ONE CAGE TO ANOTHER
Herold’s car, dimly lit. Ella sits in tense silence as the vehicle speeds away. Herold, seated beside her, keeps glancing her way, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.
Herold banguish
Herold: [Thinking] There’s something about her... That fire in her eyes. She’s not like anyone I’ve met before.
Ella notices his stare and shifts uncomfortably.
Ella Eloine
Ella: [Sharply] Stop looking at me like that.
Herold banguish
Herold: [Chuckles] Like what?
Ella Eloine
Ella: Like you’re trying to figure out if I’m useful or just another problem.
Herold banguish
Herold: [Leaning closer, his voice low] Who says you can’t be both?
Ella glares at him, crossing her arms.
Ella Eloine
Ella: I didn’t ask for your help.
Herold banguish
Herold: [Smiling slightly] No, but you took it. And now, we have… arrangements to discuss.
The car pulls into a grand estate, the mansion looming large under the moonlight. A smaller, yet equally elegant house sits nearby.
Herold banguish
Herold: [Gesturing toward the smaller mansion] That’s yours.
Ella Eloine
Ella: [Frowning] What do you mean, mine?
Herold banguish
Herold: [Matter-of-factly] Until I know what to do with you, you’ll stay there. It’s close enough for me to keep an eye on you.
Ella Eloine
Ella: [Narrowing her eyes] Keep an eye on me? Am I a prisoner now?
Herold banguish
Herold: [Smirking] Prisoner? No. A guest... of importance.
Ella Eloine
Ella: [Suspicious] What’s the catch?
Herold banguish
Herold: You’ll stay under the guise of being my fiancée.
Ella Eloine
Ella: [Standing abruptly] Excuse me?!
Herold banguish
Herold: [Calmly] It’s protection. Your husband—or whatever he is—won’t dare make a move if he thinks you belong to me.
Ella Eloine
Ella: [Fuming] I don’t belong to anyone.
Herold banguish
Herold: [Eyes darkening slightly] It’s a façade. Play the part, and you’ll be safe. Fight me on this, and I can’t guarantee your freedom.
Ella steps into the smaller mansion, her suitcase still in hand. The inside is lavish but cold, much like her new benefactor.
Ella Eloine
Ella: [Muttering] From one cage to another…
Herold appears in the doorway, watching her silently. She turns to face him, her defiance unwavering.
Ella Eloine
Ella: [Firmly] Fine. I’ll play along. But don’t think for a second that I trust you.
Herold banguish
Herold: [Smirking, leaning casually against the doorframe] Trust is overrated.
Ella Eloine
Ella: [Eyes narrowing] And don’t think I’m some damsel waiting to be rescued.
Herold banguish
Herold: [His smile softens, almost imperceptibly] Good. I wouldn’t like you half as much if you were.
Ella freezes for a moment, his words catching her off guard, but quickly shakes it off.
Days pass. Ella explores her new home, all the while feeling the weight of Herold’s presence from his neighboring mansion. She often catches glimpses of him watching her, his expression unreadable.
Ella Eloine
Ella: [Thinking] What’s his angle? Why is he helping me?
One evening, she finds herself on the balcony, staring at the stars. Herold appears below, looking up at her.
Herold banguish
Herold: [Calling up] You seem restless.
Ella Eloine
Ella: [Coldly] Maybe because I’m being held hostage under the guise of luxury.
Herold banguish
Herold: [Smiling faintly] Hostage or not, you’re safe here. That’s more than you had before.
Ella Eloine
Ella: [Sighing, almost to herself] Safety comes at a price, doesn’t it?
Herold banguish
Herold: [Softly] Always. But sometimes, it’s worth it.
As Ella retreats inside, Herold remains below, watching the light in her room flicker out.
Herold banguish
Herold: [Thinking] I’ve built walls around myself for years, yet she breaks through without even trying.
In her room, Ella leans against the door, her heart heavy.
Ella Eloine
Ella: [To herself] I can’t trust him… but why does it feel like he’s the only one who truly sees me?
Both lost in their thoughts, a fragile connection begins to form in the shadows of their shared predicament.
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