06. The Morning After

Chateau woke with a start, her head pounding and her body heavy, as though weighted by invisible chains. The room around her was dimly lit, but the sheer opulence couldn’t be ignored. Golden accents glinted on the edges of antique furniture, the velvet curtains drawn tight against the world outside. Her throat burned, her limbs ached, and her mind was foggy with remnants of whatever drug had invaded her system.

Flashes of the night before—neon lights, laughter that chilled her to the core, and the suffocating sensation of hands that weren’t hers—rushed back. She clutched the satin sheets tightly, trying to suppress a shudder. Could they have gone further? She bit her lip hard to stop the thought, but the memory of Leonard’s face flickered through her mind. His furious, unyielding presence, his voice commanding her safety.

Forcing herself out of bed, Chateau wobbled unsteadily. The room was palatial, a stark contrast to the chaos she’d escaped. The air smelled faintly of roses and cedarwood, a calming fragrance that only heightened her sense of displacement. She moved toward the double doors, her bare feet silent on the polished wooden floor, and eased one open to reveal a long corridor lined with portraits and ornate chandeliers.

Her hand reached for the bannister of a grand staircase when a tap on her shoulder sent a jolt of fear through her. She spun around, gasping.

“Finally awake, huh?” said a brunette with bold red lipstick and a confident smirk. The woman leaned casually against the wall, arms crossed, her voice dripping with amusement.

The brunette cut her off with a laugh. “How’re you feeling? Still dizzy? Or are you not down yet? Ha-ha!” She looked Chateau up and down, her expression equal parts curiosity and mischief.

Chateau's chest tightened as she recoiled slightly, haunted by the memory of betrayal—the grins Sabine and Aisha had worn as they abandoned her to the wolves. The nausea in her gut wasn’t just from the drugs; it was from the pain of trusting the wrong people. She flinched when a beautiful blonde woman with a radiant smile came closer.

“Oh my God, you’re awake! It’s such a relief!” the blonde exclaimed, rushing to Chateau with genuine enthusiasm.

Chateau’s voice cracked as she backed toward the sofa. “Who… who are you?”

The blonde placed her hands on her hips, tilting her head. “I’m Tethia! And she's Madison”—she pointed to the brunette—“She’s a little bit evil, but she’s actually kind. Sometimes.”

Madison rolled her eyes and scoffed. “And she’s beautiful but dumb as fuck. Honestly, it’s her whole personality.”

Tethia gave an indignant gasp, her pout exaggerated as she turned to Chateau. “See? Evil.”

Madison shrugged, unapologetic, and gestured toward a sofa where a tea set was arranged on a glass table. “Come on, Damsel. Let’s sit. You look like you’re about to keel over.”

Hesitant but too drained to argue, Chateau followed them. She stood near the table, eyeing the ornate room around her while the scent of fresh tea filled the air. Madison poured herself a cup, her grin sly as she spoke. “You don’t have to be that worried, Damsel. Leon took you to a safe place. We’re not gonna sell you off to the enemy or drug you to make you please us. Ha!”

Her light, mocking laugh made Chateau flinch, her fingers tightening on the edge of the sofa.

“Don’t scare her, Maddie,” the dark-haired woman said, her voice as smooth as silk. She sipped her tea with deliberate grace, her demeanor noble. “Leonard’s mother would scold you if she heard that.”

Madison groaned dramatically, flopping back against the cushions. “Oh, fine! It’s not fair because he has a mom! He ruins all my fun.”

Tethia stifled a giggle, but Amber, the dark-haired woman, only sighed. Chateau’s fear softened just slightly, though unease still gnawed at her as she glanced between the three women. She couldn’t yet tell if their banter was harmless or if it masked something deeper.

"Take a seat," Amber said, her voice low and steady. “Maybe a cup of tea will help clear your mind.”

Chateau hesitated but eventually sank into the cushions, her fingers nervously brushing the fabric. Her voice trembled as she asked, “Where is this?”

“Rosemount Palace,” she replied, her tone tinged with pride. “An honored place. Not every woman like you would have the luck to step foot in here.”

“It’s just a place where bitches sit together, forced to get along, and dressed in fancy gowns. Nothing to romanticize.”

“Maddie!” Tethia exclaimed, her brows furrowing with concern. “Can you stop talking rude like that? You’ll scare Chateau.” She turned to Chateau, her voice softer. “I heard she's from the countryside. This world must’ve shocked her mind.”

“Fine, fine, I’ll shut up.”

Chateau, still unsettled, glanced around before murmuring, “Where’s Leonard?”

Tethia blinked, then offered a small, reassuring smile. “Somewhere out there, doing his job.”

Chateau’s fingers tightened on the edge of the sofa as her ears remembered the sharp cracks of gunfire. Her voice grew quieter, almost hollow. “Killing people?”

The room fell silent, the light banter evaporating as Amber, Madison, and Tethia exchanged surprised glances. Madison recovered first, her grin returning. “Oh, you know that, Damsel. Did you see him killing people already?”

Chateau nodded, her gaze distant. “Our first meeting... and last night, under the influence, his gunshots were the only thing clear and loud.”

Amber set her teacup down carefully, her expression unreadable. “Well, no wonder. He’s Leonard,” she said matter-of-factly. “He never hesitates to kill anyone in his path—even if it’s in front of his woman.”

Tethia reached out and gently held Chateau’s trembling hands, her warm, soft demeanor offering a brief respite from the storm of emotions swirling within. “I’m so sorry for what happened to you, Chateau. It must have been so terrifying,” she said, her voice filled with genuine sympathy.

Chateau hesitated, feeling a pang of insecurity, unsure if she deserved this kindness. Yet, Tethia’s warmth brought a fragile sense of calm, her sincere concern piercing through Chateau’s guarded heart.

Tethia’s expression shifted, a spark of anger flickering in her gentle eyes. “I just can’t understand why he brought you to that apartment! It’s a den for whores, not someone like you!”

Madison leaned back with a sly grin, her sharp tongue ready as ever. “Don’t forget how familiar you are with that building, Tethia.”

Tethia’s face flushed, and her voice wavered between embarrassment and frustration. “Maddie…”

Amber, always the composed one, placed her teacup down with an air of elegance and nonchalance. “Well, I’m going out today. My man wants to see me,” she said, brushing off the tension. Her gaze flickered to Chateau. “Do you mind come with me?”

Tethia frowned, her concern clear. “Are you sure, Amber? She’s barely recovered from the effects of the drugs. She needs rest… and she might still feel traumatized.”

Amber tilted her head slightly, a faint smile playing on her lips, her indifference almost regal. “You’re right. Forget it. I just thought she might want to see her savior.”

Chateau perked up at that, her face lifting from her hands. “Do you mean Leonard? Are you going to see him?”

Amber’s calm demeanor didn’t waver. “Maybe... you’ll find him there.”

Determination sparked in Chateau’s eyes, pushing through the lingering haze of fear. “Then I’m with you!”