Chapter 4

• Chapter 4: A Night of Despair
• Elena couldn’t sleep.
• She lay on the massive bed in the dark room, staring at the ceiling, her heart pounding against her ribs. The walls felt like they were closing in, trapping her inside this nightmare. She could still feel their touch—Alessio’s firm grip on her chin, Gabriel’s teasing fingers brushing against her skin.
• She hated them.
• Her body was exhausted, but her mind wouldn’t rest. The events of the night replayed over and over—her failed escape, the way they humiliated her, the way they looked at her like she was already theirs.
• She needed to get out.
• Sitting up slowly, she glanced at the door. It was locked. Of course, it was.
• Her eyes shifted to the large window on the far side of the room.
• Her pulse quickened.
• She slipped out of bed, her bare feet touching the cold floor. Moving carefully, she crept toward the window, pressing her palms against the glass. The estate stretched out before her, vast and filled with armed guards.
• Her stomach twisted.
• She was high up, maybe the third floor. The drop would break bones if she wasn’t careful.
• Still, it was better than staying here.
• She scanned the room, searching for anything useful. Then her eyes landed on the silk sheets.
• Her heart pounded as an idea formed.
• Quickly, she grabbed them, tearing them into strips. Her hands shook as she tied them together, creating a makeshift rope. It wasn’t perfect, but it was all she had.
• She tied one end to the bedpost, giving it a hard tug. It held.
• Taking a deep breath, she climbed onto the window ledge. The night air was sharp against her skin, sending a shiver through her body.
• She glanced down.
• It was a long way.
• Her fingers tightened around the sheets.
• One step at a time.
• She swung her legs over the edge, gripping the fabric tightly as she began her descent.
• The wind howled around her. Her muscles burned as she lowered herself inch by inch. The knots held, but the fabric creaked under her weight.
• Almost there.
• She was just a few feet from the ground when she heard it—
• A slow clap.
• Terror shot through her veins.
• She turned her head, her breath catching in her throat.
• Gabriel.
• He stood near the garden, arms crossed, amusement dancing in his eyes.
• “Well, well,” he drawled. “Looks like our little pet has some fight in her.”
• Panic surged through her. She let go of the sheet, landing hard on her feet. Pain shot through her ankles, but she forced herself to move, sprinting toward the trees.
• She didn’t make it two steps before a strong arm caught her waist.
• She screamed, thrashing wildly, but Gabriel only laughed, pulling her against his chest.
• “Where do you think you’re going, sweetheart?” he murmured against her ear.
• “Let me go!” she hissed, struggling.
• Gabriel tsked, spinning her around to face him. “And here I thought you were smart.”
• She glared, shoving at his chest. “I’d rather die than stay here.”
• His grin widened. “Dramatic.”
• Her fury burned hotter. “I hate you.”
• Gabriel leaned in, his lips brushing her ear. “Hate me all you want, princess. It won’t change a thing.”
• She shoved him again, but he barely moved.
• Alessio’s voice cut through the night.
• “Bring her inside.”
• Elena’s body tensed.
• Gabriel sighed. “And here I was hoping we could have some fun.”
• She tried to pull away, but he lifted her effortlessly, throwing her over his shoulder.
• “Put me down!” she shrieked, pounding her fists against his back.
• Gabriel only chuckled. “Not happening.”
• He carried her inside like she weighed nothing. The guards smirked as they passed, their eyes filled with amusement.
• Humiliation burned through her.
• She was thrown onto the couch in Alessio’s study.
• Her pulse thundered as she looked up.
• Alessio stood near the fireplace, his expression unreadable. He didn’t look angry. He looked… disappointed.
• That was somehow worse.
• “You think you can run from us?” his voice was calm, too calm.
• Elena swallowed, refusing to look away. “You can’t keep me here.”
• Alessio stepped forward, his presence suffocating. “You belong to us now.”
• She clenched her fists. “I am not yours.”
• His eyes darkened. “You will be.”
• Gabriel perched on the edge of the desk, watching with interest. “She’s got fire.”
• Alessio didn’t look away from her. “And fire needs to be controlled.”
• Her stomach twisted.
• “Stand up.”
• She hesitated.
• Alessio’s voice turned sharp. “Now.”
• Gritting her teeth, she pushed herself to her feet.
• He stepped closer, his fingers tilting her chin up.
• “You disobeyed me.”
• She trembled, but she wouldn’t break. “I don’t take orders from you.”
• Gabriel snickered. “Oh, sweetheart, you really don’t know how this works.”
• Alessio studied her, his fingers trailing down her arm. The touch sent shivers through her, but she refused to react.
• “You need to learn your place,” he murmured.
• Her skin burned where he touched.
• She hated this.
• Hated them.
• But her body… betrayed her.
• Her breath hitched.
• Alessio smirked. “Interesting.”
• Gabriel’s eyes flickered with amusement. “Seems like our pet likes the fight.”
• Elena jerked away, fury clouding her mind. “I am not your pet!”
• Alessio’s hand shot out, gripping her wrist. His strength was effortless, his control absolute.
• “You are ours,” he said darkly.
• A lump formed in her throat.
• Gabriel sighed. “I think she needs another lesson.”
• Alessio nodded. “Lock her in her room.”
• Elena’s heart pounded.
• Gabriel smirked. “With pleasure.”
• Before she could react, he grabbed her again, dragging her toward the door.
• “Sleep well, princess,” he murmured.
• Elena’s blood turned cold.
• She wasn’t sure she’d survive this night.