Bound By A Ritual

"You have been going for several training sessions for a very long time, Ava, and I still don't understand why a girl like you needs so much training, especially those sword fights you involve yourself in, all in the name of training," my mother complains. I let out a sigh, used to hearing her objections. "You know very well, mother. I need to find a job to help support our household, but I also feel this strong urge to train myself and become stronger. It's not just for me, but for my future as well." She shakes her head disapprovingly. "You don't need that, Ava. What you need is to find a man who is strong enough to protect you." "But mother, I can protect myself. Why should I rely on a man to do the job for me? Why do mothers think that their daughters are weak creatures who always need a man's protection?" I grab an apple and take a bite. "And please, stop worrying about me. I'll find a job tomorrow if that will make you happy and stop you from nagging me." "That's more like it

"You need to stop crying, Ava. The master scolded everyone," Lady Martha murmured, still searching for the perfect skirt for me. It seemed like my attempt to reassure myself failed, as I continued to cry. "I know, Lady Martha, but what if I lose half of my salary? That's why I'm crying. Mother was so happy when she heard how much I would be earning by the end of the month." I couldn't understand why, but I couldn't stop myself from crying. Perhaps it was because nobody had ever spoken to me like that before. If it weren't for the situation at home, I wouldn't be here as a maid. I would be in school with my friends. But look at me now. If only father hadn't passed away... life can be so cruel. "But the master did say he pardoned you, right?" Nodding, Lady Martha smiled warmly. "Don't worry about that, then. Your money is safe and secure," she promised. "But you know, Lady Martha, the master shouldn't have raised his voice at me." Lady Martha stopped what she was doing and focused h

As soon as Ava finished her work, she let out a tired sigh, feeling the exhaustion creep over her. "I'm leaving, master," she whispered weakly. She realized that it was late now and she would have to walk home."Come," Damon muttered, but she remained standing where she was, momentarily forgetting that he hated having to repeat himself. When he turned around and prepared to scold or shout at her, she hurriedly stepped towards him."M-Master?" she called.Standing just an inch away from him, she swallowed nervously, bracing herself for whatever was to come. "You did a really good job, Ava," he said, his fingers moving to the necklace she wore around her neck. "And you've been a good girl." Looking up at him, she felt an odd mix of emotions. The fact that he referred to her as a "good girl" felt strange, yet somewhat pleasing. "I didn't punish you because you told me the truth, but if it happens again, I will give you a spanking.""A spanking?" The words slipped out before she could stop

Ava remained still, her thoughts consumed by who would attend her funeral. Her mother and brother would be devastated. I hadn't even received my salary before I died, and it was only my second day here.Why did I always end up in so much trouble? It sickened and annoyed me. "Ava," he finally said something, commanding me to lift my head. I obeyed and watched as he tilted his head to the left. "Get back to work!" he growled. Everyone turned their gaze away and continued with their tasks."Master, I...""Shh," he interrupted. He wasn't smiling or frowning. How was I supposed to know what was going on in that thick head of his? I thought he was leaving, so why did he turn back? "I will continue this little chat later. I have something more important to attend to," he said before mumbling something under his breath. "After cleaning my room, I want you to kneel and wait until I return. If you even think of disobeying me, I will know." And with that, he left.Watching him walk away, I practi

Ava watched as Alex withdrew, a hint of confusion in his eyes and his lips seemingly ready to speak. Not wanting to leave him hanging, I spoke up first. "I'm sorry, it's not that I don't like you, but I barely know you. I only know your name and where you work," I mumbled, feeling slightly guilty for rejecting his advance. Observing him as he returned to his seat and ran a hand through his wavy brown hair, I couldn't help but notice that we both shared the same hair color. However, I quickly dismissed any significance that might hold.Understanding flickered across Alex's face as he smiled gently. "I understand, Ava. I was getting ahead of myself. This is our first date; I shouldn't have been thinking that way," he responded. "Go ahead. Ask me anything you want to know."His willingness to open up surprised me, leaving me wondering why he wanted me to know him better. Was he hoping to forge a deeper connection? Curiosity piqued, and I decided to delve into something that caught my atte