3

Aina’s knees sank into the plush carpet as she lowered herself before him. Her breath quickened, the weight of his command pressing on her chest like an iron hand. She felt exposed, vulnerable—and utterly his.

Alric circled her slowly, his eyes predatory as he drank in her submission. His voice cut through the heavy silence. “You will learn to follow every rule without hesitation. Obedience will be your salvation. Defiance…” He let the word hang, its sharp edge biting into her soul. “...will earn punishment.”

Her lips trembled. “Yes, Master.”

“The first rule,” he began, pausing behind her, his breath hot against her neck, “is to trust me completely. Even when it frightens you. Especially then.”

She nodded, her voice a whisper. “Yes, Master.”

His fingers traced her jaw, tilting her head back so her eyes met his. “Second, you will speak only truth when I ask you a question. Lies have no place between us.”

“I understand, Master.”

“Good.” His eyes darkened. “Third, you’ll dress as I desire. Every garment you wear will reflect your place as mine. Modesty in public. Submission in private.”

Her heart thudded, her cheeks flushing. “Yes, Master.”

“When we are alone,” he continued, his voice a sensual caress, “you’ll kneel when I enter. Your gaze will remain lowered unless I command otherwise. Respect begins with posture.”

Aina’s pulse quickened. “I’ll remember, Master.”

“And finally,” his tone turned possessive, “your body is mine. Every touch, every kiss, belongs to me alone.” His thumb brushed her lips. “You will not grant another what is mine.”

“I won’t, Master,” she whispered, the words a vow.

“Good girl,” he murmured. “Now rise.”

The tension in the room thickened as Aina stood. Alric’s eyes never left her, burning with possession and a hunger that made her heart race. He took her chin between his thumb and forefinger, lifting her face.

“You will wear only what I give you,” he commanded. “Tonight, you’ll sleep in my bed. No protests. This is the beginning of your training.”

Her breath hitched, her body trembling at his words. “Yes, Master.”

He released her, stepping back. “Remove the dress.”

Aina’s eyes widened. A wave of heat crashed over her, and her hands faltered as she reached for the hem. Alric’s gaze darkened as he watched her hesitation.

“Do not delay,” he ordered, voice sharp.

Her fingers moved quickly, slipping the silk from her body. Vulnerability prickled her skin as she stood bare before him.

“Good,” he said, a dark satisfaction in his tone. “You’ll learn to trust in my commands. Now, to bed.”

The dimly lit room was eerily silent as Aina followed Alric to his bedroom. Each step she took felt heavier than the last, her heart pounding in her chest like a war drum. She clutched her trembling hands to her sides, unsure if it was the fear or his commanding presence that caused her breath to hitch.

Alric pushed the double doors open, revealing a grand room bathed in shadows. The bed in the center was massive, draped in dark sheets that mirrored his aura—intense, dominating, and untouchable.

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