Chapter 3

I struggle wildly, trying to open the door and jump out, but it's jammed, refusing to budge. I yank on the handle, desperation clawing at me, but it won't give.

Lucien lets out a low, exasperated sigh.

"It's futile, Aria. Stop struggling. You're only going to exhaust yourself."

I glare at him, my heart racing with fear and adrenaline. "Let me out of here! You can't just kidnap me and expect me to go along with it!"

Lucien's expression remains calm, but his eyes gleam with a hint of amusement.

"Oh, but I can. And I will. You're my mate now, Aria. You're mine to protect, mine to care for. And mine to keep."

I snort, rolling my eyes. "Protect? Care for? You call this protection? You call this care?"

Lucien's gaze narrows, his voice taking on a slightly sharper tone.

"You're not listening, Aria. You're mine now. And I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe. Even if it means keeping you prisoner."

I laugh, a harsh, bitter sound. "You're insane. You really think I'll just accept this? That I'll just become some obedient little mate, following you around and doing your bidding?"

Lucien's smile grows, his eyes glinting with challenge.

"I don't think you'll accept it, Aria. I know you won't. But you'll learn. You'll learn to adapt. To accept your new role."

I shudder, a chill running down my spine. There's something in his tone, something that makes me wonder what exactly he has planned for me. And whether I'll ever be able to escape.

I slump back in my seat, resignation washing over me. There's no escape for me. I can feel it in my bones. I glance at Lucien, my eyes tracing the sharp lines of his face. He's handsome, in a chiseled, rugged way. But it's the cold aura surrounding him that makes my skin crawl.

As we drive, the scenery outside blurs together until the car slows to a halt in front of a massive gate. The gates automatically swing open, and we drive through, entering a sprawling estate. The house looms before us, grand and imposing.

As we pull up to the entrance, Lucien's eyes are glued to his phone, his fingers flying across the screen with a practiced ease. I watch him, fascinated despite myself. He's so absorbed in his conversation that he doesn't even glance up as the car stops.

Lucien pockets his phone and gets out, walking around to my side of the car. He opens the door, his voice commanding.

"Get out, Aria."

I stay seated, my arms crossed over my chest. "No."

Lucien's eyes narrow, a hint of amusement dancing in their depths. "You want it the hard way or the nice way?"

I'm not backing down. "I'm not coming down."

Lucien's smile grows, and he reaches in, scooping me up in his arms. I struggle against his grip, but it's like fighting a stone wall. His body is too strong, his muscles and biceps flexing beneath his shirt.

I didn't know he had this kind of muscle hidden beneath his tailored clothes. His shirt covered it all, but now that I'm pressed against him, I can feel the hardness of his body. It's disorienting, and I feel a strange weakness wash over me.

"Put me down!" I demand, trying to squirm out of his grasp.

Lucien's grip only tightens, his arms like steel bands around me. He strides towards the house, his long legs eating up the distance. I'm trapped, and I don't know how to escape.

Lucien carries me into the house, the opulent decor blurring together as I'm pressed against his chest. Once we're inside, I say, "You can drop me now. I won't struggle. It's useless anyway."

Lucien looks down at me, his eyes locking onto mine. Our lips are almost touching, and I feel a jolt of electricity run through my body. My face burns red, and I look away immediately, trying to hide my reaction.

What's this feeling? I wonder, my heart racing in my chest.

Lucien's voice is low and husky as he says, "Fine." He drops me to my feet, and I pout, looking away from him.

Just then, several slaves emerge from the shadows, their eyes cast downward in respect. Lucien's face transforms, his expression turning cold and emotionless.

"Take her to her room and dress her for dinner," he orders, his voice devoid of warmth.

The slaves nod, their eyes still cast downward, and move to surround me. Lucien glances at his watch, his expression unreadable. "I have to be somewhere. I'll be back shortly."

With that, he turns and walks away, leaving me with the slaves. They lead me up the stairs, their movements efficient and silent. I'm left wondering what the night has in store for me, and what Lucien's true intentions are.

The slaves lead me to a lavish room, the decor a mix of opulent furnishings and delicate touches. They move with precision, each one knowing their role. They gently remove the wedding gown, handling it with care before laying it aside.

Next, they guide me to the bathroom, where a warm bath awaits. The water is soothing, and they bathe me with gentle hands, washing away the tension of the day. Once I'm clean, they dry me and begin the process of dressing me in a stunning blue crystal gown. The fabric shimmers in the light, hugging my curves in all the right places.

When they finish, they step back, their faces expressionless as always. "You look beautiful, ma'am," one of them says, before they all bow and leave the room.

I'm alone now, and I walk over to the mirror. My eyes widen in surprise as I take in my reflection. The gown is breathtaking, and the light makeup they've applied brings out my features in a way I've never seen before. I look...more pretty, more radiant than I ever thought possible.

I stand there for a moment, admiring myself, feeling a mix of emotions. Despite the circumstances, I have to admit, I feel a sense of wonder at how beautiful I've been made to look. The blue crystal gown sparkles like diamonds in the light, and I feel like a princess, if only for a moment.

But as the moment passes, reality sets back in. I'm still a prisoner in this grand house, bound to a man who claims me as his mate. And I have no idea what he plans to do with me. I sigh in frustration.

“Breathtaking.”

I'm startled by the low, husky voice, and I turn around to see Lucien leaning against the doorframe, his eyes fixed intently on me.