thora on her knees, giving her a significant look.
The door shut heavily behind them.
The tension was palpable on the way back.
Passing a restroom, Karen suddenly halted and whistled inside.
A young male waiter peeked out, sharing a knowing look with her before Karen grinned and slipped into the restroom.
Soon, muffled and suggestive sounds could be heard from inside.
The others remained unfazed, heads down, continuing to move forward.
Back in the familiar darkness, the iron door clanged shut.
In the cell, whispers began to circulate among the women.
"It's that creep."
"Thora might be in deep trouble this time."
"Last time, a woman taken from his room, they said she was tossed into the sea to feed the fish the next day."
"Dead?" Victoria trembled, asking.
"What else?" Another woman shot her a cold glance.
Victoria's heart was on edge.
Would Thora meet her end?