I closed the door behind me and walked down the long empty corridor. My mind was swirling with what I needed to do to get the hell out of dodge. The options were limited, but they weren’t zero. I turned the corner, lost in thought, when I slammed directly into a wall of lean muscle.

I staggered back – an apology on my lips – until I saw the look on the person’s face. A sneer twisted his thin lips and his eyes held a cruelty I had never seen before. I didn’t have to consider who he was – it was obvious. His features were a carbon copy of the Duke.

I don’t want to interact with this man. I tried to step around him – but he held out an arm, stopping me completely.

“Who said you could come out of your room?” He snapped, jabbing his right hand into my chest. “Especially after what you did, you filthy half-breed.”

My own hand twitched from the urge to smack him away. I can’t. If I do that, it’ll only cause another headache that I didn’t need. A faint memory from the novel came to mind. The brother had only made an appearance a handful of times and each time it was to mock Kyla. The only time that really mattered in the story, was his appearance at the engagement party for Paulita. Though his reason for attending was due to his massive crush on the female lead.

He had gone out of his way – before Kyla attempted to stab Paulita – and embarrassed her in front of a crowd of her “betters.” His snide remarks and outright hostile behavior had seemed justified in the story, based on the point of view it was told. However, his actions sparked Kyla to seek Paulita out.

I couldn’t say for sure if it was only his actions that drove her to try and commit her crime without thinking or if it was Kyla’s own twisted nature. Either way – I didn’t want to associate with the man. I couldn’t even remember his name. Gareth? Garrette? Gurt?

“I was summoned by his Grace.” I said at last, voice devoid of emotion. “If you’ll please step aside – I’ll return to my room in haste.”

“You’re not getting off that easy.” He bit out, taking a step closer. “I heard you stole my mother’s jewels.”

“I didn’t-”

“Not only are you a mutt, you’re a disgusting thief. Just like your mother.”

“I apologize.” I tried to step around him again – but he shifted, blocking off my exit once more. “If you’ll-”

“Talking back? To me.” His hand snaked out, grabbing a fistful of my hair. “How is it – that after all these years – you still don’t know your damn place?”

“I do and I’m trying to return to my room.” I bit out – temper starting to spike.
“Shut your mouth.” He hissed, painfully tugging my hair. “I should shave off this mop you call hair. “If you weren’t already so damn ugly to look at – I wouldn’t even hesitate. You’re worthless and should have never been born.”

“Perhaps.” I shrugged – ignoring the pressure on my scalp. “According to his Grace, I still have worth.”

His eyes flashed and he turned, shoving me against the wall. “Your worth is nothing.” He snapped. “You’re stupid, ignorant, and a stain on my family.”

I suppressed a sigh and closed my mouth. Trying to talk to him was like trying to explain physics to a toddler. The original Kyla was a lot of things – but stupid and ignorant she was not. Had she been – she wouldn’t have survived the plot as long as she had.

“Finally learning?” He laughed, pushing against my shoulders before backing off. “I guess you can teach an idiot something after all. Now leave,” he nodded toward the hallway. “I don’t want to so much as see your shadow from now on. If I do, I’ll send my dogs after you again.” He laughed, walking away.

I shivered at the thought and started to walk away – when a stab exploded through my head. Gasping, I closed my eyes when a memory flashed quickly through my mind's eye.

A young Kyla – at ten years old – had been introduced to the family. Her mother, a maid the Duke had an affair with, pleaded for him to take Kyla in but she wanted compensation. The Duke – being who he was – took one look at the girl and took her in. Instead of paying the maid off – he ordered her arrest. The memory began to shift and transitioned to another memory – one that made my blood run cold.

Kyla had been in the mansion for two days – trying to avoid the Duchesses eye and that of the Duke. She was walking down a path in the garden after a scolding and beating from the headmaid. Where she was headed – neither of us knew.

At the end of the path her half brother – Gerald – appeared. He looked to be around twelve years old and already looked like his personality was warped.

“What the hell are you doing in my mom’s garden?” He snapped, crossing his arms. “Someone like you doesn’t deserve to be here.”

“I-I’m sorry.” Kyla froze, sniffling. “I didn’t know.”

“That’s because you’re a stupid bastard child.” He whistled.

The sound of barking filled the air, seconds before five large dogs appeared. Calling them dogs was being generous. They were larger than great danes and something about them seemed off. Their sleek dark black coats shimmered in the sunlight– almost flickering. Their eyes – a deep dark blood red – focused on Kyla without blinking.

Kyla’s heart began to pound against her chest – blood rushed to her ears. A primal fear crept down her spine and the urge to turn around and run left her shaking.

“You like my dogs?” Gerald sneered, patting one of them on the back. “They’re half-breeds,” he continued as if he wasn’t aware of her fear. “Just like you.”

“I…”

“Don’t know what they are?” He laughed. “Don’t worry, stupid, I’ll tell you exactly what they are.” He motioned toward the dogs, eyes sparkingly with a warped mirth. “They’re half shadow dogs. You ever seen one hunt before?”

“N-no.” Kyla shook her head, taking a step back. “I don’t want to.”

“Too bad, half-breed.” Gerald snickered. “I thought everything that was half something knew everything about their own kind.”

“I…I’m leaving.” Kyla staggered back – sweat prickling her brow.

Gerald let out a low whistle and pointed a finger at her. The dogs reacted instantly to his command and began to growl.

Kyla let out a scream and turned – running in the opposite direction. The dogs followed, hot on her heels – nipping and biting at her. The vision began to swim and shifted to show Kyla sobbing in a tree as the dogs snarled at the base.

“I didn’t mean to.” She sobbed, burying her head in her hands. “I didn’t mean to be born.”

The vision disappeared as fast as it had come – leaving me breathless, shaking, and down right pissed. Who the hell does that to a kid? I looked around quickly hoping to see the brother so I could yell at him – but he was long gone.

“Damn it.” I ground out – stalking back toward my room. “This is insane. I suspected she had a horrible upbringing but this is…” I trailed off, shaking my head. Forget it. It already happened and there’s nothing I can do to change it.

I walked to my room – feeling the eyes of the maids following me as I did. I ignored them and slammed into my room – hard enough to rattle the doorframe. The sound of the lock clicked seconds later and I let out a long frustrated sigh.

This place is hell. I want out. I thought,crossing to the bed and sinking into it.

For the next several hours, I sat quietly – running different ideas through my mind. By sunset, my stomach began to growl and the rage I had felt had all but dissipated – leaving me exhausted. When’s dinner? I wondered, glancing toward the window. No one had come to tell me anything about it – not that I expected them to.

I stood and walked toward the door and tried the knob. Right. I thought when it didn’t so much as wiggle. Someone locked me in again.

I raised my fist and pounded on the door. “Hello? Can anyone hear me?”

I waited a few minutes – and when no answer came – I beat the door harder.

“Stop that racket.” An angry voice snapped, unlocking the door and opening it. “What do you want?”

“Food.” I snapped, crossing my arms. “When will it be served?”

“Served?” She rolled her eyes. “You think I’m supposed to serve you?”

“Then who does?”

“I don’t know but I know you already were fed yesterday.” She backed up, about to close the door.

“That was yesterday.” I bit out, stopping the door with my foot. “Do you think people only eat once every other day?”

“Sure,” she scoffed. “People do. But you’re not people are you?”

“Then get out of my way.” I took a step to brush past her.

“Where do you think you’re going?” She held up her hands. “You’re not allowed out of your room.”

“Well, you won’t feed me. What other options do I have?”

She muttered something under her breath, glaring at me. “I’ll get you something to eat.”

She jerked back and slammed the door closed – locking it.

“Great. I can’t wait.” I grumbled, turning and walking to the bed.

Ten minutes passed, then twenty – and she still hadn’t returned. Was she lying? I wouldn’t put it past her. Time continued to pass, and my irritation began to rise. Guess I’m knocking again. I thought, about to stand.

The door knob rattled – stopping me half-way up. The door creaked open a few inches and a bowl skidded across the floor.

“I hope you enjoy your meal.” The maid snickered, disappearing and locking the door behind her.

I walked toward the bowl and swore. The bowl itself was fine – but the contents were anything but. Dark brown liquid shimmered with a layer of greasy slime. The smell alone made me gag.

“What is this?” I covered my nose with one hand and lifted the bowl with the other. “Greasy mop water?”

I walked to the window, held my breath, and tossed the entire thing out. At least I’m not hungry anymore. I thought bitterly, walking back to the bed.

If today was any indication – I didn’t want to even consider what tomorrow would bring.