captive of desire

Aurora quickly dressed, glancing up to meet Damian’s gaze. He stood across the room, not moving, his intense stare fixed on her. Her heart raced as she finally managed to ask, “Why?”

He gave a casual shrug, a smug grin playing at the corner of his lips. “Tonight’s not the night for breaking you in,” he said in a low, dangerous voice. “But don’t worry. When it happens, you’ll beg for it.”

With that, he turned, striding toward the door and calling for a guard. The heavy-set man appeared, grabbing Aurora’s arm roughly and pulling her to her feet without a word. “Let’s go,” he grunted, dragging her from the room. Aurora’s legs trembled beneath her, still weak from the terrifying encounter, but she had no choice but to follow.

Back in her cell, Aurora collapsed onto the cold bed, letting out a sob as tears poured from her eyes. Her body ached, bruised and battered, and her spirit felt as though it had been shattered. She had never felt so small and powerless. The iron bars of the cell seemed to close in on her, a reminder that her life now belonged to Damian—bought and sold like a thing, a possession.

The hours crawled by in the silence of her cell, broken only by the occasional muffled sobs and whispered cries of the other girls. Aurora lay still, staring up at the dark ceiling, her thoughts a whirlwind. She couldn’t stay here, in this hell. She couldn’t live this life. She needed to escape, but how? What chance did she have against a man like Damian?

Suddenly, a loud slam echoed through the hallway, followed by the unmistakable sound of a scream. The noise grew louder, closer, then abruptly stopped. A thick, suffocating silence filled the space, heavy with dread.

Aurora held her breath, listening to the growing sound of footsteps approaching. The door to her cell swung open, and several girls hurried inside, their faces filled with terror. They carried a limp, unconscious body between them. The girl’s eyes were wide and unseeing, her body bruised and battered. Madam Elena followed them in, her cold, indifferent face giving orders with a casual cruelty.

“Take her to the medical wing,” Madam Elena commanded, her voice emotionless. She didn’t even glance at Aurora. “And clean this up before the next round.”

Aurora felt a chill run down her spine, her stomach turning with a mixture of fear and disgust for the girl. Whispers filled the air as the girls shuffled around, trying to make sense of what had just happened. “It was Damian,” one of them whispered, her voice trembling. “He was too rough with her.” The horror of the words sank deep into Aurora’s chest, making her stomach lurch. Was this her fate too?

But even in the darkness, Aurora refused to give up. She had to survive. As the hours stretched on, she found herself wondering why Damian hadn’t left yet. The anticipation was worse than the threat of his presence. She could feel his eyes on her from the other side of the hall, his gaze heavy, almost suffocating. She knew it wouldn’t be long before he came for her again. The tension in the air was so thick it was hard to breathe.

Her thoughts were interrupted when a cold splash of water hit her face. Aurora jolted awake, heart pounding in her chest as she looked up to find Madam Elena standing over her with a bucket. “Time to wake up,” she sneered. “You’ve got a long day ahead.”

Aurora blinked the water away, shivering as the harsh reality of her situation set in. “What do you mean?” she asked weakly, her voice hoarse from crying.

“Damian wants you tonight,” Madam Elena said, her smile twisted and cruel. “He’s bought you for himself. You’ll be his personal entertainment.” Aurora’s stomach twisted at the words, the weight of them sinking into her like a stone. This was her life now, and there was no escape.

As they approached the large metal door that separated her cell from the outside world, the guard yanked it open with ease. Aurora barely had time to react before he shoved her out into the hallway. She staggered slightly but managed to stay upright, her heart pounding in her chest.

Outside, the night air felt sharp against her skin as she was led to a waiting black car. The sleek vehicle sat like a silent predator in the shadows, its tinted windows hiding the cold, calculating man inside. The guard opened the door, shoving her roughly into the backseat. Aurora could feel the cold leather of the seat against her skin as she was forced to sit, her body still aching from her earlier ordeal.

The car door slammed shut behind her with a finality that made her breath catch in her throat. As the vehicle roared to life, Aurora's mind swirled with fear and confusion. She couldn’t stop the tears from welling up in her eyes as the city lights blurred past the window, each one a reminder that she was being driven farther away from any chance of freedom.

The drive to Damian’s mansion felt like a blur. The city lights outside the car window passed in a daze, their glow nothing more than fleeting streaks of light. The guard sitting next to her gripped her arm tightly, his fingers like iron bands, making it impossible for her to move or even think clearly. When they finally arrived, Aurora was overwhelmed by the sight of Damian’s mansion. It was grand, towering over her like something out of a nightmare—a massive estate draped in opulence and excess. Golden chandeliers glittered in the windows, velvet curtains swayed gently in the breeze. It all looked so perfect, so unreal, and yet, it felt like a prison.

She was ushered inside, her eyes wide as she took in the luxurious surroundings. The hallway stretched on endlessly, filled with artwork and fine details. It felt like a dream—a dream that she had no choice but to live in. Every inch of the mansion screamed wealth and power, but to Aurora, it all felt like a gilded cage.

The guard led her to a grand suite, opening the door to reveal a room fit for royalty—or perhaps, a captive. The bed was enormous, draped in rich, dark fabrics that looked too soft, too inviting. A fire crackled in the hearth, casting flickering shadows on the walls. Everything was lavish, too lavish. “Get cleaned up,” the guard ordered coldly. “Your master will be here soon.”

Aurora turned to the large tub, her hands trembling as she turned the faucet. The water poured out, steaming hot, and she sank into it, trying to soothe the soreness in her body. The heat was a temporary comfort, a distraction from the fear gnawing at her. She knew what would come next, but there was nothing she could do to stop it.

When the water turned cold, she knew it was time. Stepping out of the tub, she wrapped herself in a plush towel and walked out to face Damian. He was leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, watching her with a predatory smile on his lips.

His gaze swept over her, taking in her wet, exposed form. Aurora instinctively clutched the towel tighter, but it didn’t matter. Damian didn’t care. He moved toward her slowly, deliberately, each step causing Aurora’s heart to race in fear.

He stopped just inches away, his body heat radiating against hers. His eyes were dark, filled with hunger. “You’re beautiful,” he said softly, his voice low and dangerous. “But not nearly as much as you’ll be when I’m done with you.” He reached out, brushing her damp hair from her face, his touch cold and controlled. Aurora flinched, but Damian didn’t care. His smile only widened as he saw her reaction.

Aurora’s heart pounded in her chest. There was nowhere to run. Damian was a man who took what he wanted, and she had no choice but to endure. All she could do was survive.