Chapter 1

Cold as usual.

Same space but cold and empty.

Noelle sat on the creaking bed, her back clutched to the hard wall that held her pain, tears and anguish.

She sat like a fugitive, awaiting her death sentence.

Hands rested on her knees and head leaned to the wall.

Her frail body sat still like time had stopped for her. Noelle could only stare into space by looking at the endless ceiling.

Her eyes was hollow in the dark. It was filled in despair, frustration and misery.

You can't see it but you can feel it.

It oozes around her like a stench that can never be rid of with a soap lather.

—

She was just five when it all started.

Noelle found her way into this warm family.

A home she could feel safe, loved and protected.

At first, it was great.

A good life, Noelle had always wanted for herself or even anyone.

She was pampered, extremely loved and cherished by her wonderful parents.

Noelle was adopted but it never felt like it when she stepped into that home.

Until…

The real child returned.

—

Her good memories about the past were interrupted when she heard footsteps walking to her door.

She stood up immediately and hid further into the darkness. Hiding like a wounded animal hiding from its prey.

Noelle watched keenly from the dark, awaiting for an opportunity to escape.

All this while, she has been planning her escape out of his hell hole.

She held her breath— waiting as the footsteps stopped at her door.

Anxiety kicked in.

The tension to do the impossible overwhelmed her.

Maybe it was time to fight back.

The door made a clunking sound since it was a steel door. It opened after a hard pull and light found its way through the dark.

The more the light illuminates the room, Noelle hides further.

A part of her wanted to escape even if it would cost her life.

It was better dying outside than inside this shit hole.

The other part was contemplating if it was going to be possible.

But the only way is to find out about her fate today.

A big shadow slipped into the room.

It was a man.

She recognised the man.

The same person who locked her there for 10 years.

A small fear took over her will.

It was going to be impossible to escape.

Her frail, weak body would limit her.

But, Noelle was ready to try her luck— if she had one.

With determination and a stamina she could muster in her mind, Noelle held the weapon she had made from her bed and charged at him swiftly and silently.

The man didn't know of her plans, got hit on the head which sent him to the ground.

Noelle wasted no time to confirm her strike. He wasn't moving at least before she left the room.

She took to her heels and ran as fast as she could.

Panting heavily as her mind revelled on only one thing— FREEDOM.

It was hard running through the stony stairs. The light from the bulbs made it impossible for her to see properly.

She was already used to the dark and it was quite difficult finding her way around.

Noelle made her way out of the basement with her bare feet and ragged clothes that barely covered her skin. A place that was once a prison for her.

No time to look back at the hell hole underneath the house.

It was a matter of life and death.

Noelle slowly opened the door and looked through to see if it was clear.

Luckily, there was no one passing by the hallway.

She had calculated and mapped her way out. If she can remember the way from 10 years ago, it would be less difficult for her to escape.

With one slip, Noelle was running through the hallway, finding her escape route.

Memories started rushing in.

Those happy ones, she holds dear to herself.

A solace for her sanity.

The giggles, laughters and the sweet aroma of jasmine tea which was her favourite flooded her mind.

The house was warm and colorful.

For the first time in years, she could feel how warm it was again.

But it doesn't matter anymore.

All she can focus on is her escape.

A familiar nostalgic smell hit her nostrils. Noelle sniffed as she ran, even if she can't remember the exact place, her nose was sensitive enough to figure it out for her.

The smell made her stop by a door.

Then, a memory flashed through.

She always used this door to play hide and seek with her nannies then. It was so hard to find her when she was little and the secret part is that it also leads to the back gate.

A sigh of relief left her mouth and without hesitation, she opened the door and slipped through before her captor could make his way into the hallway searching for her with a bleeding head.

Truthfully, Noelle was right.

It led her to the back gate.

Though it was locked.

Noelle decided to climb through.

There was no time to be discouraged.

If she got caught, it was going to be the end of her.

Her slender legs made it through the gate and she jumped down with one thud.

Alas!!!

Freedom.

The cold wind hit her exposed skin and hurt her feet.

It was perfect—- She muttered under her breath.

The soft soil melted away into her dirty feet giving her a warm feeling.

This was the first time she had seen the night sky and the moonlight.

Though, there wasn't enough time to reminisce about the past.

She was still in the danger zone.

Noelle took to her heels running into the dark.

A feeling she could relate to very well.

Her sight was enhanced and her sense was at its peak.

The dark made her bolder and faster as she ran in the woods to nowhere in question.

—

“She did what?” The voice asked in a thunderous voice, throwing the wine glass which shattered in front of the man.

He flinched in fear but quickly hide his emotions and returned into a stern gaze.

“She escaped—”

“And you let her leave.” The voice said again, making his way to him.

“No, she overpowered me. She had a weapon.” The man defended, holding his wounded head as evidence to his claim.

The man laughed absurdly like a maniac who just left the asylum.

His wife could only sigh when her husband did that.

“So you mean that she had a weapon? Someone who has been locked up in this house for years, strictly supervised and you are telling me that she had a WEAPON!!!” The husband yelled at him.

The room echoed to his loud audacious voice. His eyes held great frustration and disappointment .

“I will find her and bring back. She mustn't have gone far.” The man assured and walked out of the room.

“You better find her and bring her back unless you want to be 6ft to the ground!” The husband threatened.

The man known as Mr Dowell paced around the room anxiously. His hands shoved into his pockets as he tried to calm down.

Thick sweat slides down from his cheeks. Tension overwhelmed him and he couldn’t stop pacing around.

He was afraid.

Not because she escaped and might be in danger.

But because he was the one in danger.

“ David, Rowan will find her. She can't find her way anywhere. Calm down.” His wife, Rebecca assured with a weak smile.

David stopped pacing and turned his gaze to his wife who was quite frightened by his intense stare.

“Do you know what is on the line? My life— your life, infact our lives are at stake unless we give Mr Stark what he wants— OUR DAUGHTER!” He yelled at her.

“Which daughter? Don't tell me he is requesting OUR own daughter, David?” Rebecca asked with anger in her eyes.

David couldn't say anything and continued pacing around. His wife screamed at him, weeping and begging to change the offer.

She couldn't afford to lose her daughter again.

“That is why I want to give him the other ONE!” He yelled out of frustration.

“Noelle?” Rebecca asked amidst tears unable to connect the reason.

“Yes and that is why she needs to be found before next month.” He ordered and walked out of the room.

His wife, Rebecca, was stunned. She couldn't understand how it was going to be possible to handle her to him.

—

Noelle ran through the woods.

Stumbling and falling.

But it never stops her.

Just one more climb, freedom awaits for her like a child waiting for her mother on the other side.

Just one more climb— she told herself.

She grunted in pain, tiredness and climbed through the rocky hills. Her eyes lit up for the first time in a long time when she saw the road.

Freedom was finally here to take her away.

But….

Something blocked her path.

A big shadow.

A familiar voice cut through the night.

“Found you!”

Rowan stepped forward, blood dripping down his temple. A wicked smile twisting his face.

Noelle’s breath lodged in her throat. She crawled back, shaking her head, fingers clawing into the soil.

“No- no, please…”

He grabbed her arm and yanked her up effortlessly. She screamed but the woods swallowed her voice.

Her fists beat against him, her hairs scraped his skin,but nothing loosened his grip on her.

“Let me go!”

Her plea echoed, unanswered.

Rowan threw her over his shoulder like she weighed nothing.

“You should have stayed put!” He growled. “Now you are going to be in trouble with your father!”

Noelle froze.

“My father?”

The name hit her like an ice– a name she hadn't muttered in years.

The man who she once greatly admired.

“What….What does he want?” She whispered, her voice breaking.

Rowan didn't answer.

He simply walked deeper into the darkness.

And the darkness swallowed her again.

Chapter 2

The blindfold was being removed from her eyes and found herself sitting on a chair.

The bright light peered through like an evil into her eyes.

It burns — she cried out.

The maid ignored her and drew all the curtains open as the sunlight brightened the room.

Rowan left as instructed by the maiden who requested for some privacy. They made eye contact with each other as Noelle struggled with her sight.

“Noelle?” The maid called, leaning close to her.

The stench from her made her wriggle her nose.

“Please, let me go.” Noelle begged, trying to see the woman in front of her.

“I can't. I am here to make sure you are okay and — presentable.” The maid said after taking a good look at her.

The maid stood up and went to the drawer to pull out some clothes.

Noelle’s vision was getting adjusted to life and for the first time again, she recognised her old room.

Her best place in this house.

Strangely, her old things were still in place but new things had been added.

It wasn't a 15 years old room anymore but a full fledged adult room with pictures, posters and weird stickers she couldn't recognise yet.

Everything was still strange to her.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she stood up from the chair and moved around the room.

Happiness filled her heart as she couldn't believe that it was possible for her to be in her room again.

She limped to her book shelves, observing and paying attention to something. Then, she saw it.

Her favorite book then.

Alice in Wonderland.

A fantasy she had always lived on.

Noelle picked up the dusty book and cleaned it like her life depended on it.

It was the only thing that made her truly happy in this house.

The old book was carefully cleaned properly by her as she brought it close to her chest.

The nostalgic feelings overwhelmed her again.

An old memory flashed through and she remembered when her mother usually read this to her when she was still little— her real mother.

A tear slipped down and landed on her arm which made her realise something.

For the first time again, her tears were warm, not cold this time around.

It gave her a satisfying feeling as she tugged hard on the book with a smile on her face.

“Noelle?”

Her eyes opened abruptly like time had started working again.

She was reminded that it was all a dream and reality was waiting for her.

“Noelle, time to have your bath. Your father wants to see you.” The maid said to her, almost in a loud voice to get her full attention.

“What did you say? Father?” Noelle asked when she faced her with her book still plunged to her chest.

“Yes. He is in the living room. The whole family is waiting for you downstairs and we mustn't keep them waiting.”The maid informed and displayed a pretty gown on the well spread bed.

“I don't understand! What am I doing here? What family? They abandoned me and locked me up for years. The only thing I know is how to escape this shit hole.” Noelle flared up for the first time in 10 years.

The maid watched her with awe and confusion. She was just here to do her job. No question asked lest her job is being taken from her.

“But—you can't escape with that bad leg.” The maid reminded, pointing to her swollen ankle.

Noelle realised and looked down, remembering the aching pain on her leg. It was impossible to make it out of this place and the security must have been heightened in case she escaped.

With defeat, Noelle sat on the floor.

She was careful not to sit on the bed.

Not because she was stinky or dirty.

But because she felt unworthy.

Besides, it was never ours to begin with.

The maid noticed that vulnerability and sat close to her. The maid might not know anything, but one thing was clear. She could see through her pains.

“You know, there is a saying that for you to understand your enemy, you will have to live with your enemy.” The maid advised her and this only made her puzzled.

“Why are you telling me that? I want to leave this place and not stay here. You don't understand. I was being held down by these people. They never loved me.They used me and locked me up. I can't possibly trust them. All my life there, I have prayed for my freedom and I almost got it. Please, you have to help me leave here, please!” Noelle explained and begged her earnestly.

Tears filled her eyes in the process.

The maid saw her sincerity, her pains and fears but this was beyond her power.

There was nothing much she could offer to her except her needs.

“I can't—”

“Please!”

“It is too dangerous. They are watching.” The maid mouthed silently and pointed to the door.

It was obvious that Rowan was at the door waiting for them.

Noelle realised that she was already done for.

The best thing was to lay low until an opportunity springs up again.

She took a deep breath, analysing her situation, her escape plans which had failed and the uncertainty about her future.

It was evident that her future now lies in their hands.

One thing she was curious about is to see her parents once again.

She wanted to see how they would react in front of her.

Fear?

Disgust?

Anger?

Guilt?

Noelle was curious to find out.

She looked at the maid, really looked and for a second, she saw something flicker in the woman's expression.

Fear?

Warning?

Or a secret?

Noelle spoke with determination in her voice.

“Then make me pretty and powerful.”

The maid loved her audacity and smiled deeply.

“That can be arranged.”

A faint creaking came from the hallway.

Someone had moved.

Someone is listening.

Chapter 3

The whole family gathered at the dinning room, awaiting for her arrival.

Their long lost daughter.

The one who they thought wasn't useful anymore.

Father had an anxious face.

Mother had a calm face but she was deeply curious to see her again.

Her sister was uninterested but her spite was evident in her expression.

They waited.

Waited until they saw her walking down from the stairs.

Graceful as before.

Beautiful despite the harsh treatment under the basement.

Slim, slender legs that were exposed to reveal her bruises, scars and shame.

She wanted to show them what they had done to her.

She wore a red gown that showed her arms and legs. An evidence of their wickedness on her skin.

Her frail body walked effortlessly despite the swelling on her feet.

Her brown hair went flowing to her back. Ten years in prison was enough to make her hair grow longer.

The maid known as Lily did her job very well to change Noelle from before into a woman with power.

Her aura filled the room as they were stunned to see her looking so different than they expected.

It was shocking but no one had the boldness to ask.

They saw her scars.

Scars that have been inflicted over the years.

Noelle caught their eyes on her body. A deadly smile appeared on her face slightly.

They felt her strong presence and it was uncomfortable as she stepped down from the stairs.

The silence was so sharp that a pin could be heard when it touched the ground.

David let out a fake smile and walked up to her. His eyes lit in relief when he saw that she was the perfect prey.

“My daughter!” He cooed deeply, smiling and reached out for her hand but Noelle was quick to withdraw back.

Immediately she heard that word. Her anger rose. Her breath became heavy and all she wanted was to lashed out but she held herself.

This wasn’t the time— she muttered under her breath.

Don't give them what they want– she told herself and let out a big smile.

He noticed but kindly hid with a dry laughter that almost ruined the moment.

“Why am I here?” Noelle asked in boldness and walked past him.

She headed for the dinning as the sweet aroma of jasmine tea hit her nostrils.

This was something she couldn't resist.

A taste would be delightful on her tongue.

“We have forgiven you, my child.” Rebecca spoke softly. Her face held pretences and hints of disgust which she perfectly hid with a fake smile.

“Oh, finally. You even made me my favourite tea.” Noelle replied and walked over to the table.

The aroma of the sumptuous meal in different varieties made her mouth water.

She couldn't stop staring at the chicken on the platter.

Rebecca noticed her drooling and chuckled slightly. She knew that Noelle loves chicken so much.

“Do you want some? I made them for you.” She intruded with her sharp voice.

Noelle realised that it was a trap and shifted her gaze to Rebecca who returned the gesture with a mocking smile.

“No, thank you. I am fine.” Noelle lied and took a seat as before.

Her own seat was replaced by her sister who couldn't stop gawking at her.

The whole atmosphere was awkward and everyone was on their toes. No one knew what was going on in her mind.

“Let's have breakfast, shall we?” David spoke, trying to break the tension a bit.

“Good! I am starving. Being locked up must have made me so hungry.” Noelle smiled sharply and looked at all of them.

Their reaction was something that gave her joy.

They were confused.

Their plan was to see her vulnerabilities but instead she was here to see them being vulnerable in front of her.

It was obvious that they needed something from her and she can't wait to find out.

The maidens took turns to serve them food. Her sister, Calise, watched her with hatred. She couldn't pretend and decided to taunt her on the table.

“Is it enough? I bet that you don't see this kind of food in your cage, right?”

Noelle laughed softly and replied to her.

“You are right. I was trained to eat moderately. Our mother taught me very well. Isn't that right, MOM?” Her eyes moved to her mother who almost choked on the water in her mouth.

Calise got pissed immediately and rolled her eyes in anger. They both looked at Rebecca who was caught in their quarrel.

“Urm— yeah. It was our way of training her to be a good woman.” She replied immediately, stuttering in the process.

Calise was so angry and flared out.

“How can you all be dumb? Why did you bring her here? she is supposed to rot under the basement. Why is she having breakfast with us? Mom? Dad? What is going on?”

Noelle was calm as she munched on her food with joy.

Her father, who couldn't bear the noise, slammed the table with his fist.

Anger was written all over his face.

“Can’t we have one nice meal as a family?” He asked between gritted teeth.

“Dad!!!”

“Silence!” He growled at her and her face went sour.

“In this house, everyone will listen to me and obey my command. So can we eat now?” He thundered and everyone started eating in silence.

Noelle watched, observed as she ate. This was the best feeling she had felt in a long time.

But deep down, she was worried.

Whatever is going on that needs her must be so big and important, even dangerous.

She decided to use the silence as an opportunity to find out the truth.

“I know that I am here for something big.”

They all raised their heads in her direction.

Wondering. Deciphering her thoughts.

“Don’t worry. I don't know the details but I am not in a rush to find out.” She scoffed hard and drank her tea.

“What do you mean, child?” Rebecca asked in pretense. They need to know how much information she knows.

“Have you forgotten when you threw me into that cell? I was no longer needed. Remember when Calise fell ill and my blood helped her— I think it was three years ago if I can count.”

“That is a good thing. You saved your sister's life then.” David chipped in.

Noelle smiled with hate, already paranoid by the whole ordeal three years ago. She was being threatened to give out her blood for her freedom but in the end, it was all a lie. A tool meant to be used when needed.

“Don't allow her to gloat about that. Everything about her irritates me and I have to live with the fact that her blood runs through my veins.” Calise said with disgust.

“But I did save your life.” Noelle attacked her with words. Her eyes shut dead at her.

Calise got pissed and defended herself immediately.

“You were my last choice. I chose death over your blood but my lovely parents couldn't accept the fact and came to you. So it is your loss for being used again.”

Noelle was hurt and this got her angry. She couldn't hide her emotions. Her eyes glared at Calise who knew she had gotten her where it hurts.

“Hurt, right?”

“Calise, stop it!” Her mother warned.

“Mom, let me put her back in her place. She is so disgusting and I can still smell her filth from over here.” Calise flared out and covered her nose.

“Calise!!!”Her father yelled at her which shocked her. Her father who cherishes and loves her just raised his voice at her.

His eyes held immediate regret but the deed had already been done.

Calise, disappointed, got up and ran out of the room. She was so angry at her parents for defending a stranger over her.

Her mother followed her immediately, leaving her husband and Noelle who was eating her meal peacefully.

It was still awkward to talk.

So they both ate in silence.

Noelle was done eating and stood up, heading for the basement.

“Where are you going?” He asked with surprise.

Noelle stopped midway and replied to him dryly.

“To my room.”

“What?”

“Or aren't we done with breakfast?” She asked to taunt him.

“You have a room. You can stay there.” He informed him.

“Oh, that means I must be so important right now.” Noelle attacked him.

He was flustered and couldn't say anything. Her gaze pierced through him and looking at her without knowing her intentions was deadly.

All he knew is that he needed her alive.

“Go to your room. Me and your mother have something to discuss with you.” He announced and her eyes sparkled with curiosity.

“Finally! I was waiting for the next task. Is it my blood this time or my other potential because I need to prepare very well to give a good result.” She taunted heavily. The spite in her tone made him fearful.

He can't spoil the chance to fix the problem in his hands.

Noelle is the only one who can fix this mess.

“We will let you know.” David replied shamefully and his head bent to the ground.

“Good. I will be waiting.” Noelle replied and climbed the stairs heading to her former room.

A deep sigh left her mouth as she walked wobbly to the room because of her swollen ankle which was paining her so bad.

Inside her room, she sat by the door frame.

Lost in thought.

Did she get some payback?

No.

She was still hurt, miserable and angry.

The only family she loved and cared about was still treating her like a tool after all they did to her.

She couldn't hold back the tears and cried herself in pity as the memories from the basement returned.

A part of her wished it was better to rot inside that dark room than face humiliations from the outside world.

A sudden click echoed from the other side of the door. She froze.

Who…? She said, her voice low but alerted.

The handle rattled but the door didn't open. A folded piece of paper slipped under the door. She saw it and picked it up.

She opened and saw a message. It was short and had her father’s handwriting.

“ Tonight. Come alone. Study room.”

Her heart skipped a beat.

Alone?

Noelle’s hands trembled slightly as she unfolded the paper again. Somewhere deep inside, a chill ran down her spine.

Whatever awaited her tonight— it wasn't going to be just another meal.