Page 45 of A Fate in Flames

She wrapped dark, flowing material over my body skilfully, tucking and folding with precise movements.I held my arms out awkwardly as she worked, shifting my weight from one foot to the other.Being dressed by a complete stranger felt too intimate, and I found myself pulling back whenever she reached for the fabric at my waist.

I glanced towards the door, then back to her face.I leaned closer, dropping my voice to a whisper.“Are you a prisoner?”

A laugh bubbled from her lips as she secured a gold clasp at my shoulder.“No.I chose to be here.”

I stepped away from her, nearly tripping over the hem of the skirt.My mind reeled at the casual way she spoke of something so irreversible.She continued her task, pulling and adjusting around my hips, ignoring my startled expression.

She guided me onto a wooden stool, her fingers moving deftly through my hair.I was silent for a long moment before I found my voice again.

“Did they torture you too, or was that reserved only for me?”

She hummed softly as she twisted my hair into the same style she had, adding small braids throughout and securing them with small golden clasps.

“I was questioned, but not tortured,” she admitted.“Butto be fair, I crossed the Veil alone.You on the other hand, arrived with two strong men at your side.”

I twisted around so violently the stool nearly toppled.“Have you seen them?Are they okay?”

“They’re fine.You will see them soon.Don’t worry.”She reached out, rubbing my arm in a soothing gesture.“I haven’t met them yet, but I do know that one in particular isveryeager to see you.”

Theo.

A rush of warmth bloomed in my chest.I couldn’t help the small smile that crept onto my lips.

He was okay.They were both okay.

Satisfied with my hair, she picked up a jar of kohl, gently tilting my face toward the light as she carefully lined my eyes.She leaned back, inspecting her work before nodding in approval.

“Done.”She gestured toward a tall mirror in the corner, propped up against the wall.

I stood up, my bare feet whispering against the floor as I approached the mirror.A sharp breath caught in my throat at the sight of my reflection.

“I can’t wear this,” I blurted, my face burning.“I’m practically naked!”

The dark fabric left much of my skin exposed.Slits ran along the sides, revealing the curve of my hips and the length of my legs.The neckline plunged deeper than anything I’d ever dare to wear, highlighting the fullness of my breasts, though the artful draping concealed just enough.

She shrugged.“This is what they wear here.”She gestured to herself, similarly dressed, though she had slightly more coverage.

I folded my arms across my torso, trying to soothe my unease.

“You will be okay,” she assured me, already moving towards the door.“Jasila will come for you soon.”

She reached for the handle.

“Wait,” I called out.“I forgot to ask your name.”

“Mira.”

I opened my mouth to introduce myself, but she beat me to it.

“I know,” she said with a warm smile.“Elira.”

She slipped out the door, closing it behind her with a soft click, leaving me alone with my reflection.Alone with the uncertainty of what awaited me beyond this room.

The door opened mere seconds after Mira left.

Jasila.

My stomach twisted at the sight of her.Shewas the one coming to retrieve me.The same woman who had tormented me.Who had torn my mind apart with illusions and twisted manipulations.