Dark Sonata Read online

  God, she will not be played like a fool this time.

  Sunshine was glittering through the window, casting warm light into the dim room. Her eyes then caught sight of a delicate blue ribbon on the vanity next to a hairbrush. She would be an idiot if she didn’t think these two weeks would be a challenge on her mentally. Tori walked over and picked up the ribbon and tied it firmly to her middle finger.

  This will be my reminder.

  The door unlocked, and she turned around to see a shockingly handsome man walking into her room. Holy crap. He had his blond hair tied in a manbun and the color of his eyes were a startling sky-blue. The doctor wore a white jacket and held a clipboard tucked under one arm.

  He stared at her before speaking. “I hope this is not too much of a shock for you?”

  His voice was soothing, like a trickling stream on a summer’s day. Tori looked down at her nightgown and blushed a bit, wishing she didn’t look like a mental case. “I was very shocked to hear that my entire life has been an experiment, doctor,” she said with vigor.

  He nodded coolly, but his intense gaze searched her face like he was trying to read something there. He walked up to her making her realize how tall he actually was, having to crane her neck. He spoke softly, “You’re wearing contacts,” he stated instead of asking.

  She shivered, trying not to notice how this man seemed to put off an eerie charge. Tori shook her head and glanced at the ribbon on her finger, her grip on reality. For all she knew they injected her with something. This could be her first test. She looked up at him and smiled. “Do you wish I remove them? My hair is dyed also, I hope you don’t mind.” She sounded a bit more sarcastic than she wanted to.

  He stared down at her and a hint of a smile touched his lips. “No, you may do as you like Victoria. I am here to guide you through your two weeks here. You may ask me any questions you’d like. Are you hungry?”

  She frowned at him. “What is your name? Doctor …?”

  “We have already met long ago if you can remember. Just call me Michael.”

  Tori closed her eyes, knowing now who he was trying to portray, and boy did they do a good job of it. She laughed and shook her head, feeling a bit embarrassed by how naïve she used to be. She had believed that he was the legendary archangel. How stupid she must have looked back then. He was just a doctor with his crazy experiments.

  “Alright Michael. Yes, I do remember you and I am quite hungry.”

  Play along.

  “Good. I will have a nurse bring you some breakfast immediately. Through that door are your toiletries and female products.” Michael pointed to the narrow door she thought was a closet. He tilted his head at her and spoke, “I hope you know that what we are doing here is for a good cause. This is for your safety as well as ours. This might seem very unorthodox, but I assure you that it will serve a great purpose in the end.”

  Tori bit back a retort. “Thank you,” she said evenly.

  He winked at her. “I will be back when you have finished your breakfast.”

  “Wait!” she continued, “What am I to do here? Are you going to shock me or run me painful tests?”

  He paused then smiled warmly at her over his shoulder. “Your job is just to relax for the next two weeks. There will be no painful tests Victoria. You just have to reveal what is reality when your stay is over, quite simple.”

  It sounded simple, too simple.

  He left and minutes later she was greeted by a nurse who was a woman of few words. Tori tried to ask her some questions, maybe acquire some insight from the staff but was only rewarded with a couple of crude grunts.

  The food was delicious, not realizing how starving she really was. It wasn’t until after that she regretted it. They could have put something in her breakfast to make her hallucinate. Cursing she began to pace her room, biting her nails in nervousness. If she started seeing things she’d know they were not real, having to rely on logic instead of her senses.

  The door opened again, and Michael entered along with a different nurse carrying clothing. Tori frowned as she watched the lady place different gowns on the bed, laying them out as if to display them for her. One of the dresses was Victorian style, with a hoop skirt and puffed sleeves. Another was a ruby lace dress that ended at the feet, very sexy. Then there was a black short club dress with long sleeves.

  Tori looked at Michael and rolled her eyes. “What is all of this about?”

  He gestured to the dresses. “You will be having dinner tonight with a special guest. You may pick which one you would like to wear.”

  He was eyeing her intelligently, and knowingly.

  What was he up to?

  Tori’s heart skipped a beat, not liking that look he was giving her. “With who?”

  “I’m sure you know who Ezra is, from somewhere in your memory? He will be helping with the tests,” he said carefully and eyed her. “This is a game of reality versus fiction. I’m sure you gathered this already.”

  Her heart started to pound harder at the mere mention of Ezra’s name. Ezra was not real. Victoria looked down at her little ribbon and smiled. “That sounds interesting Michael. I would love to see him again.” She would play along with this ridiculous game. A part of her was curious to see who they found to play Ezra’s part. She arched a brow. “I thought 'Ezra’ was just his actor’s name? So, will you tell me his real name, or do I refer to him as Ezra?”

  Michael gave her a look she couldn’t quite read. “You should ask him that when you see him,” he offered.

  This Michael character was definitely hiding something. Tori certainly didn’t trust him. He was trying to see her squirm, hoping she still harbored delusions of Ezra. Maybe they wanted to find her mental weakness by starting with Ezra; it would be the biggest test of all. Tori held her head up high and gazed at the dresses.

  Red lace.

  She was not dumb enough to pick that, no doubt this was an experiment. If she picked the red lace, then they would know she was doing it because of Ezra. “I will wear what I’m wearing now, thank you.” She eyed him, seeing if he would argue.

  His mouth thinned a bit. “Very well.”

  “I know what you are doing, and it sickens me,” she hissed, glaring at the nurse beside him. The nurse glared back until Michael gave her a reprimanding look.

  He glanced back at Tori. “Well, if you already know then this should be easy. Am I right?” he countered. “Sixteen will be your name when you are here. There are too many patients with the name Victoria I’m afraid.”

  “Sixteen?” She laughed and shook her head in distaste. “Patient number Sixteen? Charming.”

  “It’s so we can keep you apart from the others. You all share such a striking resemblance to one another.”

  She gritted her teeth, refusing to show her anger. They can try and fool her all they wanted with their androids. Or whatever they were using to make multiples of her. Tori didn’t have a clue of what kind of technology they had here, but she’d bet it was top of the line. “When is this dinner?” she asked politely.

  “In four hours, please be ready. You slept until two today, so your dinner will come a bit faster than normal. I will leave these dresses here in case you change your mind. There are books in that chest if you get bored,” he said indifferently and turned to leave with the nurse.

  Tori ran over to the chest and grabbed a book, hurling it at the door right as they closed it. She bit her fist, rubbing the ribbon on her finger.

  It’s only two weeks. Don’t let them get in your mind; you’re smarter than that.

  Fine. Let them do their worst.

  Tori smiled as she went into the small bathroom and peered into the old-style mirror. She looked a little rough around the edges. Her long black hair was in knots and her skin appeared very dull. The contacts in her eyes were irritating her, making the whites bloodshot. No wonder Michael commented them. She could definitely use some eye solution and a shower would do wonders for her. Yes, she would be refreshed and beautif
ul once again.

  But, that wasn’t her plan tonight.

  They expected her to secretly want to look appealing for Ezra. Even if he was only an actor, that wasn’t the point. The obsessive thought that on some slim chance Ezra could be the real thing would ultimately win over any rational thought. Yes, they were anticipating that she would choose the red lace dress.

  Test one: passed.

  Tori ruffed up her hair with her hands, completing the effect of a crazy person. Walking back into her room she lay on the bed and exhaled loudly. The hours ticked by quicker than she expected. She finished a short chapter of a book about vampires and werewolves that took her mind off the dreaded dinner date for a while. It wasn’t that she was nervous and didn’t want the time to come, but it was the fact that she didn’t know what to expect. Was Ezra a good actor? Would he try and convince her that she really did fall through the portal long ago? And her book was real, not a test like they told her? Trying to make her tap into her delusion once again. She must be prepared for everything.

  Looking down at her ribbon gave her courage. The smallest reminder of reality made her feel worlds better.

  * * * * *

  Again, the door opened, and a nurse came in with a dry look. Her dreary blue eyes paired with an expression of mild irritation made her look very unappealing. She scowled at Tori’s appearance and sighed. “Are you ready for dinner Sixteen?”

  Tori stood and smiled. “Quite.”

  The nurse grunted then nodded for her to follow. They walked through hallways after hallways that reminded Tori of a medieval castle, except for the doctors and nurses that passed them with their computer tablets. When their eyes landed on Tori she could see their curiosity. She didn’t blame them, for she did look like she’d lost her mind with her tangled hair and creepy nightgown. Tori glanced around as they walked at a steady pace. Dark wood furnishings and beautiful velvet accents gave this castle a dark and forbidding energy. It almost seemed like the walls and pictures were alive. Portraits of Lords and Ladies adorned the walls and their gazes followed her. She could feel their eyes burning her skin, making a slow shiver slither down her spine.

  She rubbed the ribbon with her thumb and took a shaky breath.

  The nurse opened two giant double doors that led into a massive dining hall with a table that could possibly seat a royal army. Tori’s gaze scanned the whole scene. This room looked so familiar. The smell alone pulled at her memory cords, and the feel of the spacious room made her shutter in sudden awareness. What was this awareness? Tori’s heart started to thump faster, her calm resolve was diminishing. She didn’t like these conflicting emotions she was experiencing now. Tori could see that two spots were set at the long table. One at the head, then one to its left.

  Where was this supposed Ezra? The room was empty, and it felt strangely eerie and uncomfortable.

  “You may have a seat Sixteen. Your guest will arrive shortly, make yourself at ease,” she ordered and then left her alone in the echoey cavern.

  It was so quiet. She swallowed and slowly walked to the table where two elegantly placed candles were aglow. Fine china and wine glasses were perfectly set, making her feel like she was royalty. Well, she felt like that, not looked like one. At the head of the table, Tori pulled out the impossibly heavy chair with an earsplitting screech. She tensed and glanced around, wondering if the entire castle heard. Even the smallest of sounds seemed to echo off the stone walls. Sitting down she nervously smoothed out her nightgown and strained her ears for the slightest of sounds. Why was he not here? One of the smaller doors suddenly flew open making Tori gasp. A man in server’s attire stood, wearing a white crisp shirt with a black vest and slacks.

  Her heart slowed, realizing it was not the supposed Ezra. He came up to her with a bottle of red wine and held it out to her. “Would you care for some wine?” he asked in a thick accent and eyed her hair and nightgown with a confused, disgusted frown.

  Tori blushed slightly. Yes, she should be drinking warm milk followed by some heavy narcotics. Not expensive wine. She nodded to the waiter, feeling like she could use some form of calm immediately.

  He filled up her glass halfway. “Ezra should be here shortly. I was informed that he is running late.”

  She laughed at that then sobered quickly when the waiter didn’t smile back. “What, did he get stuck in hair and makeup?” she joked and rolled her eyes.

  The waiter gave her a look, obviously finding her very irritating. “Something like that.”

  Then he left her alone to wallow in her own thoughts. Brilliant. Tori sipped the wine, thankful for its calming effects. The longer she sat there the more nervous she became. Why was she nervous? Because if this was the man who helped fool her five years ago, then she wanted to meet him. All of her steamy memories with this supposed actor would make anyone on edge. He completely took advantage of her if her visions were correct. Though, she could have hallucinated them but she couldn’t be sure. This whole thing could be a hoax!

  She held her head, rubbing her temples, wishing she knew the truth.

  Her whole life had been one big experiment; that thought alone was supremely depressing. Tori exhaled, how long has it been? Thirty minutes at least. What? Was he in the back room and they couldn’t get his outfit right? Ridiculous. She snorted; trying to picture what Ezra would appear like if he were truly real. He was probably some paid model, having put contacts in his eyes and fake tattoos on his skin. Well, she couldn’t wait to see his reaction to dining with a girl in a nightgown.

  Looks like I’m getting on the bus to Crazy Town.

  It was laughable and a little embarrassing.

  Tori finished her glass of wine and rested her head on the back of her tall chair. An hour must have passed by now. Was this a test? To see if she would throw a tantrum or get up and leave? No, no, she would wait.

  A sound caught her attention making her sit up in her chair like someone had a knife to her back. She heard voices coming from the outer rooms. It almost sounded like arguing. Her skin tingled; it had to be him. She took a shaky breath, wishing she had more wine. Her thumb rubbed the ribbon while her ears strained to hear the voices more clearly. It had to be him …

  She now heard footsteps nearing the door, the sound echoed throughout the silent dining room. Her pulse was hammering now, and goosebumps signaled her alertness. Whoever it was sounded heavy, his boots clicking with determination. Tori held her breath. She could see the distinct shadows of both boots under the door and wondered wildly why he paused before entering.

  The door opened, and Tori lost her breath altogether.

  Her ribbon didn’t prepare her for this. The large dining room became very small, suffocating her, closing in. The man that just entered stole her ability to close her mouth! God, if she were to imagine what Ezra would look like in person, this man would be a perfect fit. How in the hell did they do it? Maybe he was the same from five years ago? He had to be. It was like a part of her memory had just come back to life, defying all logic.

  Oh dear.

  He was tall, broad of shoulder, and powerful. Her fingers rubbed the ribbon with rapid strokes.

  He exuded something dark and secretive, mysterious. The hairs on the back of her neck rose, like she was being confronted with a wild animal. It was like an overload to her brain, unable to process what stood before her. He was dressed impeccably, like he’d just come out of a wild-west steampunk movie. He wore a fitted gray dress-coat that ended at his knees. It was adorned with military buttons and chains. His overcoat was opened revealing a black collared shirt that was only buttoned to the top of his chest. A maroon scarf was tied around his neck and he wore black leather gloves giving him a dangerous air, almost like a villain. Tori swallowed as her eyes lowered. His dark jeans hung on his trim hips and hugged his muscular thighs to perfection, straight down to his steel-toed boots. The boot-cut of his jeans fitted him so appetizingly perfect. Tori’s eyes widened, he had a gun belt hanging on his hips but strapped to it w
as no gun.

  Only a silver violin.

  Of course, Ezra had used it in her story. Tori felt her face heat, not realizing she was gaping at him rudely. He stood before her, like he too was measuring her up in this strained silence. She cautiously raised her gaze to his face and wanted to groan. How could they have found someone so perfect, so flawless? He wore black shades, but she could tell he was beautiful on so many different levels. His skin looked like fine porcelain, the line of his nose was strong and arrogant. The man’s high cheekbones and chiseled jaw-line would rival legends, she was sure. They even had his tattoos right, for on the left side of his hairline she could barely see the ancient designs. His thick ebony hair was tied back but for some silky strands that hung forward in that tantalizing way making her fingers itch to touch it.

  He leisurely moved to the other seat and sat down, crossing his legs elegantly, completely at ease. She got the impression of a lounging lion; the potential of danger rang in the air. His expression was unreadable, like a stone mask. God, and the way he moved made her mouth water and her breathing harsh. Tori couldn’t deny that he put off this sexual charge that was impossible to ignore, even the way he silently stared at her was so unnerving. At this moment she’d give anything to touch him, to see if he was wearing shoulder pads. Or was that all him? Surely this man had to be physically altered in some way because no one had the right to elude such beauty.

  Tori closed her eyes and rubbed her ribbon. It’s all an illusion. They must have put something in the wine. She must be delusional once again.

  The waiter entered with another wine bottle and a platter of cheese. The silence was deafening as he walked towards them, his shoes clicking softly. He filled up both of their glasses and set the platter in front her.

  “Is there anything else you need until your dinner is served?” he asked the imposter.

  He didn’t say a word.

  The waiter just nodded and left.

  Tori frowned, wondering why this play-actor wasn’t talking. Was he in a bad mood? Glancing down at her nightgown she feverishly wished that she had combed her hair, regretting her decision to play the crazy. When these two weeks were over she was definitely not getting his number. Without thinking she grabbed the wine glass and took a big gulp, wanting some liquid confidence pronto.