Chapter 43: Are You a Virgin?
Caroline’s heart leaped with joy at the news. It meant she and Diana could clandestinely orchestrate their plans. However, the wisdom of patience was urged; the tumultuous events of late advised against any immediate action, lest they invite Frederick’s scrutiny.
Claire’s heart, already a vessel of profound sorrow, remained unstirred by Frederick’s final decree. It echoed the edicts issued during their sojourn at Halfmoon Manor, rendering its delivery unsurprising. As for Eclipse Nightclub, she reasoned that its denizens could hardly surpass Jacob in depravity. The horrors of Eclipse Nightclub, she believed, could not eclipse the darkness of prison. Yet, she overlooked the essential difference: Eclipse Nightclub teemed with men, while her prison had been a realm of women.
Women, though capable of cruelty, might yet harbor compassion; men, however, could be merciless, especially in Eclipse Nightclub, where they indulged in every manner of vice with women. Claire, raised in luxury, had known little hardship beyond the loss of Anna four years ago, the ordeals of prison, and Jacob’s perversions. This foray into Eclipse Nightclub was a departure from her previous role as a cleaner. The dual torment of body and mind could indeed drive one to the brink of madness. Claire felt prepared to face whatever lay ahead.
Without the machinations of shadowy forces, someone like Claire, hardened by prison, might have thrived in Eclipse Nightclub. But now, her endurance was an open question.
At six o’clock in the evening, Claire was escorted to Eclipse Nightclub. Her previous interview for the cleaning job had occurred at a similar hour, and she had been swiftly assigned her duties. She believed that, regardless of her job, the outcome would likely mirror past experiences. However, upon her arrival, she was blindfolded before crossing the threshold. A veil of black cloth shrouded her vision, leaving her enveloped in darkness.
Two figures led her through a labyrinthine path, reminding her of Frederick’s circuitous route to the green box. A sense of unease crept over her, and her skin prickled with goosebumps. After what seemed an eternity, they entered an elevator, exiting to walk a short distance. Approximately twenty minutes later, a woman’s voice broke the silence.
“Is this the new arrival?”
The feminine voice was enchanting, with a melodious quality that was not only beautiful but brimming with allure, tempting anyone who listened. One of Claire’s escorts confirmed.
“Remove the blindfold,” the woman commanded. Slowly, the black fabric that veiled Claire’s vision was lifted. Just moments before, beneath the shroud of the black cloth, Claire’s sight was stolen away. The sudden light, though not intense, was momentarily blinding. Claire shielded her eyes instinctively. When Claire gently peeled away the darkness from her eyes, the first sight to greet her was a woman who held a cigarette, exhaling wisps of smoke.
Her lips were a striking shade of flaming red. Cascading curls of hair fell in large, luxurious waves around her shoulders. She wore a red dress; its deep V-neckline daring yet elegant, tailored to perfection to showcase every curve of her impeccable figure.
The woman approached as her eyes scanned Claire with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine. After what felt like an eternity, the woman finally parted her lips.
“Not bad!”
Once the woman uttered those two decisive words, the two men who had escorted Claire to this enigmatic encounter turned on their heels.
“I am Hannah Evans, and everyone around here knows me as Hannah. This territory answers to me; I am the law here. There’s only one rule you need to engrave in your mind. You do exactly as I command. Now, tell me, what do they call you?”
Hannah sauntered closer and extended a hand. Her fingers traced the air around Claire’s silhouette.
“I’m Claire Prescott,” Claire murmured. She dipped her head slightly, her eyes following the path of Hannah’s hands.
“Claire? An apt name. Girls come here excited, whimpering, forced, or willing. You’re the first I’ve seen with such composure. You’re like a lifeless doll. How intriguing. But your past and how you arrived are inconsequential. In the underbelly of Eclipse Nightclub, you’re reborn, unbound by the world’s rules. This is a realm of pure desire. Come, follow me!”
Hannah outlined the principles of Eclipse Nightclub before leading Claire forward. They approached a raucous room, a cacophony of laughter and shouts from men and women.
“Are you a virgin?”
As Hannah’s hand grasped the doorknob, she paused, turning to Claire with a question lingering in the air.