The Anima [completed]

9.

9.

Each performer had their own beds, but we had to share rooms with about ten other people. The beds were simple, but comfortable, as I had discovered through a heavy nights sleep. Surprisingly, it was the people who sucked the most. Lucas, the only friend I thought I had, was brainwashed and the rest of them either didn't speak a word to me or couldn't stop talking. The only words that left the mouths of those within the room were ones of immense gratitude towards 'The King and Duchess for giving us this amazing opportunity'. Instead of acting like they unwillingly kidnapped, they spoke as if they had got into Julliard or won some incredible honour. It baffled me; it seemed as if I was the only sane human in the new and strange place.

But I am known for speaking too soon.

"Hi! I'm Vanessa." A young woman with thick brown locks and hooded green eyes held her hand out for me to shake.

"Lyra." I immediately smiled and grabbed her petite hand, admiring her flawless dark skin as I did so. "Has someone sent you to talk to me or are you actually sane?" I asked critically, a brow raised.

"No," She laughed, her crooked teeth flashing in the morning light, "I am one of the few sane here. You'll find two other boys, Kyle and Levin also have their sanity in check."

I sighed in relief, watching people pass by us as they woke for breakfast. None seemed to pay much attention to what was going on around them. It was as if their minds were only focused on one immediate task-the performance tonight.

"So why are you...?" I trailed off, unsure how to word my question.

"Here?" She laughed again and pulled me to the kitchen to make a bowl of fruit and crackers. "Both myself, Kyle and Levin were taken from our homes. Kyle is a crooner singer, Levin and I are both violinists." She said whilst unapologetically slicing through all the strawberries in the kitchen.

"Oh, same, I guess?" I scratched my head through my curls, surprised to find it still dirt and oil free.

"I'm sorry," She gave me a small smile and handed me the large bowl of fruit, "but I think you'll find the only people worth talking to are the ones who were taken. It sucks, but we are here now." I nodded at her words, but was still confused by the many soulless monotones walking among us.

"What about the rest of them?" I asked, biting my cheek.

She held up a finger, signally for me to wait, and beckoned me towards the large vine doors. I opened my mouth to protest, I had tried to leave earlier only to find them sewed shut, but they opened when she walked towards them. I followed behind her, eyes widened in amazement.

"How?"

"They can sense your intentions. They only let people out if they know where they wish to go within the palace walls and with good intentions." She answered, turning down a hallway.

"Oh." Was all I could reply, although I knew I should have been prepared for more surprises. My brow furrowed upon thought. My intentions in the morning were not to escape, but to see Alvar. I wondered why that was not reason enough for the palace to let me go.

At the end of the hall was a large open room, much like the throne room, but with several other small doors attached to its far walls. Vanessa walked with purpose towards one of the smaller rooms, dead centre of the wall. I quickened my pace to keep up, whilst also trying to not drop the fruit all over the floor. The door opened when she stood in front of it to reveal a complete audio recording studio. My hands loosened around the bowl and I made a wild scramble to keep it within my grasp. Vanessa gave me one unimpressed eyebrow raise and started forwards towards the glass.