Eira's feet were raw by the time they reached the end of the road.
Blindfolded, barefoot, and shackled at the neck, wrists, and ankles, she stumbled forward with each tug of the chain. The guard in front of her didn't speak. He just yanked whenever she slowed, like she was livestock being dragged to slaughter.
The path was narrow and cruel. Gravel bit into her soles. Twigs snapped underfoot. The chill of early dawn clung to her skin like a wet shroud. Somewhere in the distance, ravens cried. Somewhere closer, someone whispered a curse.
She couldn't see a damn thing. Just the black cloth pressed against her eyes, the sting of iron cuffs, and the scent of damp earth and old blood.
Eventually, the crunch of gravel gave way to soft creaks. Wooden boards.
A house.
Thatched roof, maybe? The air changed. There was less rot, and more perfume. Jasmine. Sweet and calming. It made her stomach soften and relax.
She heard voices. Girls giggling. Whispering. The rustle of gowns and the clink of hairpins.
The guard pushed her forward, and she stumbled into a room.
"Sit, please." A soft female voice said.
That voice…
The guard shoved her down, and her knees hit something soft that felt like a cushioned stool. The air here was warmer. Softer. It smelled like flowers and silk.
The woman's voice spoke again, gently. "You can remove the blindfold."
"Are you sure?" The guard hesitated. "If she's lying, she could blackmail you since she has seen your face."
"I'll be fine." The woman said. "Let her see. I believe she won't hurt me."
The guard grunted, and the blindfold came off.
Light flooded Eira's vision. She blinked, squinting at the figure in front of her.
Her breath caught.
"Sera?" she whispered, her voice cracking. "Holy shit, Sera—it's really you. How are you here?"
The woman tilted her head. Her chestnut brown hair was braided into a crown, her eyes were warm and kind. She wore a flowing gown of pale blue, embroidered with vines and stars. She looked like elegant and gracious.
She frowned. "I'm sorry… who?"
Eira's heart sank.
Of course. Of fucking course.
Sera didn't remember her. Just like everyone else. Just like every cycle. Eve's system wiped them clean, gave them new names, new lives, new lies.
Eira swallowed, forcing an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry. I thought you were someone else."
The woman smiled politely. "It's okay. I'm Betai."
Eira nodded, straightening up. "Nice to meet you. I'm Eira."
Betai sat across from her, folding her hands in her lap. "Same. So they say you memorized Adeline's dance steps."
"Yes, I did." Eira nodded. "I watched the rehearsal last night. I remember every step."
Betai's expression was calm, but had a twinge of sadness. "We woke this morning to find Adaline gone. She just disappeared. No one knows where she went. Without her, the dance is ruined."
She folded her hands in worry, as she studied Eira. "The Red King's event is tomorrow. And If we fail… we'll all be punished. I would most likely get killed."
This crushed Eira's heart, and she leaned forward. "Let me help. I can do her part."
"You saw it once."
"That doesn't matter. I remember it perfectly."
Betai eyed her body. "But you're wounded."
"I'll manage."
There was a long pause. Then Betai stood. "Show me."
"Like…now?"
"Yes." She turned to the guard. "Release her cuffs, please."
Eira rose, her legs trembling. Her ribs still throbbed, her wrists were raw, but she moved. She closed her eyes, and let the memory take over. The music played in her head, while she danced.
Her feet glided across the floor. Her arms lifted. Her hips twisted. Every step, every turn, every flick of the wrist was flawless.
When she finished, she dropped to one knee, panting. She looked at Betai, waiting for her to say something.
But Betai's face and lips gave nothing away.
Eira's chest tightened. "Well? Did I do well?"
Betai blinked, and nodded slowly.
"You did well." she said softly. "Better than expected."
Eira's eyes widened in relief. "Then you'll let me join—?"
"I'm not yet sure." Betai said.
"What?" Eira took a step forward. "Why? I nailed it."
"I need to think." Betai replied, turning away. "Take her back."
The guard grabbed her arms.
"Wait, what the hell do you mean think? They're going to kill me at noon!" Eira shouted, panic seeping into her voice.
Betai sighed. "If that's your fate, then accept it. In this world, the dead live better than the living."
Eira's voice cracked. "What kind of fucked up logic is that? Please…"
The guard blindfolded her again, tightening it so hard it bit into her skin.
"Move!" He barked, dragging her away.
Back to the crate. Back to the cold. Back to death.
Mocking laughter filled the crate when she returned.
"Thought you'd dance your way out of death, mutt!?"
"You're a thief!" They sneered on. "Born one, die one. You've got no right to dream big."
Eira curled into herself, crushed. She was sure she'd nailed the dance. So why hadn't Betai accepted her?
Noon crept closer.
The guards brought drinks. They were thick, bitter, and murky. They forced it down their throats. Eira gagged, but swallowed. Her limbs grew heavy.
Eira's vision blurred. She blinked, trying to stay awake.
Then she heard the first scream.
A scrawny vampire with skin like parchment and eyes like rusted knives had wheezed in. His nails were long, yellow, and sharp. He hadn't spoken. He just walked to the first prisoner, grabbed their chest, and ripped.
The heart came out with a wet squelch. The prisoner screamed once, then went limp.
"Let's begin." he hissed with a satisfied smirk.
Eira's stomach turned. The corpse was hung upside down, and a narrow pipe was connected to its veins. Blood flowed slowly into a large iron drum.
One by one, he moved down the line. The screams rose which each massacre. Even the fearless prisoners, who had sworn they'd die laughing, shook like leaves.
Eira couldn't move. Her body stood frozen as she watched. She wanted to scream and vomit, but everything about her was paralyzed.
When it got to the young boy in front of her, she'd already given up. She was ready to die, and wake up back in Eve's prison.
Then it was her turn. The vampire grabbed her neck, yanked her forward.
She didn't resist.
"You're a pretty one." He sneered. "Let's see how your heart feels."
But before he could strike, a voice rang out.
"Please wait!"
Betai.