The Chains She Calls Love
Ravina
(thinking, from the shadows) He was smiling. Laughing. At that little brat… That smile is mine. His laughter belongs to me. How dare he give it to anyone else?
Her eyes burned with jealousy, her manicured nails curling into her palm.
Ravina
(gritting her teeth) He needs to be reminded of who he belongs to.
She stormed through the hallway, her heels echoing like war drums against the marble floor. Just as she passed the drawing room, she ran into Celene, Ruhan’s mother.
Celene Arora(ruhan mother)
(coldly) Ravina? Is something wrong? Did that bastard do something again?
Ravina blinked—and within a second, her face softened into false sweetness, sorrow painting her voice.
Ravina
(whimpering) No, Mom… he didn’t do anything. Really... I’m just a little tired.
Celene Arora(ruhan mother)
Don’t cover for him. If he ever lays a hand on you, I’ll teach him a lesson myself.
Ravina
(smiling weakly) You’re too kind. I’ll go rest for a bit.
Celene Arora(ruhan mother)
Alright, take care. Don’t overwork yourself.
The moment Ravina stepped into her room and locked the door behind her, the sweetness drained from her face.
From the crib in the corner, she could see Ruhan sitting on the bed with Liora, playfully bouncing her, laughter rising softly from his chest. Liora giggled, pressing her forehead to his.
Something in Ravina snapped.
Before Ruhan could react, she stormed across the room, grabbed him by the hair, and yanked him down to his knees. His balance wavered—he nearly dropped Liora in shock but clutched her tightly to his chest.
Ruhan Arora
(staggering) What the hell are you doing?!
He focused on soothing Liora, checking her arms, her legs—making sure she was okay.
He didn’t see the object Ravina now held in her hand until it was too late.
The first lash landed with a scream of tearing flesh.
A whip—barbed with metal spikes—slashed across his back, slicing his skin. Liora burst into terrified sobs as Ravina whipped him again… and again… and again.
Ravina
(furious, with every strike)
“Your smile is mine!”
“Your laughter is mine!”
“You belong to me, Ruhan!”
Blood soaked his shirt. His teeth clenched. But he never let Liora go.
Even as pain blinded him, he held her close, using his own body as a shield, whispering through gritted teeth.
Ruhan Arora
(whispering) Shhh… it’s okay, my star… don’t be scared… I’m here…
Tears streamed down his cheeks—not from the pain, but from the knowledge that Liora had to see this.
That made Ravina’s rage burn hotter.
In a final outburst, she snatched Liora from his arms and tossed the crying baby back into her crib. Ruhan cried out.
Ruhan Arora
(screaming) LIO—!
He barely got up before she grabbed him again, threw him onto the bed, and straddled him. Weak from blood loss and pain, Ruhan fought—clawed at her wrists, pushed her shoulders—but his body was failing.
And Ravina took what she wanted.
Hours passed like a nightmare without end.
Only a knock on the door broke the silence.
Ravina
(irritated) What is it?!
amne(maid)
(from outside) Madam… it’s time for lunch. The family is waiting for you downstairs.
Ravina snapped her head toward the clock.
She adjusted her dress quickly and looked at the bed.
Ruhan lay unconscious, blood staining the sheets, purple bruises blooming across his arms, neck and back. His breathing was shallow. His body unmoving.
In the corner, Liora had cried herself to sleep, her tiny fists clenched, tear trails drying on her cheeks.
Ravina
(calmly, wiping her lips) You go ahead. I’ll be down in a moment.
She pulled a blanket over Ruhan’s battered body, cleaned her face, changed her clothes, and walked out of the room with the same grace she always wore in front of the world.
But behind the door, the room reeked of pain, blood, and silence.
What happens when the monster forgets the prey has awakened?
And how long until the mask cracks... and Ravina realizes that this Ruhan is no longer hers to control?
Continue reading as the shadows deepen… and the war begins.
Comments