Page 112 of Caressed By Sin
An enchanted garden was planted in the center. Magical plants bloomed with red, white, and purple flowers that had green and white leaves. Butterflies and chirping birds darted and fluttered between the flowers. Sparks flickered and glowed whenever the creatures touched a petal.
It was all an illusion. In certain light, the birds and butterflies faded to nothing but sparks of color. The light from the lamps sparkled on the walls and stone as if thousands of fireflies had been captured and put into the walls to glow.
I stepped out of Zoe’s grip and tip toed to the next section.
Azar and Zoe followed.
In one part, alphabet letters covered two large walls. The room smelled of baby powder. Toys littered the floor—dolls and wooden blocks, trucks and teddy bears.
An aquarium took up another wall, giving off a soft blue light. The fourth wall was made of glass so that bidders could observe the children as they played.
Every few months, Adae let me see Jade. I could never come up to or touch her. I was only allowed to watch her through the viewing glass.
Once I had walked in on tons of sorcerers bidding for a small Elvin kid. Rage had bubbled in my veins. I'd wanted to kill every bidder in the space, but knew I didn't have the power to do so.
Later, I never knew who Adae auctioned the child to. I only noticed the kid was no longer there. My heart had ached at the horrific realization.
I wish I could save them all. Maybe, one day.
I headed to where I remembered the beds were located.
The floor was smooth, shiny like glass, and molded into intricate shapes. Above us, a domed glass ceiling displayed thousands of shining stars.
This part of the nursery consisted of tons of ornate canopy beds filled with sleeping children lined up like boats in a harbor. A few rocking horses stood in the corner.
I tiptoed around several children as they lay fast asleep. Their little bodies were tucked safely under covers.
Damn you, Adae. How could you be an angel and exploit so many kids?
I hoped that Adae would never experience God's grace. It wouldn't be enough to weaken Lilith and Lucifer's army, Adae would have to truly show God that he had love and hope within him.
Clearly, he didn't understand the true idea of compassion.
Azar raced to the only door in the nursery and cast a spell. It was supposed to keep the guards from opening the door. He'd explained before we got to the castle that his spell casting wasn't as strong as most sorcerers but it could delay many, and give us enough time to escape.
Where are you, baby?
Silently, I searched each bed for my daughter. It was a torturous hunt. A few times, I had to softly pull back to the sheets and spot an adorable face that surely missed their parents.
So far, I hadn't found Jade.
Please. . .where are you, baby?
Sadness seeped into my pores. My heart hurt with a physical ache that pushed out against my chest until it felt like my ribs would crack from the pressure. Each breath I took turned shallow, as if it were the last.
A door opened in the corner—one I didn't know existed.
Azar blurred to my side with his sword out.
Dust exploded around Zoe.
Bessie stepped inside with a worried expression.
I let out a long breath, rushed to her, and gave Bessie a big hug. “Where is Jade?”
“No, Fatou. You must go.” She stepped back and shook her face. “I came here to warn you. Adae is already sending guards down here. He thinks you’re going to try and get Jade tonight.”
“I am.”
