Chapter 9

If the muzzle had not been holding Aless's jaw, she was sure it would have fallen off. There was a thick silence as everyone looked at Aless, including Dominic and the man from the hall. Both seemed completely stupefied. Alessandra wanted the floor to eat her alive for her embarrassment and she barely managed to slide a look sideways to Kayla. Kay was focused on the buyers, yet it appeared as if she was suppressing some emotion.

At long last, Dominic cleared his throat and addressed the audience.

"Well, as you can see our group is very diverse and full of only the best. Now the slaves shall be put into separate viewing rooms and shall be available for the rest of the day. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask me. If not, we shall show you to your rooms and the halls that possess the entertainment for tonight."

In perfect order, the slaves were led out of the room, past the audience and Dominic. When Aless drew level with Dominic and passed him, his eyes shot to her and Aless had to pretend not to notice. His look was deadly, but not with anger. It was a look Aless could not identify. She quickly concentrated on the floor. Her neck felt hot and her cheeks burned. There was never a time in life that Alessandra had ever felt so chagrin.

Her guard pushed her out into the hallway with the rest of the slaves. Yet when they reached an intersection in the hallway, Aless was forced left while the rest were force right. Bemused, Aless glanced back at the rest of the slaves, including Kayla.

"Where are we going?"

"You have a special viewing room assigned to you. It is this way."

"Why am I being separated from the rest?"

"I don't know. I'm just following orders."

They walked in silence for a while before Aless spoke again.

"Did you have to tell the world I'm a virgin?"

Kyler chuckled, but then controlled himself.

"You should be thanking me. Your value just skyrocketed."

"Ever think that I didn't want to be sold to the highest bidder? I would have preferred less attention."

"One thing I have learned in my years in this business, babe, is that you want to be with the ones who have the money, not the ones who scrape the barrel. If they pay more money, they will treat you better because it cost them so much, they'd hate to damage you. The bottom scrappers know that no one else wants you so they buy you cheap and treat you like crap."

In an odd way it made sense. Aless grumbled in defeat and kept walking in silence. They walked for a long time and the hallway became dark and musty. The skin on Aless's arms crawled as she looked around.

"Where are we?"

"This is just another part of the building. This room shall do. I was told to do it a good walk from the others. I think we will forget where you are if we go any farther."

Alessandra wasn't sure if Kyler was kidding or not, but she thought it was better not to ask. He led her in and she was surprised to see chains that were bolted to the floor already waiting for her. The guard secured her before removing the old braces. The new chains allowed her to walk a little and raise her arms. That was it. With the muzzle and neck brace off Aless sighed and rolled her neck out. It felt so nice. Kyler watched her for a moment before going to stand outside.

Waiting silently, Aless paced around and grew antsy as time passed. Finally, she just sat on the floor and closed her eyes. She was tired from standing around all day and the chains always took a toll on her. Soon Aless was nodding off and then she was asleep. In her dreams, she heard the creaking of a door and then there was a heavy weight on her. Struggling, Aless couldn't see what it was that was on top of her, until she realized it wasn't a dream.

Eyes snapping open, Alessandra saw Dominic kneeling over her, his arms and legs straddling her, but he was not touching her. His face was too close to her and his lips smiled sadistically. She was pinned to the ground by his body and the chains made it difficult to move.

"Dominic," she gasped.

Rolling to her back, Aless tried to create space between them.

"Is that why you would not join my bed, my dear Ale?" his voice was soft and tender. "You were afraid. You didn't know what to expect? You should have told me. I would have understood. I would have been gentle."

"What are you talking about?"

"You are a Cat's child. I never would have guessed. It is so rare to find one nowadays at your age. I should have known by the way you flee my touch. You aren't scared of me. You are scared of being with me. It is very cute. I always wondered why, despite your boldness, you seemed so innocent. Now I know."

"I did not turn you down because I'm a virgin, Dominic. I turned you down because I would never ever sleep with you."

He chuckled and stroked her cheek.

"My Ale, you don't know what it is like to be pleased by a man. Once you do, you will want it again and again. You will want me."

The idea repulsed Alessandra and she had to look away. Bile was in her throat and she had to swallow it carefully.

"My beautiful Ale, you are so much more than I ever thought possible. Such lily among Cattails. I know how special you are. It is because you are special that I am going to give you something. Three wishes."

Aless looked at him and stifled a sneer. Surely, he was kidding.

"Three wishes?"

"Favors, wishes, demands, whatever you want to call them."

His hand slid to her left thigh to where the three scars from their first meeting were. He laid three of his fingers over the lines.

"Three wishes…whatever you want…whenever you want for your entire life. But only three. Once they are gone, they are gone, and I can do as I please."

"Anything?"

"Anything."

"Could I wish to be out of here and returned home with Kayla?"

"You could."

"Then…"

He pulled out his knife and placed it perpendicular to the first cut, lowest one on her thigh. She stopped. She didn't want him to cut her.

"And give us clothes and food?"

"You can only have one 'and' per wish, but that could be your first and second. You just have to say it."

Dominic smiled wickedly, and Ale thought for a moment. There was something wrong here.

"Wait, I get three wishes for the rest of my life, but when I use them all that's it? What does that mean?"

"It means that you cannot ask me for any favors or sparing. I mean you may ask but I don't have to and probably won't comply."

"So basically you could take us home and then take us back again?"

"Yes."

"You are going to manipulate the loop holes, aren't you?"

He beamed at Aless, the knife running softly up and down her leg.

"You'd still let the hunters bid for us?"

Again he just smiled. This wasn't the time to use the "wishes." It would be a waste. She couldn't even think straight. With the blade and Dominic so closer her mind was clouded by panic. Dominic was hoping she would waste them. Aless thought of all the ways to wish for safety and immunity, but three wishes wouldn't cover all the possible bases.

"Could I wish for more wishes?"

"No."

His smile faltered a little and the knife nicked her inner thigh. Sucking in air, Aless closed her eyes in a twinge of pain. Dominic groaned at her expression and kissed her neck, moving down slowly.

There was a knocking at the door and Aless and Dominic looked at it. Dominic quickly stood and ran his hand over his hair to smooth it. His mask was back on and he was the perfect businessman. Aless hated when the mask was off. He terrified her.

"Yes?"

"Madame Niánqīng is here to view the slave, sir," Kyler called through the door.

Dominic frowned. He had been sure that no one would travel this far down to find the girl, especially after seeing her chained up like a rabid bear. Brushing himself off, he snarled at Aless to stand up. As soon as she was standing, he opened the door to an old bird like woman.

Madame Niánqīng was younger than she looked, but she was still very old. Her back was straight as a rail and she walked with a silver cane. She was partial to hitting people with it. The skin that folded in wrinkles on her body was like leather. Despite her aged appearance, she still managed to look regal. Her sharp pale-blue eyes watched everything and she didn't miss the terrified look on the young slave girl.

The slave girl was a pretty thing, even if she was a little thin. Faint bruises tinted her skin, but few would notice that. The man in front of her was obviously cruel to the girl, even if he did smile like a prince charming. Madame Niánqīng was not averse to hitting her slaves, but there was a limit and it only occurred when necessary. A hurting slave was only so useful. By the girl's defensive stance, however, Madame Niánqīng knew that Aless was not afraid of being hit, but rather of this man touching her.

"Madame Niánqīng," Dominic purred serenely and managed a little bow.

"Master Dúcái, I hope there is a good reason you are hiding this girl so far from the other slaves."

"It was just by accident. The guard was confused on the instructions and I didn't want to waste time trying to relocate her."

"Hmmm."

His hungry glance did not slip by Madame Niánqīng as he looked back at the girl. The girl showed no emotion except blank surrender. Madame Niánqīng walked over to Alessandra and examined her.

The bruises danced across her skin lightly and Madame Niánqīng could feel the man hovering close. He was not happy she had found her way there. It kind of gave Madame Niánqīng a pleasurable sensation. Dominic was suddenly standing behind Alessandra, his hand was light on her shoulder, but Aless winced as if he was crushing it.

"What would you like to know about Alessandra, Madame Niánqīng?" he smiled.

His index finger slowly and lightly rubbed Aless's skin. He thought Madame Niánqīng was too old to notice. Dominic couldn't believe this old bat had found his Ale. If she could then the others would too. Maybe he would take up Mistress Yìguó on her offer with a condition of his own.

Narrowing her eyes, Madame Niánqīng decided she did not like Mr. Dúcái. He was slimy and smooth like her first husband. Charming and handsome with a soul as violent and unpredictable as a rabid dog. His fingers were cold against Aless's burning flesh and Aless tried to focus on something else.

"What are your grades like? Do you have any strengths?" Madame Niánqīng asked Aless.

Positioning herself in front of Aless, Madame Niánqīng drew Aless's attention to her.

"She was among the top ten percent in her school," Dominic started but Madame Niánqīng cut him off.

"I was asking her, Mr. Dúcái."

Dominic closed his mouth, but his hand tightened painfully on Aless. Fighting back a wince, Aless raised her eyes and met Madame Niánqīng's.

"I received mostly As. I had some difficulty with science, mostly chemistry. I was very good in English, History and Math. My foreign languages were okay, but nothing to brag about."

"That is impressive. Have you ever tutored?"

"Yes, I would tutor underclassmen in my high school. I was the most recommended tutor in my school."

Madame Niánqīng raised her eyebrow.

"No lack of confidence, I see."

Aless half smiled and stood proudly.

"Merely honest."

Nodding Madame Niánqīng looked at the girl again. She had a lot more spunk than Madame Niánqīng had originally thought. Alessandra was a very intelligent girl with a smart mouth. Madame Niánqīng was reminded of her second husband. He had been such a lover. Standing before Madame Niánqīng stood two people who reminded her of the past. It was then that she couldn't help but wonder who would win.

"You seem to have a strong body, despite the beatings you have received," Madame Niánqīng continued.

She did not even bother to look up at Dominic, who quickly covered a frown. She grabbed Aless's hands and analyzed them.

"You must be from a very well to do family. Your hands are well taken care of. You must have never worked a day in your life."

Suppressing a wince and yelp from the pain in her left wrist, Alessandra took a steadying breath before answering.

"My family is a very prosperous one, but I have worked. I have held several jobs. I was raised to respect hard workers."

"No need to get defensive. I mean you have never done physical labor. You are much more of a house slave. Do you know how to cook, clean, wash clothes?"

"Yes. I would say I'm a fairly good cook and I took care of the house back home."

"Your mother taught you?"

Aless's face went solemn.

"My mother passed away when I was seven. I took over the responsibilities of the house after that."

"Hmmm…you lack feminine guidance and training then."

Aless bristled, though she said nothing. Madame Niánqīng pondered for a second as she looked over Aless. It was hard to pass up such a wonderful and well-educated slave, but Madame Niánqīng was not into taking slaves of the upper class. It seemed wrong to her to possess slaves taken from good families. Children off the streets or the ones living in poverty were fine because they would be better off as a slave anyways, but a slave like this one….

"I shall bid on this one," Madame Niánqīng told Dominic.

His hungry eyes were fixed on Aless the whole time she and Aless had talked.

Then Madame Niánqīng thought to herself, "If only to get her away from you."

Dominic called for the guard and told him to lead Madame Niánqīng to the biding room.

"There you can bid on all the slaves you want," Dominic informed Madame Niánqīng.

His hand never left Aless.

"Very good," Madame Niánqīng nodded.

Madame Niánqīng followed the guard without a backwards glance. She decided she really didn't like Mr. Dúcái, not even a little.

Once the door snapped shut behind Madame Niánqīng, Dominic's hand tightened on Aless's shoulder. His teeth ran against her neck and Alessandra froze in a fresh wave of terror. It was exhausting being scared all the time.

"You were perfect, my Ale. She loved you. She will pay a high price to have you."

"I do not care! I want to go home. I am not property."

"So young and idealistic. Almost all people are property to someone."

"Are you?"

Dominic paused then smiled slightly.

"No. I am one of the few exceptions."

"So am I."

"I beg to differ, my Ale"

"Stop calling me that."

Pain radiated in her mind as Dominic tore her head back and his knife lay against her throat. A growl rolled from his lips.

"Do not tell me what to do, my Ale. You know I do not take to it well and I would hate to have to dispose of you. Understand?"

Aless said nothing. She was debating about whether or not she should risk a smart comment or a refusal. The way the blade cut at her neck, Aless assumed it would not be wise.

"My Ale, I know you do not value your own life, but think of Kayla. Do you want to leave her to travel alone?"

Coldness crept into Alessandra. He was right. She couldn't leave Kay alone. Kay wouldn't last a day.

"I understand."

"You understand what?"

"I understand, master."

"Good girl, my Ale. See life doesn't have to be as hard as you make it. It could be easier, you know."

He pressed close to her and let the knife tip run down her body. Not daring to move, Aless held her breath. Dominic had such an odd obsession with knives.

"I'd say I'd like to make you mine, my Ale, but you already are mine."

"Don't you ever get tired of this same scenario?"

Dominic froze. His temper was creeping up and he had to keep it in check. The buyers were here and a dead slave did him little good, especially one as valuable as her.

As if in response to his thoughts, there was a knock at the door. Another buyer. Damn. He stepped away from her and told them to come in. Master Him walked in looking about curiously. Dominic greeted them warmly and introduced them to Aless. They studied Alessandra carefully, examining her body in every way. Aless blushed as they touched her, but said nothing. The men never once addressed her. They only talked to Dominic.

He, for the most part, got along better with them than with Madame Niánqīng. Dominic kindly held Aless as they inspected her, pointing out her different features readily to them. It was just an excuse to flex his muscles and show Aless who was in control. Alessandra tried to remain calm, yet she couldn't help but gasp when he grabbed her chest in the excuse of proving they were real. Chuckling, Dominic held them longer than necessary. It didn't take much to convince Master Him and his associates that they wanted to bid on Aless.

After Master Him came some men that Aless guessed were from Sӕloun. Their visit was quick and ended when Aless snapped at one. He was treating her like a horse and inspecting her teeth. Dominic back handed her so hard she felt her jaw jar. He apologized profusely and they forgave him. However, they decided even if she was a Cat's child, they didn't have time to break her in.

Hammond Apeulika found her to be amusing though. He came with his companions as Sӕlounians were leaving and had seen Aless bite at one of them. Master Apeulika said she was like a wild horse and he decided to bid on her.

"Strong women make strong babies," Master Apeulika told her as he held her chin in his massive hands.

His voice was deep and rumbled like an earthquake.

"They can also handle their men in bed better."

"Is that all the men here want from a female slave?" Aless couldn't help but snarl.

He laughed and shook his head.

"No, little girl. Sӕlounian men look for smugglers and seamstresses. Women are easier to smuggle with. The Nᵫlgᵫn and Alᵫmdaun men usually look for prostitutes. The women look for someone to take care of their children. We look for workers and teachers, but if you are lucky you may share my bed."

"That all sounds a little discriminatory."

"It is the way it is for now. Maybe they have changed since the last time. Some of these men do not treat their women well, so be happy that I cannot pass up such a strong mare. We shall place a bid."

"Be happy? Why?"

"I would never hit a woman or abuse a woman. I only make pleasure for them."

Aless raised her eyebrow and he laughed. Nodding to Dominic, Master Apeulika left with his men. Dominic followed to talk more about separate business. Aless was glad to be alone. She took a short nap and tried stretching some.

It was in the middle of a stretch that the next buyer came into the room. There was a soft chuckle and Alessandra turned to see the man from the hall. He was a very good-looking man when he smiled, but otherwise he was average. Still, there was something about him that was familiar.

"Alessandra, I presume?" he said.

His men came in behind him and formed a semi-circle around her. The guard was not in the room as he was supposed to be. When Dominic had left with Master Apeulika, he instructed Kyler that she was not to be alone with the buyers. It didn't take much to guess Kyler had been paid off.

"How long did you pay him to leave?" she asked with a sigh.

"Clever lassie," the man smiled.

His eyes transfixed on her, but he never answered the question. The more Aless stared at his eyes, the more she was sure something was off about them. They were a gray-green, but it didn't feel right. Like they weren't the right color. Yet that was impossible.

"Yup, I'm a real smartie."

"I can tell."

The man strode up to Aless, grabbing her chin and turning her head this way and that. His grip was careful, not painful. He examined her bruises and clucked his tongue. Adjusting his eyes, the man fine-tuned his vision to see ever small mark on her body. The number of bruises, minute scars, and skin pebbling were almost overwhelming. Diving deeper, his vision tunneled and saw anomalies in the way her bones sat under her skin, suggesting fractions and breaks that healed poorly.

"They don't seem to know how to treat their slaves here. Or maybe you cause problems. None of the other slaves are this bruised up."

"They just like me more, I guess."

"I can see."

Aless froze as the man's free hand went to her inner thigh. The man studied her face with his gift as he did. No matter how she tried to hide it, his vision picked up the faintest traces of flush in her cheeks, the tightening her jaw and neck muscles all as his hand got to the top of her inner thigh. There was no doubt in his mind that this girl was a virgin. It made him chuckle a little.

Sliding his hand to her outer thigh and up to her waist, the man decided not to play with her too much. It seemed cruel now that he knew the truth.

"Would you like to know my name, lassie?" he asked with a teasing smile.

"What the hell, go ahead," Aless said flatly as if bored, yet the man saw the slightest raise in the pulse in her artery.

Did the girl find him attractive?

"I am Jᴔnsa. Cahan Jᴔnsa and these are my best men," he said, flashing his cocky smile, the one he knew women loved.

Again, his eyes started to pick up faint tins of flush in her cheeks, but then something strange happened. His vision seemed to warble and fuzz like a back connection. Yet what was strange was that it was only Alessandra that warbled and fuzzed. The rest of his vision was fine. Blinking, confused, he almost missed what she said.

"Nice to meet you, though I really would have preferred if you had let me go earlier," Aless half smiled, half sighed.

"But then I'd never have gotten to be with you right now."

One of the men moved behind her, restraining her by her arms. Aless let out a startled cry and struggled a little. Jᴔnsa placed a hand on her head and told her to stop.

"Stop wasting your energy, lassie. We aren't going to hurt you. We are merely looking. Trying to figure out the best use for you."

"Dominic wouldn't like you touching me," she snarled threateningly.

Why she invoked Dominic, Aless had no idea. It made it sound like he was her keeper.

"On a first name basis with him, eh? I'm sure there is a lot ol' Dominic wouldn't like, but he ain't here. Anyways I can tell you don't like him anymore than you like me."

He was right and Alessandra answered with a deep frown. Cahan knew he was right. At the very mention of Dominic's name, he could she her chest rise and fall in sharper, more rapid breaths, her pupils constricted to tight pinpricks, and her the chords of her neck tightened. These were all details only he could see though, which made him feel better. His gift was fine. The weird thing that had happened just a moment before had to be a symptom of his exhaustion. They had literally just arrived from a ten-hour flight.

A part of Aless was grateful that Cahan could tell she didn't like Dominic. Cahan's moved his hand from her head to her neck, touching the raw skin on her neck before trailing his hand down to her left wrist. It was still mildly swollen. Dominic had thrown away her splint over a month ago. It hadn't really worked anymore anyways after being ripped off her wrist repeatedly during her punishments. Tisking, Cahan shook his head and pulled something out of his pocket.

"This brace should help it heal better," he sighed.

With the upmost care, Cahan wrapped a medical brace around her wrist. He sent one of his men out to a local doctor he knew as soon as the introductions were over. It pleased him to his guess about her wrist size had been correct. At first Aless wanted to cry in pain but then it ebbed and faded. In a moment her felt almost normal. Aless didn't know what to say. She just looked at her wrist then back at Cahan. He smiled almost sweetly as he took a step back. Appraising her, Cahan's eyes trailed to her legs and saw the small trail of blood on her inner thigh. Bending down, he kneeled in front of Aless and pulled her leg forward. Violet, Aless tried to pull it back, but Cahan held tight. Licking his finger, Cahan rubbed away the blood. The source was small nick and, after he cleaned the wound, it stopped bleeding. His fingers ran over the three lines and looked up her curiously.

"Three lines? What could they be for?" he inquired.

Aless said nothing and gritted her teeth. Cahan didn't mind. The question had been rhetorical. His hands held her thigh firmly and he looked up at her almost in a pitying fashion. Anger bubbled inside of her. How dare he gaze at her with such pitying look! He was a pig and monster. His kindness was worse than Dominic's cruelty. At least Dominic's cruelty was real. His kindness was fake. Not to mention there was just something about him that was so familiar that it was beginning to drive Alessandra crazy. Standing, his hand slid to her cheek and he sighed.

"Such a waste of such a pretty girl. I would hate to pass you by, but I can't think of little to do with you."

"We could always add her to the workhouses," the one holding her said. "Many men would pay a pretty scrap for her."

Cahan's eyes snapped to him and narrowed. The man shut his lips tight and Aless could feel his grip tighten and his palms sweat. The now visible lines around Cahan's mouth told of a terrible temper.

"Does this girl look like the type for that work?"

"No, sir. Sorry, sir."

"She is a lady. Aren't you, Ms. Aless?"

"Glad someone recognizes it."

"So modest too!"

"Hey, my daddy didn't raise no liar."

"Such a mouth."

"It's my best part."

"Would you like to put it to better use?"

"What about me being a lady?"

"I only offer such things to ladies. Anything less is beneath me."

"Wow, so modest!"

"My mama didn't raise no liar either."

They stared in a dead lock, both trying to make the other look away. Cahan was intrigued by her open disrespect and lack of self-preservation. Her friend had been so weak and eager to please. Of course, there had been a guard there. Maybe her friend knew whatever happened would get back to Dominic. The girl, Kayla, had been pretty enough, but so fake in her affections. He couldn't stand fake women. Cahan knew her type; Alessandra was different.

"I guess I'll have to consider if you're worth the money. I don't need to waste it on something as untrained as you."

Turning his back to Aless, Cahan smiled at her intake of breath. She was proud. That was obvious. Cahan recognized the haughty angle of her face the first time they met. It was the same angle his mother had always accused him of having. Aless knew she had been insulted. She bristled and lashed out with her tongue.

"Even if you bid on me, you'd never catch me. I'm not stupid enough to be caught by you."

Freezing to the spot, Cahan turned and raised an eyebrow at her. His lips twitched as he blocked his rage. He had always possessed an extremely short fuse, which Aless had quickly guessed. She didn't have his gift, but Aless was good at reading people. And she had guessed from the haughty angle and the faint lines of his face that he had a nasty temper. The quick to laugh are usually quick to lash, her grandmother had always said.

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me. I'm not stupid enough to be caught by you. I know that much."

"You think you are better than me? You think that a cheap, stupid girl like you could escape me, Cahan Jᴔnsa?"

Despite knowing that provoking him was stupid, Alessandra couldn't help herself. Something about him was causing this strange reaction in her body. For some reasons, she wanted to make him made. She wanted to push him away and not for the same reason she wanted to push Dominic away.

"Just a minute ago I was a lady. Guess you're all talk, so yeah, easier than getting a dog to chase its tail."

Cahan went a vivid plum color and his Alᵫmdaun accent seemed to become heavier.

"Well now lassie, you think you're so much better than us, Alᵫmdaun? You're just the perfect little princess?"

"No, I don't think I'm better than an Alᵫmdaun. But I know I'm better than you."

Before Aless could blink, Cahan was in her face. With his companion behind her, she was unable to take a step back. Wearily, his companions fidgeted. They all knew Cahan's temper.

"You best be careful about what you say to the man who could own you, lassie. I can make your life hell."

"My life already is hell. What more could you do?"

His eyes sparkled and he grinned broadly.

"I could do a lot of things, lassie. Things that you would never even dream of. Things that would make you wish you were still here in this hell hole."

"Bring it on, Jᴔnsa. I don't have anything to lose."

Grabbing the front of her boy shorts, he snarled at her, "Oh, I think you do."

Tossing her hair back, Alessandra tried to sneer, but failed. Her eyes danced as she put on a brave front.

"Don't touch me. I am not your property."

"You know, I tried to be nice to ya, lassie. I would have easily passed on biding for you, but now I want nothing more than to see you crawling on your knees. You're mine."

"Over your dead body."

Grabbing her around the waist, Cahan sneered down at her. His expression made Alessandra flare in fury. Why did all these men think they would lay their hands on her? What right did they have? Burning brightly, her eyes became Sǐwáng Moons. Some of the men murmured, superstitious of "death eyes." Cahan ignored them. The fire that burned in her eyes was so intense, he felt like the Three-Eyed Cąȶ when they had first discovered fire. His insides bubbled and frothed.

When Cahan's face came close to Aless, she felt the heat in his stare. The anger that boiled inside him seemed to pass onto her. She already hated this man. Aless would rather lie with Dominic than be his slave.

One of his men called to him and Cahan turned his head to the side. Aless couldn't help but gasp as she saw his profile against the light that was filtering in from the now open door. She knew who he looked like. Cahan looked like Bal.

Stunned, Aless barely had time to grasp this idea when Cahan was almost out the door.

"Bal!" she called.

Giving her a quizzical look, Cahan stopped.

"Bal! Bal, that is you, right? I know it's you! You sick bastard! You did this to me! Bal!" she screamed.

Pulling against her restraints, Aless had to get to him. Appraising her, Cahan raised his eyebrow. Shaking his head, he grabbed the door handle.

"I am not this Bal. Get your eyes checked."