Episode 4

Zera’s world was turning into a maze—one that she wasn’t sure she wanted to navigate. Every step she took felt like it was leading her deeper into a labyrinth of power, lust, and danger. Ares King, the underground kingpin who controlled everything from the shadows, had claimed her as his own. But what did that truly mean for her?

The penthouse, once cold and impersonal, now felt like a cage. Every room she walked into felt like it was closing in on her. Yet, there was something oddly captivating about the way Ares moved through it, like he owned everything in it. And maybe, just maybe, he did.

Zera had always been a fighter, and even now, as she sat in Ares’ private office, the fire inside her refused to die out. But the world she had entered was unlike anything she had ever known. Ares had a power over her that made her question her own strength. She hated it, but couldn’t deny it. There was a pull, a connection between them that neither of them could ignore.

“You’re still here,” Ares’ voice broke through her thoughts. His voice was calm, but there was an edge to it—one that warned her not to test his patience. He stood in the doorway, watching her, his eyes like dark pools that seemed to hold a thousand secrets.

Zera didn’t turn to face him immediately. Instead, she looked out the window, watching the city beneath her, feeling the cool night air on her skin. It felt like freedom, but it was an illusion. “I’m not here because of you,” she replied, her voice steady. “I’m here because I don’t have anywhere else to go.”

Ares’ chuckle was dark, and he stepped into the room, closing the distance between them. “You’re a lot more like me than you think,” he murmured, standing behind her. Zera felt his presence like a weight pressing down on her shoulders, but she refused to show any signs of weakness.

The silence stretched between them, thick and heavy. Finally, Ares spoke again, his voice quieter this time. “You’ve signed the contract, Zera. Whether you like it or not, you’re mine now. And I protect what’s mine.”

Zera’s heart beat a little faster, but she didn’t flinch. “I’m not some possession, Ares. I’m not like the others.”

Ares’ eyes darkened, and for a moment, there was a flicker of something—something almost human—beneath the ice-cold exterior. “No,” he said softly. “You’re not like the others. That’s why I chose you.”

She turned to face him now, their eyes locking in a silent standoff. “I’m not afraid of you,” she said, her voice firm. But as the words left her lips, she couldn’t help but wonder if she was lying.

Ares’ lips curled into a knowing smile. “You should be,” he whispered, his voice barely above a breath. He moved closer, until there was barely any space left between them. “Because no matter what you think, Zera, I can destroy you.”

Zera’s heart raced, and for a moment, she thought she might back away, might run from the man who controlled her every move. But something inside her refused to show fear. She met his gaze head-on. “You won’t,” she said, her voice unwavering. “Because I’m not just anyone. I have my own fire, Ares.”

For a long moment, they stood there, locked in a silent battle of wills. Then, Ares did something unexpected. He stepped back, his eyes never leaving hers. “We’ll see, Zera. We’ll see just how much fire you really have.”

Zera didn’t know whether she was more terrified or intrigued by him. But one thing was for sure—Ares King wasn’t someone she could ignore. She had stepped into his world, and there was no turning back.

But as the fire inside her began to burn brighter, she realized that maybe she wasn’t meant to escape his world after all. Maybe, just maybe, she was meant to set it on fire.

To be continued...

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