Ch. 3: Freak

Astrella's point of view

  The dim glow of city lights blurred past me, streaking like the chaotic thoughts racing through my mind. Each flicker outside the limo’s tinted windows felt like an echo of the shadows clawing at my chest.

I was back in the clutches of Dax Donomie Martinelli. A man who now felt more like a ghost than the boy I once knew.

The suffocating silence between us gnawed at my nerves. He sat across from me, rigid, eyes fixed ahead like I wasn’t even there.

I couldn’t take it anymore. “You manipulated everything,” I mumbled, my voice slicing through the tension. “The auction, the debts, you pulled the strings to drag me back.”

Dax didn’t budge. He didn’t even look at me. “Not everything,” he murmured. His tone was calm, indifferent. “You were always within reach. I didn’t need to manipulate; I just needed to wait.”

Rage flared in my chest. My fingers curled into fists as I lunged for the door handle, yanking it. The lock clicked securely, trapping me in place. My breath came in sharp bursts as I slammed my fist into the seat. “Is this a game to you, Dax? Do you think you can buy me, own me? You have no right, no one does!”

At that, he finally turned his head, his stare like ice carving through my defenses. “I never wanted you to leave,” he said softly, but there was nothing gentle in his voice. “I regret what I did, but I never wanted you gone. Do you think this is revenge? No, Astrella. It’s about getting back what’s mine. Not just your presence, everything.”

My breath hitched, a sharp pang of fear tightening in my chest. “You honestly believe I’d ever want to be with you again?” I shot back, my voice laced with disbelief. “You’ve become a monster, Dax. This isn’t love. It’s twisted obsession.”

The limo slowed as we approached a massive mansion, its dark silhouette towering against the night sky. My stomach churned.

Dax let out a low chuckle, the sound devoid of warmth. “A monster?” he echoed, mockery dancing in his tone. “Perhaps. But monsters don’t lie, Astrella. I’ve shown you exactly who I am. Can you say the same?”

The car rolled to a stop. He didn’t break eye contact, his lips curving into a slow smirk.

“Welcome home, honey,” he murmured, sarcasm dripping from every word. “Let’s see if you can handle the monster you’ve unleashed.”

  ✧✧✧

The mansion doors creaked open, and a chill slithered over my skin. I hesitated on the threshold, staring into the vast, opulent space before me. The place was magnificent, undeniably so, but it felt hollow and cruel. It looks like a palace dressed up to hide its true nature. A cage disguised in luxury. 

I took a slow step inside, my eyes darting across the grand hall. My gaze landed on an ornate vase perched on a side table, its delicate craftsmanship almost mocking me. Without thinking, I grabbed it. The cool ceramic pressed against my palm for only a second before I smashed it against the wall. The crash echoed, shards splintering across the floor like my shattered patience. 

Dax turned at the sound, his expression unreadable, like he’d been expecting this. His eyes flicked to my hand, where a jagged piece of porcelain dug into my skin, blood beginning to bead at the edges. 

“What’s the point of that?” he asked, voice infuriatingly even. Bored, almost. He slipped a hand into his pocket, watching me like I was some wild thing throwing a tantrum. “You know you’re staying here. It’s for your safety.” 

I scoffed, gripping the shard tighter despite the sting. “Safe?” I snapped, my voice stung with frustration. “This isn’t safety. This is a prison.” 

Dax took a step closer, his gaze narrowing hard. “And what do you think safety looks like?” he questioned, his tone quieter now, more deliberate. “Out there, it’s chaos. Here, you’re protected.” 

I met his eyes, my pulse hammering. “I’d rather face the chaos,” I shot back, the lump in my throat be damned. “At least out there, I have a choice. Here, I’m just another piece of your collection.” 

His expression darkened, patience thinning. “You think the world out there will give you freedom?” His voice was faint, edged with something confusing. “It’ll chew you up and spit you out. This is the best chance you’ve got.” 

I shook my head, anger bubbling over again. “I’d rather take my chances,” I snapped, my voice unwavering. “I’m not some fragile thing you can lock away.”

For a moment, we stood there, the tension between us thick enough to choke on. Then, with a swift movement, Dax grabbed my wrist, his grip firm but not painful. He gently pried the shard from my hand, letting it drop to the floor. 

“Enough,” he huffed, a broken sigh slipped from his lips, “You don’t have to like it, but this is your reality now.” 

I yanked my hand back, my glare burning into him, my heart still pounding in my chest. “I’ll never stop fighting this,” I whispered, defiance crackling in my voice. 

For a split second once again, something in Dax’s gaze softened. “I wouldn’t expect anything less,” he murmured. 

I let out a sharp, bitter laugh. “Ha. Ha. Wow. Really? That’s rich, Dax. You’re useless.” My voice dripped with venomous sarcasm. 

His expression back darkened. “I’ll burn this world for you if I can’t have you. You’ll be back in my life where you belong.” His voice was steady, but there was an edge to it, something unhinged lurking beneath the surface. 

A shiver crept up my spine, but I held his stare. “Controlling freak,” I spat. “The only place I’ll be is far from your messed-up world. Burn me alive now, let’s see what happens next. I’m not playing your twisted game.” 

Dax’s lips curled into a sad smile, nodding like he already knew something I didn’t. “You’ll see soon, Astrella. You can’t outrun the past. It’s always lurking, waiting to rise when you least expect it.” 

His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. “And no matter how far you run, no matter how much you fight, the price for what’s been done is waiting for you.” 

He stepped back, his gaze flicking to my wounded hand. “Come on, let’s fix that,” he commanded, his tone shifting as if none of this had just happened. “It may get infected, and there’s someone you need to meet. Hope you’re ready for the encore.” 

Then, without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving me standing there amidst the shattered pieces.

  I stood frozen for a heartbeat, dread sinking its claws into me. I thought I was prepared for this, but as the walls of the mansion seemed to close in and Dax's words echoed in my mind, it felt like I had been shoved headfirst into a wild lion’s den. 

As he turned to lead me deeper into his domain, the weight of the situation hit me hard. He’d actually burn the world to the ground to claim me again. I couldn’t even wrap my head around it. Where did I even start? Kill him? No. I wasn’t that kind of person, no matter how much I hated him. I was too innocent for that, too far removed from the monster he had become. This was his war now; I was done playing. All I needed was a way out. But truth be told, I had nothing left. 

I glanced down at my hand, blood dripping onto the pristine floor. I was probably overreacting, but at least the physical pain made sense. It was easier to deal with than the chaos inside my head. 

A bitter laugh escaped my lips. "Can you imagine investing three hundred million dollars? I mean, if I start calculating the worth of my organs, hell, a hundred million wouldn’t even cut it. Damn. Is that all I’m worth? Three hundred million? Ugh. That’s cheap." 

The absurdity of it all made me laugh again, but it felt hollow.  "Maybe this is just a hangover talking… or my insane behavior," I muttered, shaking my head. "What am I even thinking? I was so brave earlier. Later, I’ll have to be braver. I can’t let him win, not yet."