The room they walk us into is exquisite, just like I thought the house would be. There are a few men I recognize, but none of them pay me any mind. Thankfully, I’m forgettable to them.
I follow Drake as he weaves his way through the crowd, my gaze flitting over each of the young girls dressed in expensive gowns. Seating myself beside Drake at one of the tables, I watch as he grabs two flutes of bubbly golden alcohol.
“Drink this,” Drake offers. “So, you see anyone you know?”
“A couple of the men in the corner at the bar,” I whisper, sipping the champagne slowly. I’ve not eaten much today, and I need to be aware of my surroundings. Setting the glass down, I settle back in the chair, waiting for Drake’s next order.
One of the men I recognize from my time with Thanos strolls up to the podium, his hands shaking as he holds onto the wooden surface. He looks older, frail almost compared to the last time I’d seen him. A cold shiver trickles down my spine, reminding me of what he did to me.
My skin burns, but I don’t turn to Drake. I can feel his stare locked on me, and I know he’s trying to grab my attention, but I’m slowly drowning in the darkness of the night this man took me into the room Thanos had set up for his parties.
The elegant room is lit with the large crystal chandelier hanging in the middle of the ceiling. The women and men are dressed in their fineries. It’s a party for royalty, only the people here are nothing to be worshipped. They’re creatures with animalistic needs that only violate others.
“This,” the man by my side whispers, “is your future. You’re only nineteen, but you’ll learn.” He places a kiss on my cheek as if we’re a couple. But revulsion skitters through me, causing my throat to burn with bile.
His hand on my lower back isn’t gentlemanly; it’s an order, a warning. I need to obey, or I’ll hurt more than what he has in store for me.
He allows me to walk in front of him, and I’m caught between his hard body and the man who steps in front of me.
“This is an exquisite little toy,” the man before me utters, lifting his hand to my chin, his thumb and forefinger catching it in his hold.
“She’s our entertainment for the evening,” Yeoman, that’s his name if I recall correctly, says.
“Good.” The response is all the man in front of me offers before he pulls me closer. Then, as if it’s merely a flimsy piece of paper, my dress is shredded, and I’m left naked in front of the two men.
They move closer, hands and fingers exploring me, probing me painfully as they dip into me forcefully. My knees tremble as pain sears me when Yeoman, who’s behind me, shoves two fingers into the tight ring of muscle of my ass.
“She’s perfectly tight. Practically a virgin,” he tells his friend.
“Then we’ll happily break her until she’s bleeding.”
I blank out then. Darkness consumes me, and I’m breathing through the agony that grips me from the front and back.
Closing my eyes, I pray for death. I will it to steal me. But I’m not that lucky.
Drake’s hand suddenly finds my thigh, causing me to jolt in surprise. His lips brush along my ear, and he whispers, “I’m right here beside you. They’re not going to touch you.” A reminder. A promise.
I attempt a nod, but I’m still cold from being thrust back into this world.
“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.” The man smiles. “Tonight, we have a special treat for you. One of our girls has just turned twenty-one, and we’re going to give a lovely gift.” His words turn my blood to ice, and Drake’s fingers only tighten their hold on me.
The monster before me smirks before he continues his speech.
“I know there have been many of you applying to be a part of this evening’s festivities, but sadly we could only choose five.” There’s a murmur around the room, and I have to wonder what that means. This is certainly different from the events I’ve been a part of, but the fear of my memories grips me in their fierce hold.
Another older man, who looks like he’s in his fifties, saunters up onto the podium and offers a smile at the crowd watching him. “Tonight, we’ll be in the viewing dungeon. Make sure to bring your toys along. They’ll want to see what happens when they disobey.”
“Stay here.” Drake’s voice is low, urgent, causing me to tremble. With that, a flurry of activity takes hold of the room. Drake rises, sauntering toward the front of the room that’s set up like an award ceremony with security dotted around the perimeter, along with a few other men in expensive suits and graying hair, looking pleased with themselves. He offers a few handshakes, and while I’m alone watching him from a distance, I recall those moments when I bled out all over him, how warm his hands felt. How his promises were whispered over the screams and shouting of that night.