Bound by contract : Owned by the beast.

Lights reflected through the glass window of a small apartment like golden rays. Inside, Hazel Carter stood in front of the mirror, as she adjusted the soft curls of her hair. 

After much admiration, her lips curved into a shy smile. Tonight was very special; and that's because it was her birthday. But more than just that...she had another plan. It was a surprise package for her boyfriend; Eric. 

Hazel quickly picked up the small cake which she had placed on a table at the middle of her living room earlier. It wasn't the perfect kind of the cake, as the icing was slightly uneven...but the good thing; she made it herself. She ensured every detail came out with love. 

"Four years," she whispered softly to herself. 

Four years of being with Eric. Four years of sacrificing for him, of believing in his dreams, of loving him unconditionally, even when he had nothing to his name. 

Her smile widened on remembering how far they had gone. 

"Today," she murmured to herself, "I will finally tell him everything." 

Her fingers briefly brushed against her bag, which contained a small box of gift. It was something very simple, modest, but meaningful. It was a promise, a d a future together. 

Then, her phone suddenly started vibrating. Hazel took a quick glance at the screen, and Lyra's name was displayed. 

She hesitated picking the call, but it only lasted for a second. 

"Hey, Lyra."

"Hazel," Lyra's voice wasn't calm, but sharp and serious. "Where are you right now?" 

Hazel chuckled, already sure where the conversation was heading to. 

"I'm about heading to Eric's place. Why did you ask?"

She paused, a long pause with both of them saying nothing. Then, Lyra finally talked. "I don't think it's a good idea for you to go.'

Hazel frowned, confused on why she would tell her such. She knew Lyra doesn't like her boyfriend, but it won't be a bad idea celebrating her birthday with him.

"What? Why did you say that?" 

Lyra exhaled sharply, already tired of explaining herself to her. "I just... don't trust him, okay? Something feels off about him."

Hazel shook her head, smiling softly, and taking it as one of those moments that Lyra gets evenly over protective.

"You've always said that since I started dating him."

"And I've always meant every single word!" Lyra snapped. "Hazel, please listen to me..."

"He loves me," Hazel cut in before Lyra could finish. 

Hazel's voice was calm, too calm and certain. She was convinced that the love between the both of them were genuine. 

"I know him."

There was another silence, a heavier one this time. Then Lyra broke the silence, but in a quieter tone. 

"....just be careful and take care of yourself."

Hazel smiled softly. "I will."

She ended the call, and for a few seconds, she felt something unsettling, very weird and strange feeling. But she quickly pushed it aside. 

Tonight was too important to entertain doubts. She wasn't going to allow anything ruin it for her. 

The moment she stepped outside, the rain started. Soft at first, then grew heavier later on. She had been too excited to even notice the change in wether, and make preparations for it. 

Since she had gone a reasonable distance, she decided not to turn back. She held the cake in the most careful way, shielding it from the rain, as she increased her pace, in a hurry to get to Eric's apartment faster. 

Her heart raced with excitement, as she drew closer to his apartment. 

A couple of minutes later, she was already standing in front of his door. Her breathing had slightly skyrocketed due to the little exercise she did in the rain. Or so she thought. She smiled, stood there for a few seconds before gathering the courage to go in. 

"Nervous?" She whispered to herself. But she laughed it out softly. 

"Why am I suddenly nervous?" 

She adjusted her dress, took a deep breath, maybe that could help? But it was still the same. She finally gathered the courage to twist the doorknob, unlocked it, and her brows furrowed slightly. 

"Eric?" 

There was no response. She pushed the door wider, still no one in sight. The room was dim, and strangely quiet. 

Hazel continued searching for him, as she went deeper into the room. 

"Eric...?"

No one answered. Then, she heard a sound, soft and vetu faint. It was actually coming from the bedroom. 

Hazel's heart stopped breathing, as she stood frozen, hoping it wasn't what she was thinking. Then, she heard another low sound, now sounding breathless. It was a moan. Immediately, her smile faded away, as she tightened her hold on the cake; her effort. 

"...Eric?"

Her voice wasn't clear now, because it had started shaking. She heard the sound again, and this time, it came out very clear, and unmistakable. 

No...

No, that couldn't ever be...

Slowly, taking it step by step, she made it to the bedroom door. Her heart had already lost its rhythmic beat, because as she pushed the door open...

What she saw next... completely shattered everything she ever believed in.