e stood across the room, not moving, his intense stare fixed

. "Tonight's not the night for breaking you in," he said in a low, da

ra's arm roughly and pulling her to her feet without a word. "Let's go," he grunted, dragging her from the room.

and battered, and her spirit felt as though it had been shattered. She had never felt so small and powerless. The iron bars of

other girls. Aurora lay still, staring up at the dark ceiling, her thoughts a whirlwind. She couldn't stay here, in thi

akable sound of a scream. The noise grew louder, closer, then abruptly s

hurried inside, their faces filled with terror. They carried a limp, unconscious body between them. The girl's eyes were wide and un

ed, her voice emotionless. She didn't even glance a

s the girls shuffled around, trying to make sense of what had just happened. "It was Damian," one of them whispered, her voice trembli

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

d awake, heart pounding in her chest as she looked up to find Madam Elena standing o

sh reality of her situation set in. "What do you me

or himself. You'll be his personal entertainment." Aurora's stomach twisted at the words, the

ard yanked it open with ease. Aurora barely had time to react before he shoved her out into th

the shadows, its tinted windows hiding the cold, calculating man inside. The guard opened the door, shoving her roughly into the backsea

life, Aurora's mind swirled with fear and confusion. She couldn't stop the tears from welling up in her eyes as the ci

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

ndlessly, filled with artwork and fine details. It felt like a dream-a dream that she had no choice but to

ous, draped in rich, dark fabrics that looked too soft, too inviting. A fire crackled in the hearth, casting flickering shadow

t, and she sank into it, trying to soothe the soreness in her body. The heat was a temporary comfort, a distrac

apped herself in a plush towel and walked out to face Damian. He was leaning agai

lutched the towel tighter, but it didn't matter. Damian didn't care. He moved to

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 ha

run. Damian was a man who took what he wanted, and she h