Chapter 44: Guard Your Life (1/5)

Claire exclaimed in shock, “What?” The word “virgin” caused her to freeze. She gaped at Hannah, her feet rooted to the spot, unable to move. The cacophony of voices from the room ahead still echoed in her ears, but Hannah’s question conjured images of naked men and women in her mind. Did Hannah’s inquiry about her virginity imply something ominous?

Despite her long-standing awareness that her fate might involve the sacrifice of her purity, Claire was unprepared for the immediacy of the threat mere minutes after arriving in Eclipse Nightclub’s basement. Despite having steeled herself mentally more times than she could count, when the moment finally unfolded before her, Claire found herself unexpectedly disarmed. Overwhelmed, she found her voice failing her, unable to string together even the simplest of sentences.

“Forget it. Let’s discuss this later. We should go in now,” Hannah said.

Chapter 44: Guard Your Life (2/5)

Noting Claire’s pallor, Hannah, accustomed to such reactions, asked no further questions. She opened the door and led Claire inside. Contrary to her expectations, Claire found the scene inside not what she had imagined. Men and women mingled, but each was dressed in various styles. They were adorned in an array of enchanting costumes. Some spun from the pages of fairy tales, with flowing gowns and princely tunics; others in the crisp, playful uniforms of maids or the quintessential student look. Then there were those in daringly scant attire, where the fabric was a mere whisper over the skin, covering just the essentials. Yet, it resembled a staff backstage area more than anything else.

“Everyone, stop for a moment. We have a newcomer,” Hannah announced. She clapped her hands. The room fell silent instantly. “Hannah!” they chorused, gathering around Hannah and Claire.

“This newcomer is different from you. She won’t be doing anything for now; she’ll just follow me. We’ll discuss her role once she’s familiar with everything here. Now, back to your duties. Greet the guests and clean up as needed. And remember, it’s almost the end of the month; check your performances. The top ranker will lead next month!”

With that, Hannah took Claire out of the room. The moment they stepped out, the room snapped back to its original state of disarray.

Chapter 44: Guard Your Life (3/5)

The following days were surprisingly easy for Claire. Each day, she trailed behind Hannah, navigating the labyrinthine depths of Eclipse Nightclub. Yet, within mere days, Claire had mapped out the intricate underground network. She realized this was not the same place Frederick had taken her before. Yet, regardless of the veracity of her initial perceptions, Claire found herself taken aback by how unexpectedly straightforward life within these walls had become. She had braced herself to teeter on the brink of danger on the very first day, akin to her experience in prison, where every second could spiral into a desperate fight for survival. Life here was unexpectedly comfortable. Yet, escape was impossible. Employees discarded their old clothes upon arrival, with the club providing all attire. Each uniform bore a special symbol, a mark that bound them to Eclipse Nightclub’s underground. Claire harbored no desire to leave; the Halfmoon Manor and prison had been less comfortable than this. Ironically, Eclipse Nightclub’s basement was the most pleasant place she had lived in years, even though she once basked in luxury within the Prescott family’s embrace. However, Claire knew this tranquility was a lull before the storm.

Chapter 44: Guard Your Life (4/5)

On this particular day, as was her routine, she shadowed Hannah through the venue and stepped into the restroom. No sooner had she shut the door behind her than the click-clack of high heels announced the entrance of two women.

“Who is this new girl? Hannah has never spent this much time on a newcomer before,” one said.

“Who knows? You can say that to me in private, but be careful not to gossip outside. Haven’t you learned the rules here yet? Mind your own business, and guard your life,” the other warned.

The women fell silent after that. After all, the whispers about Eclipse Nightclub painted it as a hell for the most unspeakable evils one could conjure in their darkest thoughts. In such a place, what significance did a few lost lives hold?

Chapter 44: Guard Your Life (5/5)

Yet, from that day forward, Claire couldn’t shake the feeling that eyes followed her everywhere, with whispers and pointed fingers shadowing her steps. But she was left without a shred of proof. Three days later, Hannah suddenly called Claire late at night.

“Claire, I’ll be stepping out for some business shortly. In my absence, you’ll be under Emily Morgan’s guidance. She was our star performer last month, and this month, she’s in charge.”

“Okay.” Claire nodded and hung up, not giving it much thought. But no sooner had Hannah departed than the very next evening, as the underground empire of Eclipse Nightclub buzzed to life, Claire was in the midst of changing when Emily, flanked by her entourage, burst through her door.