Descent Into Darkness (23 page)

CHAPTER XLV – Amber Alert

An hour’s drive away, preparations were being made. Jade hadn’t moved too far after leaving the
manor. Deep down she’d wanted to stay close in case he summoned her to return to his side. The call had never come and she’d often regretted not severing ties completely in an effort to move on.

Now though, the proximity was a distinct advantage. Jade and Mela rushed to ready themselves in response to the hurried email that delivered a video from Amber that needed no explanation.

== ~ ==

Red was a huntress, senses alive, stalking the halls of the manor in search of her prey. She knew the surveillance room was clear and, checking her bedroom, ticked that off as well. The gym similarly drew a blank, though Red had to pause to look at the running girl already glistening with sweat.

So simple and yet so effective, her Mistress had kept the girl tortuously occupied with such minimalist elegance. Red could only admire the sadistic ingenuity that was Mistress Raven. The girl was running okay for now but that wouldn’t last and in other circumstances, she could have watched for hours. Today though was the day for action rather than languid enjoyment and so Red tore herself away to continue her hunt.

== ~ ==

She looked at the clock. Three tasks completed; business as usual and now was her time for some air so Amber took the shortcut outside through a door normally used by the staff. The air was calm but contained an edge that sharpened senses and she drew it in deeply to wake her lungs before they took in their regular dose of nicotine.

Bending, Amber retrieved the packet tucked in the top of her boot, flipped it open and lit her too long delayed first cigarette of the day. It was almost 10.30am. She had time to pause for breath now at least and drew deeply to take in the nicotine she craved.

The tranquillity of that moment was welcome after the way the day had gone already. Amber quietly took in the sweep of the surrounding countryside while gathering her thoughts. How close she’d come to discovery. It would have only taken Raven to look behind her to see the abnormal shape bulging out the tapestry, but Amber had got away with it. It was hard to believe but then she was due a break.

The familiarity of her daily routine - which she’d started as soon as she could, hoping that it would allay any possible suspicions - should have settled her but it felt alien now. She hadn’t intended to tell Katarina that she loved her. In fact she hadn’t even been previously sure of it herself but when she’d said the words, it had seemed so natural, so right. She held no regrets.

A fire had sparked in those saddened eyes, a fire that would not be doused by the actions of Raven. It would keep her companion even in the darkest moments of Raven’s brutality. Yes, she had done the right thing.

As Amber drew on the cigarette and the tip flared orange, she retrieved a note from her boot and tucked it into a small crack on the underside of the stone bench. It bore the key code of the day.

Note placed, time to get on. Amber mashed the cigarette out under her heel and turned to head back inside. It was out of her hands now but at least she had got the message out. Now she could only hope Jade acted on it and, taking in a final breath of the crisp air, Amber closed the coded door behind her.

== ~ ==

The eyes that watched Amber from the upper hallway were those of a kestrel that finally finds the long-sought mouse. Sitting there as if all was normal, the eyes watching her knew far better, Red had told her as much. Normal had been ripped apart and all that remained was the turmoil of chaos. She would bring order out of the chaos though, a new order,
her
order and, her gaze now drawn to the expansive grounds, Raven smiled in satisfaction.

== ~ ==

Amber’s next task was Raven’s bedroom. She had to make it ready to receive Raven later that day. It was a normal job for a normal day, and because of that it had already been guessed by another. Having checked and crossed off all other possible destinations, Red now waited silently for Amber to come.

It wouldn’t be long now. Red was poised, primed, concealed but ready to strike, knowing that surprise was everything and it all lay with her. Footsteps? Red couldn’t be completely sure, and strained to hear. Soon she was rewarded with the sound of Amber tidying sheets and plumping pillows. Red knew that she would have to pass close to fetch more bedding from a chest under the window. She waited, ready, and soon Red heard her moving nearer and, as the lid of the chest creaked open, she struck.

== ~ ==

It was just a blur of unexpected movement, but Amber reacted and ducked lower, the blow glancing off her shoulder. It still hurt though and, through squinted eyes, Amber saw why as the short wooden cudgel struck again, this time into her side.

She clasped a hand to the spot, instinct immediately to protect it from further damage. It was a distraction that offered opportunity elsewhere and, with a practiced aim, the short wooden club was swung into her elbow before being driven straight into her stomach, driving the wind from her.

It was all so sudden, so violent and Amber doubled over, clenching an already bruised arm across her stomach. The next blow to the back of her knee caused Amber’s leg to buckle. The boots she saw as she crumpled matched hers and in her clouded confusion Amber wondered why she was attacking herself.

Winded and hurting, Amber looked up and straight into the eyes of Red. This was more than her recent power games, she had to have been found out. She had failed and as the redhead drew her arm back to strike again, it was the last sight Amber saw.

== ~ ==

The first blow had been difficult in so many ways. Red had vowed never to be a victim again. Her flaming hair drew too much attention and so she’d attended classes, ‘just in case’. Red had trained hard, honing martial arts skills she knew would be useful one day. This though was far from self-defence and in her pre-emptive strike she knew how much the hardwood club would hurt her former lover.

She had no choice, Amber had left her without any. And so she pushed her reluctance aside and struck with all the force she could gather, drawing far back before lashing forward. Inaccurate, the strike jarred her arm, but she struck out again.

The second blow was easier as Red’s training kicked in and she systematically dealt with her opponent with blow after carefully targeted blow. Even the sight of her former lover’s tearful questioning eyes failed to register and, drawing back for the final fateful blow, Red knew that Raven would be pleased.

CHAPTER X
LVI – The Approaching Storm

Jade and Mela dressed. Two women, thrown together through circumstances and a not insignificant amount of money, hurried from clothing to catsuit via nudity. There was no time for embarrassment, no time for Jade to argue against Mela’s choice of material, they had to finish quickly and get under way.

It was a strange situation for Mela. She’d worn latex before at the whim of her Mistress. ‘
Former
Mistress,’ she corrected herself. It was not unpleasant, in fact she rather liked the way the material sculpted her body, hugging it tightly to hold all the rebellious bits in place. But importantly, it allowed freedom of movement.

When previously worn, it had been a compulsion but now it was a practical choice. Zipping it carefully through her legs then up to and over her chest, Mela promised herself she would invest in one of these. It would be glossed though, more polished - this one had a dull functionality.

Boots followed. Not the strikingly stilettoed kind that had been de rigueur in the manor, these too were functional, with flat heavily treaded soles and laces up to mid shin. Fingerless gloves to protect her palms completed her outfit.

Mela crouched, flexing and testing. She congratulated herself on her choice, doubling those congratulations when she saw Mistress Jade.

“Perhaps later, ma petite.” Mistress Jade had caught the intent behind Mela’s glance, and the gentle reprimand in her eyes cavorted with the playful promise of what ‘later’ may involve.

The redness of Mela’s cheeks signalled her embarrassment and she turned away and cast her eyes to the floor. This was born of respect though, rather than fear.

The tender kiss on her cheek was a surprise. “We must go.” Jade handed Mela the webbing belt. Handcuffs, mace spray, zip ties and a ball gag were arrayed along it, ready for rapid use when needed. With a deep breath and a nod, Mela was ready to right the many wrongs she’d both seen and endured.

== ~ ==

They were close - Mela recognised the countryside. It was beautiful, the trees were fading to autumn hues. She’d never appreciated it before, wrapped up as she was in the grief and guilt that had long dogged her. Now though, she saw the way the wind nuzzled the crinkling leaves and the gentle sweep of hills flanking the lazy curve of a river that wound past the manor.

As much as Mela feared it, she was right to come back and the hand that patted her thigh then squeezed an encouragement. The smile she returned was a nervous one and the hand remained as the two women drove to the place where they had been instructed to park.

It was near a dead spot in the security system and a place where hikers parked before they set off to walk in the rolling countryside. Their jeep wouldn’t stand out and drawing up, they quickly disembarked and moved into the woods.

The two women picked their way along the riverbank, careful to keep in the cover of the tree line. As the river swept away to the west, they climbed into the manor’s formal gardens, edging their way as close as they could toward the bench.

It was in plain sight from the main building. Jade could see the crack on the underside, and was sure she could make out the paper stuffed into it. It would be dangerous, possibly the riskiest part of their approach.

Gathering herself, Jade raised onto her haunches. “Wish me luck,” and with a deep breath she sprinted toward the bench, swooping down to snatch the note. She barely slowed, running on to slam herself against the safety of the wall where she paused, waiting for the alarm that would surely come.

There was nothing, but for an extra moment Jade stood there, pressed as flat as she could. The wall was cold and damp and she was glad of the catsuit which kept her dry. Good choice Mela.

A single nod was enough and the elfin girl athletically set off, sprinting toward her. Chest heaving with exertion, she soon plastered herself against the wall next to Jade, who edged along to the door. “Ready?” Mela nodded and Jade unfolded the paper and punched in the six figure access code of the day.

== ~ ==

If Mistress Raven had been at the window, the alarm would indeed have been raised but through quirk of fate or good fortune, she’d wasn’t. She’d called out for a glass of water, tension had fuelled a thirst, and when none was delivered, somebody would have to feel her ire. By the time she’d returned to the window to again admire the view that she now owned, the two women were already out of sight.

Sitting there, Raven’s world sprawled before her. With expansive scenery, it was perfect. How far she’d come. It had been tough, desperately so at times but now she could enjoy the fruits. Not a pang of guilt crossed her mind. After all, the world owed her at least this and she would gather all she could with arms wide.

== ~ ==

A whir of the lock and the door clicked off its latch to beckon their entry. A mutual nod reaffirmed their readiness and the two women slipped inside the house, only to freeze at the sight of a servant stood right in front of them.

They had been discovered, they had failed and, regardless of her own fate, Mela knew both Amber and Katarina would never leave this place alive.

CHAPTER XLVII – Tumbling Tides

“
Welcome back, Miss Jade”. The smile of the servant took them by surprise. “About time you came back to sort things out,” he added happily. “I believe you may wish to go to Mistress Raven’s chamber, and rather quickly?”

Looking at the man, Jade recognised him as Dan, a footman to whom she’d once given money to help fund his studies. Jade smiled in thanks and began to set off in the direction she knew. “No my lady, this way.” With a nod of his head, Dan guided them first down into the back of house before ascending a rear stairway.

It was far quicker than any route she knew and gave Jade an inkling just what it took to keep such a house ticking over as seamlessly as it did. The servant pointed to a door around which light streamed. “Merci, Dan,” whispered Jade, with a genuine smile.

“Just help her,” Dan whispered in return. Showing them the latch, he bowed and sped away.

Jade pressed forward and placed an eye to a knothole in the door to the rear of an alcoved dressing area to what was once her bedroom. She’d seen the door from the other side but had barely registered the significance or purpose, she’d always been focussed on preparing herself to please Immelmann whenever he was at home.

All seemed normal in what she could see of the bedroom, although it was not quite as she remembered. Raven had been quick to make her mark and nothing of her own furniture remained. There was something though, a foot whose leg disappeared behind the bed - and a redheaded woman bending over it.

Very gently, Jade coaxed the latch of the door up, cringing as she did so, while Mela held her breath beside her. Slowly the door was nudged open, smoothly swinging on well-oiled hinges that allowed the staff of the house to pass unnoticed between rooms.

The two women slipped through into the alcove, still hidden for now in shadows but with a better view of the bedroom beyond. The woman standing was Red, and an unconscious Amber lay on the floor.

== ~ ==

‘The stupid bitch,’ Red thought as she towered over the unconscious woman lying between her legs. If only she’d left things alone. They would’ve found a way, she would have lived, even if as a captive. She’d done too much damage though, knew too much. Red had no option. She had to dispose of the one remaining threat to her Mistress, and help her own yearning for approval.

Red’s mind rifled through images. When they’d met, the laughs they’d shared and the men and women they’d teased by dancing just that little bit too close in their favourite club.

They were images of a past life, one she had left behind and drawn a firm line beneath. She’d looked up to Amber at first but that was then, that was a different Red. She’d needed the healing, needed the crutch that Amber’s calming tenderness offered.

Now though she’d outgrown her, moved beyond what Amber was willing to give. In Mistress Raven, Red had found a replacement, one she could reach up and aspire to rather than lean down on for support. It was unfortunate, nothing more than that. She knew what she had to do and Amber had to die.

== ~ ==

The element of surprise had given Amber no chance of fending off Red’s attack and it was now the chief weapon the two women used in their own assault on the American.

She was taller, stronger and not a little experienced and yet the momentum gathered by Mela was unstoppable. As she barrelled into Red’s legs just behind the knees, the tall woman already started to crumple.

Barely a second later, Jade slammed into her side, forcing Red over even as she twisted to fend off the girl whose arms enveloped her knees. She was only going one way and she was felled, her head cracking against the polished wooden floor with a sickening thud.

Jade looked at the woman they had brought down. Blood already squeezed through a deep cut behind her ear. Jade’s hip throbbed from landing on it but it was a small price to pay in an attack which was easier and more effective than they could ever have hoped for.

“Find Raven, then come back to me. For God’s sake don’t take her on,” Jade urged as Mela rose to her feet and answered with a brisk nod.

Jade feared Raven and what she was capable of. When cornered, she would be like a wounded animal. Extreme caution was the only way if they were to stand even the remotest chance and, seeing Mela disappear down the back stairway, Jade returned to the task in hand.

Twisting slightly, she found the handcuffs clipped to her belt. Drawing the tall woman’s hands behind her back, Jade secured her wrists. If she woke now, she would be manageable at least, controllable. The risk still remained that she might raise the alarm and alert Raven so the ball gag was next. Jade pressed on the ball with the heel of her hand, forcing the large rubber sphere past the woman’s perfect teeth, settling it deeply in her mouth.

She tugged the leather straps hard to the last hole on the buckle, unconcerned at the flame-red hair that was caught and ripped out in the process. From a small pocket on the side of her boot, Jade retrieved a small padlock and pushed it through the hasp.

Jade nodded to herself, content with her speed and that the woman’s threat was significantly reduced. She stroked her red hair aside, tucking it behind her ear. The cut was deep and would probably need stitches which would certainly leave a scar. She would live though and Jade turned to check on the condition of Amber.

== ~ ==

This part of the house was new to her but Mela’s sense of direction rarely let her down. It was difficult to know where to start but it was morning and, if previous routines were anything to go by, Katarina would be in the process of being exercised.

With great care she picked her way down to the basement. No servants were around and every sound Mela made seemed to bounce off the walls and invite attention. On and on she pressed, threading left and right, finding what refuge she could in shadows and behind furniture.

The door was ahead. She peered carefully each way down the cross corridor. All was quiet. All was calm, except for a servant hurrying to a guest room to change the sheets.

There was no threat there and, seemingly for the first time since leaving Jade’s side, Mela breathed. Swiftly, she flitted across the corridor and slid into the room beside the gym.

== ~ ==

Raven was watching the woman run, enjoying how she flinched with each step on increasingly blistered feet. The chain to her breasts swung side to side, metronomic with Katarina’s run, and it was evident that the weight was starting to sit heavily on her damaged nipples.

Though it wasn’t a punishing pace, the discomfort would be sapping her strength. There was already a sheen of perspiration on her otherwise naked body. She was pushing on through growing fatigue. Perhaps it was obedience, more likely fear. It didn’t really matter though, Katarina still pounded to no particular destination.

You could tell it was tough by looking at her. Standing there with her arms folded, Raven congratulated herself on the elegant simplicity of her idea before a movement behind caught her eye.

== ~ ==

Mela stood petrified. She’d unwittingly walked straight into the room where Raven was standing. She’d shown bravado, so keen to confront Raven and Jade’s command had fallen on deaf ears. Mela had planned in her head to punish the woman who’d so often punished her but now, as she stood there, all courage fled, ice in veins where warm blood once flowed.

There was no rush, no flailing attack as might be expected. Raven, having already been on alert from the resounding thud of Red’s head two floors above, simply turned and calmly walked toward Mela.

“Couldn’t stay away, could you girl?” Her quiet authority was born of utter confidence, like a supreme predator into whose lair a mouse had accidentally stumbled.

Mela’s mind raced, her bravery evaporated, but then her hand found the can of Mace hanging from her belt. She tried to tug her saviour free but her fingers fumbled. Tearing and twisting, it refused to be freed.

Raven’s approach was calm and deliberate. She saw no threat in Mela. How could a dormouse resist her? Raven watched amused. A triumphant smile smoothed across her lips. The girl’s fingers tugged at the can again.

Close now, Raven saw Mela’s hand finally rise, clutching the aerosol in a last ditch attempt to protect herself. Raven snapped out her arm, twisting her head away from the can and down.