The girls lined up in a rigid row before the extravagant couch, their eyes cast downward, hearts thundering in their chests as they avoided the piercing gaze of the woman seated before them. The room was dimly lit, yet every detail of the imposing figure lounging on the lion-skin draped couch was sharply visible. The woman, known as Lady Violet, seemed both queen and executioner, her very presence a silent warning. Her dress, a deep, luxurious red, cascaded to her feet, hugging her figure and accentuating the low-cut neckline that revealed a glint of gold jewelry resting against her skin. Her dark hair framed her face in lush waves, falling to her shoulders, and her eyes—sharp and strangely golden—scanned each girl with an unnerving intensity.
In her hand, Lady Violet held a finely carved briarwood pipe, from which she took occasional puffs, filling the air with a spicy, woody scent that seemed to permeate the room. Her gaze lingered on each girl for only a moment, enough to take in their downcast eyes and their trembling forms, before she moved on to the next, silently assessing.
"Is this the last batch?" Lady Violet's voice cut through the tense silence, low and controlled, but with an edge that sent shivers down the girls' spines. Her tone conveyed a natural authority, the sort that allowed no room for questioning.
One of the guards nodded, bowing slightly. "Yes, my Lady. They arrived just moments ago."
Lady Violet nodded once, her gaze flicking dismissively toward the men. "Leave us," she ordered, her voice laced with a quiet command that brooked no argument. The guards exchanged brief glances, then exited promptly, leaving only the female attendants and the frightened group of girls behind.
Darla kept her eyes downcast, her expression a blank mask, though every nerve in her body was alert. She could feel Lady Violet's gaze sweep over her, a penetrating look that seemed to strip away all pretense. It took every ounce of self-control Darla possessed not to react, to maintain her posture and keep her breathing steady. She'd learned, over years of hardship and survival, the art of concealing her emotions, of showing no weakness even in the most dangerous situations.
Once the guards had left, Lady Violet leaned back slightly, crossing one leg over the other as she took another leisurely puff from her pipe. The thick smoke curled around her like a halo, accentuating her relaxed but predatory posture. She glanced at the row of girls before her, a faint smile tugging at the corner of her lips.
"Now," she began, her voice soft but carrying easily across the room, "I'm going to speak, and I expect you all to listen. I don't enjoy talking much, and I dislike repeating myself even more."
Several girls shifted nervously, clutching at their ragged clothing, trying to make themselves seem even smaller, their eyes darting downward as though fearing her gaze might strike them dead. Darla noticed a few were nearly in tears, their shoulders hunched as they cowered beneath the Madam's steely gaze.
Lady Violet continued, a slight note of amusement in her tone as she watched the girls' frightened expressions. "If you're clever, you'll learn quickly that there's no place for trouble or rebellion here. Consider this your home now," she said, gesturing around the room with a languid wave of her hand, "and I suggest you make peace with it. Obedience and decorum are rewarded. Anything else is… not tolerated."
She paused, glancing down at her golden rings, twisting one on her finger. "I expect a certain standard of behavior from each of you. Fights, petty quarrels, attempts to undermine or escape—all of these will result in… consequences. And trust me, my dear girls, you won't enjoy them."
The room was silent save for the crackle of a nearby fireplace, its warm light casting flickering shadows on the walls. Lady Violet's gaze returned to the line of girls, her golden eyes settling on each of them in turn, searching their faces as if peeling away their layers of fear and hope.
"I have no interest in being your enemy," she continued, her tone almost conversational, though a hard edge underpinned her words. "Some of you may find that life here can be… tolerable, even pleasant, if you follow my rules. But make no mistake, I am not here to coddle you or to indulge foolish dreams of escape or rebellion. You are here to serve, and those who please the clientele of *Elige Desiderium* will find their lives much easier."
One of the girls let out a quiet, involuntary whimper, her hands clutching at her thin dress as she stared at the floor, trying to keep her trembling under control. Lady Violet's eyes flicked over to her, a slight smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. The hint of amusement in her expression only added to the chill in the room, as if she found their terror mildly entertaining.
"Now," Lady Violet continued, taking a final puff of her pipe before setting it down on a small table beside her, "I'll explain how things will work here. You will be grouped according to your… skills and performance. The higher you rise, the better your accommodations, and the more privileges you'll receive. But let me be clear—those privileges are earned, not given. You will work, and you will work well."
Her voice softened, but the threat was unmistakable. "If you behave, if you do as you're told, you'll find life here isn't so bad. Disobedience, however, will bring swift consequences. Punishments here are designed to ensure that mistakes are not repeated."
Darla kept her head lowered, her face a neutral mask, but her mind was racing. She had survived worse situations in her previous life, had overcome obstacles she never thought possible. But this world was foreign, its rules unfamiliar and its dangers yet unseen. Still, she forced herself to remain calm, to focus on learning everything she could.
Lady Violet stood from the couch, smoothing her gown with a slow, deliberate motion, her gaze still sharp and watchful. "Remember, girls, this is your life now. Live it quietly, without trouble, and you may find some measure of comfort here. Cause disruption, and you will find out quickly just how unpleasant life can become."
With a flick of her wrist, she signaled to the female attendants, who stepped forward, their faces blank and expressionless. One by one, the attendants moved to stand beside each girl, their hands clasped neatly before them as they waited for instructions.
Lady Violet looked at them all once more, her gaze lingering on Darla for a brief moment. It was almost as if she sensed something in her, an unspoken defiance or strength. But then her eyes moved on, and she addressed the attendants.
"Take them to their quarters," she ordered, her tone dismissive. "Show them where they'll be staying and give them the rules in full detail. I expect obedience from each of them by morning."
The attendants nodded, turning to lead the girls out of the room. Darla fell in line with the others, her steps measured, her expression carefully controlled. She felt the eyes of Lady Violet on her back as she walked, a prickle of awareness that told her she'd been noticed. Whatever that might mean, Darla knew one thing: she would have to tread carefully in this new life, play the part expected of her until she understood the true nature of her situation.
As they left the room and moved down the shadowed corridors, Darla's mind churned. She didn't know yet what lay ahead, but she had no intention of surrendering her will to this place. Lady Violet may have power, and this world may be fraught with hidden dangers, but Darla was no stranger to survival. She'd find a way through this—she always had.