Chapter 6

• EMMELINE
• ♧♧★♧♧
• I couldn't move. My body felt frozen in place as the truth settled like a heavy stone in my chest. Darius had been part of the people who killed my family. The realization hit me like a punch to the gut. My mind spun, and I struggled to breathe, feeling the world close in around me.
• "Take off your clothes," he said. His voice was so cold, it sent a shiver through my bones.
• I looked up at him, my eyes blurred with unshed tears. I couldn't let him see me break. Not now. Not after everything that had happened.
• I swallowed hard, trying to steady myself. "I.. have something to confess,"' I said, my voice barely a whisper.
• Darius raised an eyebrow, his eyes narrowing as he studied me, suspicion dancing in his dark gaze. "Speak," he ordered.
• My heart was pounding in my chest, but I pushed the fear aside.
• “I… I have an infection,” I said quickly, the lie tasting like ash in my mouth. It was the first thing that came to mind, a desperate attempt to buy myself some time, some way out of this nightmare. Why my previous owner sold me, right? Totally believable. Except it was complete bullshit. "That's why my previous owner sold me.”
• The room was silent, too silent. I could feel his eyes boring into me, looking for any sign of a lie. I held my breath praying he wouldn't see through me.
• "What kind of infection?" he asked.
• I blinked, my mind racing for an answer. "I don't know,” I said, hoping it would be enough. But the way he kept his eyes on me without a word, I knew it wasn't enough.
• “They just… they said it was contagious.” I stammered, trying to sound convincingly helpless.
• Darius didn't move for a moment, his eyes still locked on mine. Then he stepped closer, closing the space between us. His hand shot out, grabbing my chin, forcing me to look up at him.
• "If you're lying..." His voice trailed off but I could hear the threat in it. "There will be consequences.”
• I nodded quickly, my heart hammering in my chest. "I'm not lying," I whispered.
• Consequences? Like what? Was being his slave not consequence enough?
• “A doctor will be here tomorrow,” he continued, releasing my chin. “To run some tests.”
• I nodded again, my body numb with fear.
• He stared at me for a moment Ionger, and then, finally stepped back.
• Darius didn't speak again, and I turned to leave, desperate to escape his suffocating presence. I thought I was free, but then his voice stopped me in my tracks.
• "Wait."
• I froze, my stomach dropping. What now?
• "You’re free to roam the Estate," he said, "but if you try to run, I'll kill you."
• He didn’t have to say it. I knew. I knew what he was capable of. I’d seen it firsthand. I nodded, too terrified to say anything.
• "'Get out," he dismissed me.
• I practically stumbled out of the room, my legs shaking so badly I thought I’d collapse. Two guards materialized out of nowhere. They didn’t say a word, just grabbed my arms and led me down the endless corridors of the estate, pushing me to the room that was now my prison. They shoved me inside, the heavy wooden door slamming shut behind me. "You must never leave this Estate," one of them muttered before they disappeared.
• As soon as they were gone, I sank to the floor, tears streaming down my face. What had I done? What kind of mess have I found myself into? I was trapped. Trapped with the man who had destroyed everything I held dear.
• But then, as the tears fell, a new thought creeped into my mind. My lie, the stupid lie I told him would not protect me for so long. The doctor would arrive tomorrow and sure enough, he would discover I’m healthy. He would know I have no infection. He would know I’m still a virgin.
• And then… God, I didn't even want to think about the “then.” Darius would be furious. He’d feel tricked... by a common slave. He would so mercilessly punish me and make me pay for it. I’d be at his mercy.
• Panic clawed at my throat, making it hard to breathe. I had to do something. Anything. But what? I was surrounded by his men, trapped in his gilded cage. Escape seemed impossible.
• I paced the room, my mind racing, trying to find a way out of this mess. I could try to convince the doctor to lie for me, but how? What could I offer him? I had nothing. I was nothing.
• Maybe I could try to appeal to Darius’… humanity? No, scratch that. The man was a monster. He didn’t have a shred of humanity in him.
• My thoughts kept circling back to the same terrifying conclusion: I was screwed. Royally, utterly, hopelessly screwed.
• ★★★★★★★★★
• The next morning, I woke up before the sun had even risen. My mind was already racing. I had a plan. I didn't know if it would work, but I had to try.
• I dressed quickly, my fingers trembling as I pulled on a simple dress. I didn't care what I wore. I just needed to get out of here. I needed to find something that could give me a chance.
• The guards were still asleep when I slipped out of my room, careful not to make a sound. I moved quietly through the halls, my heart pounding in my chest. The Estate was eerily quiet, meaning most people weren’t awake. This was the perfect time to do what I had in mind.
• I made my way to the garden, my breath shallow, my body tense. I knew exactly what I was looking for.
• It didn't take long to find it. The Greenshade herb. I could barely contain my excitement. Most people here grow it for decoration, but I know its secret. I knew it well, as a Lycan of course. Naturally, Greenshade is not toxic but when mixed with the right quantity of curry powder, it’s poisonous and it kills.
• And I had learned exactly how to use it.
• I quickly plucked it, hiding it in the folds of my dress. What am I going to do with it? I don't know. But I do know one thing.
• Darius has to die.