Chapter 8

Content Warning: This chapter contains scenes of violence that may be disturbing to some readers. Reader discretion is advised.

The following evening unfurled like a carefully orchestrated symphony, each note tinged with tension and allure. The mansion stood cloaked in twilight's embrace, its ancient walls whispering secrets as Damien approached Elara with a measured elegance.

"Elara," he murmured, his voice a velvety caress, "Tonight, I want us to dine together. I'll handle everything. Go get ready." His lips curled into a smile that seemed both inviting and inscrutable. "I got you a gift. It's in your room."

Elara blinked, startled by his sudden gesture. "A gift? Damien, you didn't have to—"

Before she could finish, he pressed a gentle finger to her lips, silencing her with a touch so intimate it sent shivers down her spine.

"Shush," he whispered, in a husky voice. "Tonight is special. Just look forward to it. I'll make you crave more nights like this."

A flush crept up her cheeks as she stammered, "W-What do you mean?"

His gaze darkened, a flicker of something primal lurking beneath. "You'll see. Go now."

As Elara ascended the staircase, her thoughts swirled in a maelstrom of confusion and intrigue. He's not acting like himself. What's changed? Yet curiosity overpowered her hesitation as she stepped into her dimly lit bedroom.

There, laid across her bed, was a breath-taking crimson gown, velvet as the night sky, its backless design baring more than she was accustomed to. A note rested atop the fabric, the script unmistakably Damien's:

Dress up for me tonight, my queen.

Elara sank onto the edge of her bed, heart pounding. Queen? Heat rushed to her face as she traced the words with trembling fingers. “Why is he being so... intense?” Reluctantly, she slipped into the gown, the silky fabric whispering against her skin. She felt both vulnerable and captivating, as if she had stepped into someone else's skin entirely.

Downstairs, Damien busied himself in the candlelit dining room. Yet, as Elara peeked from the shadows, a gasp caught in her throat. His reflection in the glass of a nearby cabinet showed his eyes, which was once warm hazel, now flashing a cold, sinister red. And that smile... twisted, predatory, as if something dark coiled within.

"Oh, Aurora," he murmured under his breath, his voice a chilling blend of his own and something far more malevolent. "You don't know just how long I've waited for you. Tonight, you'll be mine."

Elara recoiled, a silent scream lodged in her throat. The Shadow... it possessed him! Elara rushed to her room. Her breath hitched, her body trembling, and her mind in a turbulence. “Who's Aurora?” she murmured. Panic laced her thoughts. I have to stay calm. If he realizes I know, he might lose control completely.

A knock startled her. "Elara, are you ready?"

Swallowing hard, she whispered, "Y-Yes, just... five more minutes. Wait downstairs."

"Don't keep me waiting too long," came his silky reply.

Elara clenched her fists, steadying herself. “You can do this. For Damien,” she said to herself. She straightened, smoothing the dress, and descended the stairs, the gown trailing behind her like liquid fire.

Damien stood waiting, his eyes, now their usual warm hue, widening as he beheld her. He extended his hand as he whispered, "You look... exquisite."

A forced smile curved her lips as she took his hand, though dread coiled tight in her chest. He guided her to the table, pulling out her chair with the grace of a practiced gentleman. The scent of rosemary and wine filled the room, yet Elara could scarcely taste the food as he served her himself, their conversation laced with forced normalcy.

"Elara," Damien's voice broke the silence, eyes narrowing. "Earlier today... did you find anything new about the Shadow?"

Elara's fork clattered against the plate. "N-No. Just some old stories... nothing important," she stammered, throat tightening.

A long pause. His gaze seemed to pierce through her, searching for deception. Then, he simply nodded. "Let me know if you do."

After dinner, Damien rose, his smile returning with disarming charm. "Shall we dance?"

Elara hesitated. "Damien, I don't know how…."

"Just follow my lead." His voice was almost hypnotic as he took her hand and drew her into a slow waltz. The music swelled, a haunting melody that seemed to echo the storm inside her heart.

His hand settled on her back, pressing her closer, no space left between them. A shiver cascaded down her spine as his fingers traced slow circles against her skin. Her pulse quickened, not from desire, but from a growing sense of dread.

“This isn't Damien,” she thought, feeling unpleasant and heartbroken.

His touch slid lower, just brushing the curve of her hip. Alarm flared in her chest. "Damien... I think we should stop now." Elara said, a sense of danger awakened in her.

He leaned closer, his breath warm against her ear. "Why? Do you not... like it?"

She swallowed hard, avoiding his gaze. "I—I can't do this. Please, let's just call it a night."

A wicked smile curled his lips as his hand captured her chin, tilting her face toward his. "You're trembling... why?" He lowered his head with the intention of kissing her.

Panic surged. She wrenched free, voice shaking. "I'm sorry. I just... I can't."

Turning on her heel, she went towards the stairs, but Damien's hand seized her wrist, yanking her back with startling force. "You can't run from me, Aurora." His voice, a distorted echo of his own, vibrated with dangerous intensity.

Tears welled in her eyes. "S-Stop..Y-You're hurting me!"

His grip tightened. "You're mine. I won't let you run."

Desperation ignited within her. She stomped hard on his foot, twisting free just enough to break away. Barefoot, she fled to her room, slamming the door and locking it behind her. Her chest heaved with ragged sobs as she collapsed to her knees.

‘This isn't Damien. But he's still in there... I know he is. I have to save him.” She said, tears busting out her eyes.

Outside, the sound of heavy footsteps approached. Then, his voice, low and deadly through the door:

"My dear Aurora... this is just the beginning." He said to himself.

And then silence.

♡♡♡

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