Total pages in book: 164
Estimated words: 156728 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 784(@200wpm)___ 627(@250wpm)___ 522(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 156728 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 784(@200wpm)___ 627(@250wpm)___ 522(@300wpm)
She glided with a kind of confidence that took years to master. Graceful without theatrics. Imperious and somehow comforting.
“What do you say we take a seat and get acquainted?”
Daisy nodded and followed her to the ivory seating area.
“I know this is overwhelming.” Aunt V gently said, settling onto one of the pearl sofas. She patted the cushion beside her. “Please. Sit. Let me explain what comes next.”
Eager to find out, Daisy perched on the edge of the cushion, afraid her travel clothes might leave a smudge.
Aunt V’s hands folded gracefully on her lap, over a white leather portfolio as she smiled at Daisy. “Tomorrow, you’ll undergo what we call The Becoming. A full day of treatments designed to prepare you for the evening’s festivities. Massage, body work, beauty treatments, consultations with some of the world’s greatest hair stylists—everything you need to feel confident and beautiful.” Her smile didn’t waver. “The Becoming helps tributes become the best possible version of themselves.” She leaned closer, her delicate perfume so appealing that Daisy found herself leaning into the scent. “Honestly, it was one of my favorite parts of the experience.”
Daisy’s eyes widened. “You were a tribute?”
“Many years ago, at the very first feast.” Her laugh was rich like dark honey. “I was terrified. Dirt poor. Convinced I was making the worst mistake of my life.”
She didn’t appear to be any of those things now. “Did you regret it?”
Aunt V’s gaze shifted as if looking back in time. Her smile turned thoughtful as her voice softened. “It changed my life. One night, gone in the blink of an eye, like a dream that fades just after dawn. Everything that came after… Everything I have, everything I am… I owe it all to J. Thorne.” Her impeccably manicured fingers squeezed Daisy’s work-roughened hands. “I have no regrets.”
Changed. Not improved. Not ruined. Changed.
“Now.” Aunt V rose with fluid grace. “There are a few formalities. First, you’ll need to sign this.” She produced a document from the leather portfolio. “It confirms your continued consent and reiterates the terms of your agreement. Standard procedure.”
Daisy skimmed the page. More legal language, more clauses about confidentiality and liability. Her signature would affirm her willingness to continue.
“And if I don’t sign?”
Her question confused Aunt V, leaving her head cocked in concern. “Well, in that case, we would escort you back to the airport and see that you were fairly compensated for any inconveniences. You would then be safely transported home at your earliest convenience. Is that what you wish?”
Her continued courtesy surprised Daisy. She was glad to hear there was no penalty if she changed her mind. “No, I was just curious.”
Aunt V smiled, pushing the contract forward. “I’m sure you’ve had countless wild thoughts since arriving. Don’t worry. You’re in excellent hands.”
Daisy signed.
“Excellent.” She tucked the document away. “Now—” She produced a small, satin drawstring sack, the fabric a deep champagne, embroidered with the number 1922 in delicate gold thread. “I’ll need any personal effects. Just for safekeeping.”
Daisy stared at the number again. Everywhere she turned, that number followed. It couldn’t be accidental. Come to think of it, not once had Aunt V called her by name.
Was she 1922?
A number?
A statistic?
Trust no one.
Aunt V’s smile was so compelling, Daisy had to remind herself that salesmen were real and even people with bad intentions could lie convincingly.
She thought of the locket in her pocket, glad she’d hidden it from view.
“I don’t have anything.”
“Just your phone, and any valuables you brought with you. No need to worry, my little doe. They’ll be stored in a private safe, and you’ll receive everything back on Sunday, in perfect condition.”
Daisy wanted to trust her, but logically she couldn’t. Not after what happened earlier. This woman worked for the same people as Dr. Tannhäuser. Her hand moved instinctively toward her hip, assuring her locket was still safely tucked away.
“Do I have to?”
“I’m afraid so,” Aunt V said, voice soft as down. “It’s a privacy issue. No phones are permitted past this point, I’m afraid. And we don’t want any personal items lost or stolen during the festivities. The Preserve grounds are extensive. Items could easily get…misplaced.”
The Preserve?
Was that where they were?
“I thought this place was called The White Swan.”
“It is.”
“But you said The Preserve.”
“That’s where The Feast of the Fallen is held. You go there tomorrow night, after The Becoming ceremonies.”
It all sounded so ritualistic.
Daisy withdrew her phone from her back pocket. She thought of Maryanne, who’d probably texted her a hundred times since yesterday, wondering where she’d gone.
Slowly, reluctantly, she dropped the phone into the open silk sack.
“Anything else? Jewelry? Keepsakes?”
The locket burned against Daisy’s hip. “No,” she lied. “Nothing else.”
If Aunt V doubted her, it didn’t show. She cinched the sack closed and tucked it away.
“Perfect. Now, for the schedule.” She withdrew another paper, this one printed with embossed gold text on white stock that shimmered like pearl. “Breakfast will be delivered at nine tomorrow morning. I strongly suggest you rest tonight. Tomorrow will be long, and your success depends on being fresh and energized.” She handed the program to Daisy and stood, moving toward the wet bar.