The First Escape Attempt

LORD KHYRONIS POV

The black tailored shirt which clung to my skin, felt like a second layer of chains.

I stood motionless in front of the tall mirror as the maids made final adjustments, their hands fluttering like nervous moths. The fabric was expensive, perfectly fitted, and utterly humiliating.

Why had that mortal dressed me up like some decorative doll? What game was he playing?

Did he think adorning me in fine clothes would make me forget the cage I was still trapped in?

I shook my head as my jaw clenched as memories of the dressing room flooded back. Caelum’s fingers on my neck. The deliberate brush of his thumb against my throat gave me goosebumps.

The way his hand had slid down to my waist, felt possessive and warm at the same time. The audacity of that filthy mortal. He had dared to touch me…a god, as if I were his property.

I hated it.

I hated the way my pulse had quickened under his grip. I hated the strange heat that had flared in my chest when his emerald eyes locked onto mine. Most of all, I hated that this stupid mortal body had reacted at all.

How dare he threaten me? How dare he speak of locking me away without food or water, of cutting off my hands like some common thief?

If my powers were not sealed, I would have reduced him to ash where he stood. Instead, I had been forced to stand there like a mannequin while he circled me like a predator inspecting fresh meat.

“Sir? We’re finished,” the head maid said softly, stepping back. Her voice pulled me from my thoughts.

I turned away from the mirror. The man staring back at me looked like a polished version of a fallen god, sharp black shirt open at the collar, tailored trousers hugging my legs, silver hair neatly combed. It disgusted me.

They had dressed me up for no reason I could see. Was this another way to mock me? To parade their new toy?

“Follow us to the lounge,” one of the younger maids said. “Master Caelum wants you to wait there.”

I said nothing. I simply walked behind them. Every step reminded me of how powerless I'm. No divine strength flowed through my veins. No shadows answered my call. Only this weak, hungry, mortal shell.

As we moved through the wide corridors of the mansion, my mind raced.

Escaping now wouldn't be a bad idea. The idea burned brighter with every passing second. I could not remain here like a pet, certainly not and I would not sleep in this mortal’s private wing tomorrow night as he had so arrogantly declared.

I studied the guards positioned along the halls, they were large, armed men with cold eyes. One walked a few paces behind me now, his hand resting near the gun at his hip. If I could take him by surprise…

My hands curled into fists at my sides.

We reached the lounge, it looked lavishing though, deep leather sofas, crystal chandeliers, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking what appeared to be a private garden.

Sunlight streamed in, mocking me with its false warmth. The maids bowed and left me with only the single guard.

I moved toward the window, pretending to admire the view while my heart pounded. This might be my only chance, jumping out of the window surely will make this guard alert the others.

The guard stood near the door, relaxed but watchful.

It's the right time to attack him, he won't be expecting it. I smiled as I spun fast, grabbing a heavy marble statue from a side table and swinging it with all the strength this frail body possessed.

It connected with the side of his head with a sickening crack. The guard staggered, blood trickling from his temple.

Before he could draw his weapon, I lunged, slamming my shoulder into his chest and driving him against the wall. He grunted in pain, but his hands came up, grabbing my arms in a vice grip.

“Foolish bastard,” he growled.

Rage exploded inside me. “You dare lay your hands on a god?!” I snarled, kneeing him hard in the stomach.

He doubled over, but did not release me. I clawed at his face, aiming for his eyes, desperate for any advantage.

Alarms began blaring somewhere in the distance. Footsteps thundered down the hall.

No. Not yet… how come there wasn't anyone around.

Already distracted, the guard shoved me backward with surprising force. I stumbled but caught myself, breathing hard.

My body ached from the effort, muscles burning in protest. This mortal form was pathetic. In my true form, I would have torn him apart with a thought.

I turned toward the window again, ready to smash the glass and run… A cold, commanding voice sliced through the chaos.

“Enough, Khyronis.”

Caelum stood in the doorway, his presence instantly sucking the air from the room. His emerald eyes glowed with a dangerous calm as they fixed on me.

Two more guards flanked him, guns drawn but lowered at his signal.

The injured guard straightened, wiping blood from his face. “Boss, he…”

Caelum raised a hand, silencing him. He stepped into the lounge, every step of his gave me the chills I never felt before.

I backed away until my spine hit the wall. My chest heaved with fury and exhaustion. “Stay away from me, you arrogant mortal! I am not your pet. I am not your toy to dress and threaten and touch as you please!”

He continued advancing until he was directly in front of me. Too close. The same scent from earlier, filled my lungs.

Without warning, Caelum grabbed both my wrists and pinned them above my head against the wall with one powerful hand. His body pressed forward, trapping me completely. Heat radiated from him. I could feel the hard lines of his chest, the steady rhythm of his breathing.

My heart slammed against my ribs. Annoyance, anger, and something far more confusing twisted inside me.

“You attacked my man,” he said softly, almost gently. His free hand came up and gripped my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze. “In my own house. After I warned you what happens to disobedient pets.”

I bared my teeth. “I would rather die than submit to the likes of you. Your touch disgusts me. Your threats mean nothing. When my power returns, I will make you regret ever laying eyes on me.”

For a long moment, Caelum simply stared at me. His thumb brushed slowly over my jaw, it wasn't gentle. My skin burned where he touched.

Then he leaned in until his lips were inches from my ear.

“Still cosplaying huh?” he whispered. “I enjoy breaking beautiful things that act tough and love breaking my rules.”

He pulled back slightly, eyes glinting with dark amusement. “Take him to the secure room. No food until tomorrow morning. Let him reflect on his choices.”

As the guards grabbed me, dragging me away, I twisted to glare at him one last time.

But deep in my chest, beneath the burning hatred, a tiny seed of unease had taken root.

Why did his touch feel both repulsive and… familiar? Why did those emerald eyes make something ancient stir inside my sealed powers?

I shoved the thought away violently.

This was only the beginning. I would escape this place. I would regain my divinity. And when I did, Caelum Nikolaus would be the first to fall.

As they pulled me down the corridor, I caught a snippet of nervous whispering between two maids watching from a doorway.

“…east wing again. The master said no one is allowed near that room…”

My eyes narrowed as I ignored those fools.