4

“You’ll sleep here,” he said, his voice leaving no room for argument. “By my side. From this moment on, there is no separation between us. You’re mine, Aina, and this bed symbolizes that.”

Aina stood frozen at the threshold, her mind reeling. How had her life spiraled into this? Less than a day ago, she had been free—or as free as a woman bound by her father’s debts could be. And now, she was in the clutches of a man whose power eclipsed anything she had ever known.

“Do you understand, Aina?” Alric’s sharp tone snapped her back to reality.

“Yes, Master,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

He stepped closer, his hand brushing against her cheek, a gesture that was equal parts possessive and gentle. “You’ll come to see this as your safety, your refuge. But know this: there will be no lies, no secrets. If you wish to survive in my world, you’ll trust me with everything—your fears, your thoughts, and even your silence. Speak when I demand it, and stay quiet when I don’t.”

“Yes, Master.” Her voice broke on the last word, and a tear slid down her cheek.

Alric caught the tear with his thumb, his expression unreadable. “Tears won’t save you, little one. Only obedience will. Now, get in bed.”

Aina hesitated for a moment before stepping forward. She crawled into the bed, her movements timid and unsure. The silk sheets were cool against her skin, a stark contrast to the heat that seemed to radiate from him as he joined her.

He leaned back against the headboard, his gaze never leaving her. “You’ll sleep here, close to me, but don’t mistake my leniency for weakness. Disobedience will not go unpunished.”

Aina nodded, her body tense as she tried to find a comfortable position.

“Relax,” Alric ordered, his voice softer now, but no less commanding. “You’re safe as long as you obey.”

Her breathing slowed, the exhaustion of the day finally catching up to her. As sleep began to pull her under, his voice echoed in her mind.

“Good girl. This is only the beginning.”

The morning light filtered through the heavy curtains, casting a muted glow over the room. Aina stirred, her body aching from the tension of the previous night. She opened her eyes to find Alric already awake, sitting at the edge of the bed and fastening his cufflinks.

“You rise when I rise,” he said without looking at her. “This is your first lesson of the day.”

“Yes, Master,” she replied, pushing herself up quickly. Her hair tumbled over her shoulders, and she hastily tried to smooth it down, feeling the weight of his gaze as he finally turned to her.

“Come here.”

She moved toward him, her steps hesitant. He reached out, his fingers brushing against her wrist as he pulled her closer.

“Your appearance matters,” he said, his tone calm but firm. “You’re a reflection of me now. You will always present yourself with grace and perfection.”

“Yes, Master.”

He gestured to a vanity against the wall, its surface cluttered with an array of cosmetics and accessories that hadn’t been there the night before. “You’ll use these to prepare yourself each morning. One of the maids will assist you today, but you’ll learn to manage it on your own.”

Aina stared at the vanity, her stomach churning. This was another layer of control, another way to remind her that she was no longer her own person.

“You’ll wear what I select for you,” Alric continued, his voice slicing through her thoughts. “And you’ll act according to the rules I’ve laid out. Do you remember them?”

“Yes, Master,” she said, lowering her gaze.

“Repeat them.”

Aina swallowed hard, her mind racing to recall every word he had said the night before. “I will trust you completely. I will speak only the truth. I will wear what you desire. I will kneel when you command, and I will not look at you unless permitted. My body belongs to you.”

“Good girl,” he said, a hint of approval in his voice. “Obedience comes naturally to you, doesn’t it?”

“Yes, Master,” she whispered, her cheeks burning with shame.

He stood, towering over her as he adjusted his tie. “You’ll spend the day learning your duties and the expectations I have for you. Disobedience will not be tolerated, Aina. Remember that.”

“Yes, Master,” she replied, her voice barely audible.

As he left the room, the weight of his presence lingered, wrapping around her like invisible chains. She turned to the vanity, her reflection staring back at her—a girl who was no longer free, but who was determined to survive.

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