𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 [18+]

12: Dread

"Niemand ist mehr Sklave, als der sich für frei hält, ohne es zu sein."

"None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free.

― Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Elective Affinities

***Trigger warning.***

Rose's POV:

My slumber was far more restless than I had anticipated. It was filled with grotesque color and demons with claws and teeth.

Call me pessimistic, but I knew everything was not okay. Although Marienne had left me untouched last night, he did promise me a punishment with utter seriousness and determination.

I shivered as thousands of different scenarios ran through my mind, all at once.

What would he do now?

Would he leave me unfed and attained?

Or maybe he would chain me up again, snatching my liberty away, again?

The perilous thoughts made my head spin.

The sharp creak of the heavy wooden door made my thoughts come to an abrupt halt. Startled, I looked up, only to find Lindy holding a tray full of food.

She wore her usual maid costume and a bright smile that can compete with the warmth of the sun. I wanted to smile back, but couldn't bring myself to.

Patches of sunlight tried to enter the chamber through the broken rim of the small, disfigured window, lighting it up only enough to enable me to figure out her facial features. I only glared at her commencing form.

Her smile dropped as she took my scowl in. I knew that she was trying to be nice, but I just didn't want to be here.

"Dear," she put down the tray full of food in front of me, the palatable aroma that wafted from the food made my stomach clench, "Please don't be mad."

"I am not mad," I uttered, finally finding my voice, "Just disappointed that's all."

"Dear-"

"Why can't you help me escaping?" I questioned as I took a grape and shoved it in my mouth, "You believe that I am innocent, you know that that guy is torturing me for absolutely no reason, then why?"

"I can't break his trust," she whispered, her head casted downwards.

My eyebrows shot up in question, silently urging her to explain further.

"Look, fille, you look innocent and I know you are innocent. But if I help you escape, Marienne will figure it out in a snap because after that worthless chienne's death, no one is allowed in the property. Even my helps were cut to half. At the night, only two person lives in the manor. Me and Marienne."

"Why is it important to keep his trust?" I questioned as I nibbled on the brioche, "It's not like he is gon-"

"You underestimate him, Cherie. He will harm me, but importantly, he will harm himself as his trust will be broken. He already has paranoia, he is dictated by his demons who constantly whisper the worst possible situations in his ear. If I break his trust, his fear will turn into reality. If that happens he will be broken. No one would be able to repair him again. I don't want that, he is my petit garcon."

How dare she defend him after everything?

She took a deep breath as she spoke those words in a incessant manner.

By the time she finished, my mouth was wide open as I stared at her.

But she wasn't wrong....

God damn it she wasn't wrong!

"But what about me?" I whispered, taking another piece of brioche from the tray, "Will I remain a captive forever?"

She gave me a sad smile as she poured me a cup of tea. I took it from her hand graciously.

"Ma Cherie, I know him. He will have to let you go at a point. The truth will prevail no matter what. I can only pray that the moment comes sooner."

Not if I die first.

Suddenly, the door burst open.

Ah- speak of the devil.

Marienne stood there for a while, taking in the older maid and me. He was dressed in black. His shirt was as black as his defiled soul and his jeans matched it. The shirt sleeves was folded up to his arms, making him look beautifully hazardous.

One of his hand held two bags.

He was bringing me clothes now? Seriously?

He strode toward the bed and threw the bags to me. One landed on my bruised shoulder, making me yelp in pain and the other landed near the breakfast tray that was on my lap, missing it for a couple of inches.

Thank god! Wouldn't want to sleep on sticky a bed.

Note the sarcasm.

"Madame," Marienne cleared his throat, catching Lindy's attention, "Please excuse yourself. I need to have a talk with the chaton."

Lindy excused herself, before casting a glance toward me.

My heart started thumping loudly, so much so, that I was sure that Marienne could hear it.

He was terrifying, his mere glance made me rethink my life choices.....

"Rose."

My eyes widened.

Taking a deep breath, I glanced up. His turquoise orbs shone with danger.

"This evening. You are to be ready by 6. I do not like unpunctual people. Lindy will assist you perfecting your looks."

With that he inched closer to me.

"Stand up!" He commanded.

I immediately got out from the bed and stood up. I was wearing the clothes Lindy had brought me 3 days ago. But I needed a shower.

His eyes raked over my body, scanning me up and down. I felt embarrassed and self conscious under his scrutinizing gaze.

"Hm.... Should fit like a glove...." He remarked, smirking.

I hung my head low at the intensity of his gaze.

I felt him nearing me, the sound of his shoes resonated through the chamber. Suddenly, I shoved back in the cold, hard wall. I yelped as my already bruised back came in contact with the hard surface.

The numb pain that was there for a day suddenly became more acute as I felt each and every hit of whip biting into my skin.

He brought his mouth near my ear and rasped, "You like acting like a vixen don't you?" I flinched at his vulgar words, "Tonight, I will see how much of a minx you can be. I'm going to test your limits tonight. I'm planning on giving you a scare and if you survive you can go."

My eyes widened.

No.....No....

Please no...

"What are you ta- mhm-" cutting me off in the midsentence, Marienne grasped my chin harshly and squeezed my cheeks. I looked at him with terror and fright.

"You will obey me..... if you don't, I won't hesitate to humiliate you publicly."

His warmth was suddenly gone, the cold embrace of the cabin wrapped around me, making me quiver.

"Be ready." And with that, he went away abruptly, just like how he came.

Give me death god or protect my virtue.

I don't want to entertain anyone.

And then, I started to cry. I cried until my tears dried up, against the cold hard wall.

Save me.....

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