of the beautiful scenery of Ethros. Instead, I made a mental note of all that surrounded us. The trees. The walkway. The garage.
Blan knocked on the door and after a moment, a willowy woman draped in a long white dress that tied around her neck answered. "Hello, Webb, Blan. Is this our new guest?" The woman looked at Jules with a half smile but cold eyes. A golden Walker tag was clipped to her ear. She, too, wore a fetter. However, hers was made of gold with a red line through it.
"This is Jules Black and her Walker," Webb explained before walking inside. We followed behind.
"I see. Why bring the Walker? It's just another mouth to feed," the woman said with a sigh while typing on her tablet. She spoke casually to the two soldiers, and I wondered if, like in Galla, the Walkers here had varying ranks.
"Cavil said to bring her. He suspects she might be useful." Blan plopped himself on a plush white couch in a sitting room that connected to the main entryway, before propping his feet up on the coffee table.
"We have enough Walkers as it is," the woman said pointedly while rolling her eyes. "We’re all slaves to the whims of our fearless leader, hmm? Come along, I'm sure I can find a job that'll help you earn your keep."
Webb slumped down beside Blan and wiggled his fingers at me with a wide smile. "See you around, little Walker," he called out before taking a swig from his monogrammed metal flask.
I flexed my fingers while turning away from him, forcing myself to remain complacent or to at least pretend to be. I involuntarily shivered at his cruel grin and followed after Jules.
The Walker woman gracefully led us down the hallway, and her long white dress kissed the tile floor as she passed. She looked elegant and poised for perfection. She didn't seem like a Walker, her posture and raised chin certainly weren’t submissive enough.
She pointed out the various bedrooms, sitting rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms in a bored tone, but slightly perked up when showing us the antique library. After Jules gushed over their collection, we were led to a suite.
"Here is your bedroom, Mistress. Your brother and the other Dormas leaders will stay in this hallway as well. With the exception of Maverick, of course. Cavil has ordered that a room be prepared in his laboratory.
“You may call me Dominique. I'm the head Walker of Commodore Cavil's estate and your main point of contact. Should you need anything, feel free to page my comm-watch." She waved her arm, drawing our attention back to the fetter on her wrist. I remained quiet but stared at her.
"The Dormas Leadership Council should be here by morning. Cavil sent word that the rescue mission was fairly easy. They just had to make a quick pit stop at Lutheras to get one of the leaders into a healing pod. He had a few broken bones that needed mending." I sucked in air and closed my eyes as fear gripped me. However, Dominique’s words lacked concern, she sounded like she was discussing the weather and not a person. I ached to draw information out of her but bit my lip, holding my questions back.
"Do you know which one?" Jules asked.
"I'm not privy to that sort of information, Mistress," Dominique replied in a curt tone that lacked affection or even empathy.
"Of course. Well, it's been a long day. I'm quite tired and would like to sleep before their arrival. If you'll just excuse my Walker and me, she'll help me prepare for bed."
"That won't be necessary. I have a Walker already selected to serve you. She’s one of the best. I'll have her draw a bath," Dominique replied with a tight smile that showed faint frown lines around the edges of her mouth. The forced friendliness made her appear older.
"I hope you'll understand my reservations. I've been forced to visit a strange place with strange people. Allow me the comfort of my own Walker. She knows my preferences," Jules replied. Once again, she played the role of my Holder a little too easily .
"Of course, Mistress. I was instructed to ensure that you're comfortable. I'll prepare a bed for her in our Walker quarters out back."
"Perfect. Now, if you'll excuse us." Jules didn't wait for an answer as she shut the heavy wooden door to her suite. We both stood there silently for a moment until we could no longer hear