The faint light of dawn filtered through the window. I stirred on the bed. I stayed for a moment, staring at the ceiling before looking beside me. Tatiana was still asleep, her dark hair fanned across the pillow.
I exhaled softly, remembering what had happened yesterday. I stood up slowly, picked my pillow before leaving the room quietly. Tatiana was still asleep.
I whispered, "thank you." I went to my room to wash quickly. Brushing my soft white hair into a neat braid, I put on my maid's uniform. There were already little noises of servants moving through the hallways, voices carrying from the kitchen.
After dressing, I went about my duties. I polished the carved bannisters, dusted the sitting room, fetched water for the flowers and watered it.
By late morning, I decided I would visit my sister in the hospital. Know how she's doing. I got to my room, showered again and dressed in a pink dress, not too short or long. It was a modest dress.
On my way out, Aristarkh had returned and I knew I had to confront him about the bills he paid.
"Good afternoon sir." I bowed.
"You've been restless," he said flatly.
"My throat dried, I clutched my dress tightly, scared to speak. I finally broke the silence with my last boldness. "D-Did you… was it you? At the hospital? Did you pay for my sister's bills?"
A flicker of irritation crossed his face. "You needed it. So I handled it."
My chest burned, though my eyes were still down. At first I thought it was gratitude but then it was not. It was a confusing mix of anger and helplessness. "Why would you do that? You cant—"
"You dare raise your voice at me?" his tone cracked like a whip. In the same instant, heat flared across my chest. I gasped, hand flying to my breast where his mark glowed beneath my dress.
My knees weakened. "It hurts—"
"That is the bond reminding you," Aristarkh growled, striding forward. "You belong to me. Your struggles, your debts, your safety—they are mine to command. No one else can bore them."
My lips trembled. "I didn't ask for this. I didn't ask for you."
For a heartbeat, his jaw clenched so tightly I thought it might break. But then his hand caught my chin between his index and thumb, forcing my gaze upward. His eyes glowed red burning with fury and something more dangerous— desire.
"You think I care what you asked for?" He looked at me up to down. His voice lowered. "The world itself asks for nothing before it consumes you. And I—" his thumb brushed against my lip, "—will consume you before they ever touch you."
I shivered. He's not just dangerous. He's inevitable.
Aristarkh spoke again after a sigh.The Mark on my breast stopped hurting. "Dr. Elian has agreed to treat your sister personally. A cure only he can offer. Do you understand what that means?"
My eyes widened. "A cure? Truly?"
"Yes. He is the only physician in this city capable of curing what's inside her."
My hope flared brightly, but crushed it with the next sentence.
"Go back and undress because from this moment you live here. You will stay in this mansion, under my eyes, under my protection. Both you and your sister and if you refuse, you only invite your death and that of your sister."
I stumbled back a step, but his grip on my chin tightened until I whimpered.
"You can't decide that—"
"I already have." The mark on my breast glowed as his eyes flared. Pain and pleasure mingled until I gasped. "Your body already knows it. Your soul already knows it. Stop fighting what is sealed."
Tears almost wanted to spill out but I held it back. "You… you don't own me—"
The glow seared again, silencing me with a gasp. Aristarkh leaned closer, his lips brushed against my ear.
"I do. And the sooner you accept it, the safer you and your sister will be. Remember this butterfly— the crimson altar comes for what is mine. And I will kill every one of them before I let them touch you."
I trembled, caught between his feelings, his hatred, his anger and a heat, something drawing me I could not tame.
Aristarkh released my chin, stepping back. "Now go back to your room. You're not leaving this mansion again until I say otherwise. Your sister will be coming soon so don't worry. She's under my care and protection. No one will harm her, as long as you obey."
I trembled, staggered back, my heart raced. I wanted to scream, run—but my sister's fragile life tethered here and I knew I had a debt money can't pay, a mark I cannot erase."
No matter how much I tried to resist the voice in my head. I was already his.
I returned to my room. Sat on the bed thinking about my life. I stood up, undressed and changed into something comfortable. I lay on the bed, just staring at my phone before a ring broke the silence. I picked up the call after it was cut two times and rang the third time.
"Hello?" It was Ivanov.
"Ana." He let out a sigh of relief. "How are you Ana? You didn't pick up."
My voice was low, carrying a tone of worry, anger, fear and something else. "I'm fine." I lied smoothly. "How are you?"
His voice became worried. "I'm good but you sound disturbed Ana. Is everything okay in that mansion?"
I nodded though he couldn't see it. "Yes it is, I finally smiled."
"You're not Ana," he said sternly. "Talk to me—"
"I'm fine, Ivanov." My hands clutching the phone trembled.
He was worried but decided to leave it out for now. "So… did you find out who paid your sister bills?"
"Uhmmm— no I did not. I'm still yet to find out." I lied again.
His voice became stern, not believing. "I know when you're lying Ana. You know, right? Is it who I think it is?"
"Ivanov I— yes it's… it's him. Mr Aristarkh." A chill ran down my spine at just even saying his name.
Ivanov's hands clenched the phone tightly. "Ana, I don't trust that man. I want you to be careful around him. I sense something is wrong. Did he tell you there was a price? Did he ask for something in return?"
"No—No he didn't… no…" I cut the call. Trembling slightly. I know I couldn't sleep alone today. Fear etched on my face.
I ran to Tatiana's room again. She already knew that look on my face and the way I held my soft pillow. She gestured her hand towards her bed. I immediately climbed the sheets and slept off because s
he was awake. She was using her phone but I felt safe, Atleast someone was watching me.