MasukSOMA
Standing first, Mason pulls me to my feet, steadying me when I wobble. I stretch my arms with a yawn, tired though I’m well-rested. Sheila and Maeve must be panicking at home, worried, not because they miss me but because they don’t have their maid to dress them up for today.“Why are you smiling?” Mason asks.“It’s the ceremony today. Sheila and Maeve will have to dress themselves up,” I mutter. As soon as the worSOMAI try not to panic, but my heart races.Even if Jade wants space, she’ll tell me. We’ve grown close enough for it to feel like we’re friends rather than a lady and her maid.What if she’s sick?I drag myself out of bed and head to the bathroom, sliding under the shower instead of drawing a bath. The water is cold at first, then too hot. I almost laugh.It’s ridiculous how spoiled I’ve become in the last two weeks. Jade always draws the bath, sorts out the laundry, and ensures I’m fed.Now, standing h
SOMABrynne is avoiding me. Or maybe I’m the one avoiding him, but I haven’t seen him even once since Monday. It’s Thursday, and I hope the rest of my week goes without him showing up. The pranks have diminished. Jade still follows me to some classes, but she’s also learning to read and write.Classes end later than usual today, and my head buzzes with words I don’t fully understand. Jade gathers her things and slides them into a tote bag with a little hum. For someone who’d been so reluctant at first, she now enjoys accompanying me. Maybe she can join me in more classes since I haven’t made new friends besides Helga. Most of my classmates are too scared, and the others flock around Maeve and Sheila.
SOMAThe next morning, someone shakes me awake.Jade. Her lips move, but I don’t hear a thing. I don’t want to rise. I don’t want to move. I don’t want to do anything. My body still feels too heavy, and my chest too tight, like I’m still trapped in that room with Brynne. Even when he’s far away from me, he still haunts me.“I’m not attending classes today,” I say when her words sink in. She tries to argue, but I roll to face the wall. “No one will miss me, anyway.”“My lady…” Jade’s voice wobbles.She seems m
SOMAThe second Brynne storms out, I slide down the mirror, knees curling tight to my chest. I can’t decide if I want to scream until the walls shatter or scrub myself raw. Whatever option I end up choosing, I know I can’t be here anymore.So, I force myself up, with no care for my next lecture. My legs move on instinct, each step a limp, until I finally reach the house.Jade looks up the second I close the door, her eyes wide and worried. Shouldn’t she be in the dorm? I’m usually happy to see her, but right now? I can’t fake a smile, even if I try.“My lady, are you okay—”
BRYNNESoma’s pulse pounds beneath my mouth, and her chest heaves against mine in a frantic rhythm. I can feel the heat of her through her clothes, the way her muscles tighten as my hands roam, gripping, groping, and finding every place that makes her gasp. Even if I want to, I can’t stop.Soma pushes weakly, but her every tremble convinces me she’s fire hidden in flesh, the key to my flame.“Your Highness,” she breathes against my lips.Her whisper stokes the flame. It flares in my veins, and I push harder, dragging my hand over her chest to caress those eager nipples. She gasps and arches, her body betraying her in way
BRYNNEFinally. I have Soma alone to myself. It’s time to test my theory, but she rips her hand from my grip, flinching almost immediately. For someone who bravely stood up for her maid, she lets too many useless people get away with hurting her.With the curtain back in place, the noise of the class fades to a dull hum. She tries to limp away, stubborn as always, but I don’t give her the chance. My hand wraps around her wrist, dragging her back until we reach the red velvet couch tucked against the wall.“Sit,” I command.She doesn’t, which I expected. So I push firmly enough for her injured foot to buckle and tip her b







