5

Aina stood in front of the vanity, staring at the unfamiliar reflection in the mirror. The maid Alric had assigned to her was quietly arranging brushes and powders, her presence more mechanical than human.

“Hold still, miss,” the maid said softly, gently smoothing Aina’s hair into a sleek braid.

As the minutes passed, Aina felt the weight of her new reality settling in. Everything she wore, everything she did—it was all a reflection of him. The maid eventually handed her a dress: an elegant black gown, simple yet commanding, much like Alric himself.

“This was chosen for you by the Master,” the maid informed her. “He prefers modesty but sophistication.”

Aina nodded, slipping into the dress. Its fabric clung to her like a second skin, and she felt trapped even more deeply than before. The maid gave her a faint smile, but it was tinged with pity—a silent acknowledgment that they both knew what this life entailed.

Aina descended the grand staircase slowly, her heart thundering in her chest. Alric was waiting for her in the main hall, speaking in low tones to a man dressed in a sharp suit. At the sound of her footsteps, Alric turned, his piercing gaze locking onto her.

He dismissed the man with a wave of his hand and crossed the room to meet her. His eyes scanned her from head to toe, taking in every detail.

“Better,” he said with a nod of approval. “You’re learning quickly, little one.”

“Thank you, Master,” Aina replied, her voice steady despite the nervous fluttering in her stomach.

Alric stepped closer, his hand reaching out to tilt her chin upward. “You look beautiful, Aina. But beauty alone won’t keep you alive in my world. You’ll need to be sharp, observant, and above all, loyal. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Master.”

He released her chin and motioned toward the dining room. “Come. Breakfast is waiting.”

The dining table was lavishly set, adorned with silverware and dishes that looked far too luxurious for an ordinary morning meal. Aina sat where Alric indicated, her hands resting nervously on her lap.

As they ate, Alric’s sharp eyes never left her. He seemed to be studying her every move, every gesture, as if searching for a flaw.

“You’ll accompany me today,” he said suddenly, breaking the silence. “There’s a meeting with my associates, and I want you by my side.”

Aina’s fork froze mid-air. “But, Master, I—”

His gaze darkened instantly, cutting her off. “Did I ask for your opinion, Aina?”

“No, Master. I’m sorry.”

He leaned back in his chair, his expression softening slightly. “You’re not just here to warm my bed, Aina. You’ll learn to navigate my world, to stand beside me when required. Today will be your first test.”

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

The drive to the meeting was silent, the tension in the car thick enough to cut. Alric sat beside her, his presence as imposing as ever.

When they arrived at the luxurious penthouse where the meeting was being held, Aina felt her heart race. The room was filled with men and women whose eyes carried the same cold intensity as Alric’s.

Alric placed a possessive hand on the small of her back as he guided her into the room. “Stay close to me,” he murmured. “Speak only when spoken to. And remember—you’re mine.”

“Yes, Master,” she whispered.

The meeting began, and Aina sat silently beside Alric, her eyes darting nervously around the room. The conversation was laced with coded words and veiled threats, a language she didn’t fully understand but knew was dangerous.

At one point, a man sitting across from them leaned forward, his gaze lingering on Aina for a moment too long. “She’s new,” he remarked, his tone laced with amusement. “Didn’t take you long to replace the last one, Alric.”

Alric’s hand tightened on the armrest of his chair, his knuckles whitening. “Watch your tongue, Dominic,” he said coldly. “She’s not someone you can disrespect.”

Dominic smirked, leaning back. “Relax, old friend. I’m just making an observation.”

Alric’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t respond. Instead, he turned to Aina, his expression softening ever so slightly. “Aina, fetch me a drink.”

She nodded quickly, rising from her seat and hurrying to the bar at the side of the room. As she poured his drink, she could feel the weight of Dominic’s gaze on her back.

When she returned, Alric took the glass from her without a word, his fingers brushing against hers briefly. The small gesture sent a shiver down her spine, and she quickly resumed her seat.

The meeting continued, but Aina couldn’t shake the feeling that she was being watched—by more than just Alric.

Later that evening, back at the mansion, Alric confronted Aina about her performance during the meeting. “You did well to remain silent,” he said, circling her like a predator stalking its prey. “But you’ll need to do more than that if you wish to survive in my world.”

“What do you mean, Master?” she asked cautiously.

Alric’s lips curved into a dark smile. “It’s time you learned what true obedience means.”

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