Chapter-8

Raine sat on the edge of the plush bed, staring at the soft glow of the bedside lamp. Her mind raced as she replayed the events of the day. Every word Damon had spoken echoed in her head, and her heart ached at the realization that her father’s debt had pulled her into this web of darkness.

The mansion was quiet, but Raine felt the weight of unseen eyes. It wasn’t just a house—it was a fortress, designed to keep her in as much as it kept others out.

She ran her fingers through her hair, the strands slipping between her trembling fingers. A knock on the door startled her.

“Miss Bennett,” Lydia’s voice called from the other side. “Mr. Cross would like to see you in his study.”

Raine hesitated. Every interaction with Damon left her more confused and trapped. But she had no choice. Taking a deep breath, she stood, smoothing her dress as she walked to the door.

Lydia stood with her usual composed expression. “Follow me,” she said, leading Raine through the dimly lit hallways.

When they reached the heavy wooden door of Damon’s study, Lydia opened it and gestured for Raine to step inside.

Damon sat behind a massive desk, a glass of amber liquid in his hand. He didn’t look up immediately, giving her a moment to take in the room. Bookshelves lined the walls, filled with leather-bound volumes. A roaring fire cast flickering shadows, adding to the room’s intimidating atmosphere.

“Sit,” Damon said without preamble, his voice firm but not unkind.

Raine obeyed, perching on the edge of the chair opposite him.

He leaned back, studying her with those piercing eyes. “Have you come to terms with your new reality?”

She clenched her fists, summoning her courage. “I don’t know what you expect from me, but I won’t just roll over and let you control my life.”

Damon smirked, swirling the liquid in his glass. “You think you have a choice? Let me make this clear—you’re here because of your father’s mistakes. You’ll stay until I decide you’ve repaid his debt.”

“And how exactly am I supposed to do that?” Raine shot back, her voice trembling with anger.

Damon’s expression darkened. He stood, walking around the desk until he was towering over her. “By doing what I tell you to do. I don’t expect gratitude, but I do expect obedience.”

Raine felt the air shift, his presence overwhelming. She swallowed hard, refusing to let him see her fear. “And if I don’t?”

His smirk returned, colder this time. “Then your father pays the price.”

Her chest tightened. Damon’s words were like a noose, pulling tighter with every breath. She wanted to fight back, to scream, but the thought of her father kept her silent.

“Good,” Damon said, stepping back as if he’d won some invisible battle. “Now go. You’ll start your new role tomorrow.”

“What role?” Raine asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

He turned away, his back to her. “You’ll see.”

Lydia reappeared at the door, signaling that the conversation was over. Raine stood, her legs shaky as she followed Lydia back to her room.

When she closed the door behind her, she sank to the floor, tears streaming down her face. She didn’t know how long she could survive in Damon’s world, but one thng was clear—she wasn’t leaving anytime soon.

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