1

Aina’s heart raced as the black car sped through the dark streets. Her hands, clenched into fists, trembled in her lap. The cold metal cuffs bit into her wrists, a cruel reminder of her fate.

Her mind spun with questions. Why? Why had her father done this? Why had he gambled everything—including her—to settle his debts?

The car came to a stop in front of a towering mansion. Dark stone walls loomed like prison bars, and an eerie silence swallowed the air.

“Out,” the driver commanded.

Aina’s throat felt dry, her voice a whisper. “Where are you taking me?”

He didn’t answer. Rough hands dragged her from the car, and her feet stumbled on the gravel. She caught herself just in time to see the massive door swing open.

She was ushered inside—a world of darkness and luxury collided. Black marble floors gleamed under golden chandeliers, and shadows danced along the high, vaulted ceilings.

“Move.” The driver shoved her forward.

Her heartbeat pounded like a drum as they entered a room. It was cold, dimly lit, and smelled faintly of leather and whiskey.

A man stood near the window, his broad back turned to her. The air thickened with his commanding presence. His black suit hugged his form, tailored to perfection. Slowly, he turned.

Piercing blue eyes locked onto hers.

Aina felt her breath hitch. This was the man her father had sold her to.

“Leave us,” he ordered, his voice deep and cold.

The driver left without a word, the door clicking shut behind him.

Silence stretched between them.

“Do you know who I am?” he asked, his eyes never leaving her face.

Aina swallowed hard. “You’re… Alric.”

His lips curled into a smirk. “Good. At least you know that much.”

Her pulse quickened as he took slow, deliberate steps toward her. She felt small, fragile under his intense gaze.

“There are rules,” he said, stopping just inches away. His scent, a mix of leather and danger, enveloped her. “You will speak only when spoken to. You will not question me. And you will obey without hesitation.”

Aina’s mouth went dry. “I—”

He lifted a hand, silencing her. “No arguments. No excuses.” His voice was a low growl. “When we are alone, you will call me Master.”

The word hung between them, heavy with power.

Her eyes widened, and her voice broke in a whisper. “Yes… Master.”

“Good girl,” he murmured, a glimmer of satisfaction in his gaze. His hand brushed her cheek, fingers trailing down to her jaw. “Submission suits you.”

Aina shivered under his touch, fear and something far more dangerous curling inside her.

“You are mine now,” he said, his voice a velvet command. “Your life, your choices—they belong to me.”

Tears stung her eyes, but she blinked them away. “Yes, Master.”

Alric’s smirk deepened. “Remember that, Aina. It’s the only way to survive in my world.”

Alric’s grip tightened on Aina’s waist as if staking his claim.

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