Page 86 of Red Fury

I’ve been abducted. I don’t know where I am. Please help!

I hit send, slipping it back into the hidden compartment. The heel clicks back into place just as I hear Neilina shifting impatiently outside the door.

I flush the toilet and wash my hands quickly, my heart thundering.

“All done,” I call out, slipping my shoe back on and opening the door.

“Good. Now we really must hurry.”

She leads me out of the bathroom and into the bedroom. The rope and gag tell me that I was here before, although I didn’t really take much notice with my head pounding.

I look around.

The bed is massive, easily big enough for several people to sleep comfortably, with four ornate posts reaching toward a high ceiling. It’s modern and yet comfortable.

“Sit there,” Neilina commands, gesturing toward the dressing table.

I comply, and she moves behind me, her reflection appearing in the mirror alongside mine. She reaches for a pair of earrings from a velvet-lined jewelry box – massive diamond drops that catch the light.

I roll my eyes. “Is this really necessary?”

I wonder to myself if they’re real.

“Yes, it is.” Neilina fastens them to my ears. “Perfect.” Her eyes shine almost as brightly as the jewels.

The earrings are so heavy. If they’re real diamonds, I don’t want to know what they cost. Again, I find myself wondering what this master wants with me.

“There,” Neilina says, stepping back to admire her handiwork. “Stand up. Let me see you.”

I rise from the stool, and she circles me, examining every detail.

“Perfect,” she smiles. “The master will be so pleased.”

I couldn’t give a shit about what the master thinks.

“Now, let’s go see him, shall we?”

She leads me toward a door and out into the hallway. The space stretches on for what seems like miles, with doors lining both sides. The floors are polished, and the walls are covered with colorful artwork.

“How many rooms are in this place?” I ask, genuinely curious despite my circumstances.

“Many,” Neilina replies vaguely. “The master has…extensive needs.”

As we walk, I catch glimpses through open doorways. Bedrooms, each one more luxurious than the last. A library with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. What looks like a full movie theater.

And then we pass a room that makes me pause mid-step.

It’s a gym, but not like any gym I’ve ever seen. State-of-the-art equipment fills the space, gleaming chrome and black leather. But it’s not the equipment that catches my attention.

It’s the scent.

Something familiar drifts from that room, something that makes my dragon stir weakly beneath my skin. I can’t quite place it – whatever drugs are in my system are suppressing my senses along with my ability to shift – but there’s something familiar I can’t quite put my finger on, which is so damned annoying.

“Keep moving,” Neilina says sharply, grabbing my arm when I slow down. “We’re already late.”

I allow myself to be pulled along, but that scent lingers in my mind. I still can’t place it, no matter how hard I try.

We continue down the hallway, passing more doors, more glimpses of impossible luxury. Finally, Neilina stops in front of double doors.