A surge of adrenaline overpowered the weakness in my limbs, and I forced myself to move. Stumbling to my feet, I bolted, ignoring the burning pain in my shoulder, the dizziness threatening to pull me under. I didn't look back—I couldn't.
I crashed through the door, into the open air, my breath ragged as I pushed forward, running blindly through the trees. Branches scraped my skin, the forest closing in around me, but I didn't stop. I ran until my legs ached, until my lungs burned, until the world blurred into nothing but shadows and panic—until, at last, through the dense woods, a mansion loomed ahead, dark and waiting.
I step inside, my soaked clothes clinging to my skin. The dim lighting casts eerie shadows across the lavish interior. Every inch of this place screams danger, wealth, and power.
Then, there's a figure.
Seated in a high-backed leather chair, a glass of whiskey in hand, watching me with unreadable eyes. He doesn't rise. He doesn't need to. His presence alone is enough to make most people shrink. But I don't. I stand there, spine stiff, refusing to let fear control me.
The figure comes into the light, revealing it's face.
He smirks. "You finally decided to come."
My eyes go wide, "You.."
I swallow, my eyes darting to the contract on the table. A deal. A promise. A sacrifice.
"If you sign, you belong to me. Body, mind, and soul.", He says, his eyes darkening.
"And we both know—I never let go of what's mine."
"No. I'm not doing it. I'm not going to repeat my mistake." I say impulsively.
"You'll never want to leave.", He whispers.
My heartbeat stutters. I can hear it, feel it in the air between us.
"So," he murmurs, voice dark and low, "Is there another way?". I smirk. "No. There isn't."