Aurora sipped the glass of water, her hands trembling so much she spilled a few drops on the bedsheet. She set it down on the table beside her and glanced at the maid, who sat silently at the edge of the bed, looking at the floor.The silence stretched, heavy and suffocating. Aurora’s voice broke it, soft and shaky. “What’s your name?”The maid looked up, surprised. “Maya,” she said quickly, like she hadn’t expected the question. “My name is Maya.”“Maya,” Aurora repeated, tasting the name like it was foreign. She nodded slowly. “Why did you help me?”Maya hesitated, her fingers twisting together in her lap. “I don’t know if you’d call it help,” she said finally. “I did what I could. But… I know how it feels.”Aurora tilted her head, her eyebrows drawing together in confusion. “You know how it feels?”Maya’s face tightened, her eyes darting to the door as if she was afraid someone might be listening. She leaned closer, lowering her voice to a whisper. “I’ve been here for years, Aurora
The first thing Aurora became aware of was the ache in her body. It was a dull, all-encompassing pain that radiated from her core and seemed to weigh down every limb. She stirred slightly, her movements sluggish, her eyelids heavy as if they were weighed down by bricks.“Miss,” a soft voice whispered, pulling her from the haze of unconsciousness. “Miss Aurora… are you awake?”Aurora’s eyes fluttered open, the morning light filtering through the tall, velvet-draped windows. The room was quiet, almost serene, a sharp contrast to the storm of emotions raging inside her chest.The ache between her legs brought the memories crashing back, and she flinched, a sharp gasp escaping her lips as her breath hitched.“It’s okay,” the voice soothed. “You’re safe now.”Safe? The word felt hollow, meaningless. She turned her head slowly, her vision adjusting to see one of the maids sitting beside her. The young woman’s face was pale, her eyes shadowed with worry and pity.“You fainted last night,” th
He followed her, his eyes never leaving hers, his movements deliberate and predatory. Aurora’s fear grew with every step, her mind racing for an escape that she knew wouldn’t come. As she reached the edge of the bed, he was right behind her, his breath hot on her neck.He began to unbuckle his belt, the sound of the leather sliding through the metal loops seeming to fill the room. His eyes remained locked on hers, a thrill dancing in his eyes. Aurora’s stomach clenched, and she could feel the bile rising in her throat.“You’re going to do exactly as I say, aren’t you?” he whispered, his voice a cold, sinister hiss. His free hand reached out and traced the line of her bare shoulder, sending a wave of fear through her.Aurora flinched, the touch of his skin against hers feeling like a violation already. She could feel the leather of his belt as he continued to unbuckle it, the heavy thud as it hit the floor was a reminder of what was to come. She knew she had to act fast, to do somet
Aurora had barely slept. The day’s events were too vivid, too raw in her mind. Every detail of his cold, commanding voice and the cruel glint in his eyes replayed in an endless loop. She sat curled up on the edge of the small, hard cot the maids had led her to after her encounter with him. It was clear they had no intention of treating her like a guest in this house.When the knock came, she startled, her heart jumping into her throat. The door creaked open, and a pair of maids entered, their faces pale and nervous. Neither would meet her eyes.“Get up,” one of them said softly, her voice barely audible. “He’s waiting.”Aurora felt her stomach churn. She wanted to protest, to resist, but the words died in her throat. She didn’t trust her own voice not to betray her fear. Reluctantly, she rose to her feet, smoothing down the worn dress they had given her earlier.The maids exchanged a glance before stepping aside to let her pass. Their silence was suffocating as they escorted her throu
Aurora’s steps faltered as she was ushered into the mansion’s entryway. The place was too grand, too cold, too silent. She clenched her fists at her sides, struggling to push back the dread threatening to swallow her whole.The air felt heavy, and the soft tap of her worn shoes against the polished marble floors echoed in the stillness. Every instinct screamed at her to turn, to run, but she knew better. She had no escape.And then he appeared.He descended the grand staircase slowly, like he had all the time in the world. His movements were deliberate, confident, as though he were a king stepping down to greet his newest subject. He was devastatingly handsome perfectly sculpted features, piercing dark eyes, and a mouth that curved into a wicked, knowing smile.“Ah, finally,” he said, his voice smooth and deep. It sent a chill down Aurora’s spine. “So you’re the infamous Aurora.”She flinched at the way he said her name, as if he’d already claimed it, claimed her. She looked away, fi
The silence in Damian’s car was suffocating. His knuckles were white against the steering wheel as he sped through the empty streets, his mind clouded with fear and rage. He had searched everywhere every alley, every corner of the city but there was no sign of Aurora. It was as if she had vanished into thin air.The thought of her being alone, scared, and hurt made his chest tighten. He slammed his foot on the brakes, the car screeching to a halt in front of the decrepit warehouse his sources had pointed him to.Damian stepped out, his breath visible in the cold night air. The building loomed before him, dark and uninviting, but he didn’t hesitate. He pushed through the broken door, the metal groaning under his force. Inside, the smell of oil and rust filled his nose, but the sight was worse empty crates and dust-covered machinery scattered everywhere.No Aurora.“Damn it!” he hissed, slamming his fist against a nearby wall. His voice echoed through the hollow space, but it brought hi