Run, little kitten

Chapter four

THE NEXT MORNING.

My eyes flew open, and I sat up, rubbing my temples. It had been a rough night. I couldn't sleep well, knowing I was held captive.

A knock came at the door, and I glanced at it. It cracked open, and a tall man dressed in all black and wearing a mask entered.

I held onto the duvet tightly.

"Master wants you downstairs in five minutes", he said coldly.

I glared at him, not moving an inch.

"And if I don't?"

"You'll be butchered and sent to the dog kennel," another replied.

I looked behind him and saw Zade leaning by the door post. He was dressed in a black suit and tie as if ready for work.

"We don't want that, right, Kitten?" He asked me, now standing straight.

The man let out a chuckle before walking out, leaving me with the beast.

"I'm not hungry-"

"Who says you're eating?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. His cold blue eyes pierced into mine.

I gulped down nothing, cold shivers running down my spine.

Zade noticed and tilted his head slightly to the side.

"I need you down the stairs in five minutes, dear", he said " Skip a second; it's a threat."

I glared at his back, watching him till he walked out of the room. Immediately, the door closed; I let out the breath I didn't realise I was holding.

I needed to get out of here, and I had to do it fast.

I got down from the bed, running my fingers through my hair as my eyes scanned every corner of the room.

Suddenly it hit me.

I processed it for a moment, then realised something.

Where was my phone?

FIVE MINUTES LATER,

I took slow steps, walking down the stairs. My eyes fixed on the 6 men who stood at attention, their hands behind their backs.

Zade sat on a couch, his legs crossed in the order, as he played with the ring on his finger.

His eyes met mine, and a dirty smirk grew on his face.

I hated when he did that.

"Look who's here?" He said out loud, " The stray kitten finding her way to her master"

I gritted my teeth, forcing back my anger.

"I'm here now, Zade," I snapped " What do you want -"

Zade raised a finger at me, cutting me short. At the same time, the man began to leave.

The entire place became dead quiet as Zade kept his eyes on me.

He stood up to his feet, taking a slow step

towards me.

"Did you have a good night?" He asked.

I glared at him "Where's my phone?!" I snapped.

He looked down at me as if amused by my question.

With a chuckle, he takes slow steps towards me. I shift back immediately.

"Stay back!" I yell.

He stops, tilting his head to a corner.

"Funny how you have a sharp mouth but still have that fear in you", he said.

"And you're wearing my gift," he added.

I look down at the long blue dress.

"It was on the bed when I came out. Do you want it?"

His eyes brighten up " Strip?" He said, cutting me off guard.

He shook his head playfully. " I don't think so"

He didn't wait for my answer. He turned sharply and started walking.

"Follow me", he ordered.

I didn't want to follow. But the six men who now stood by the staircase had eyes on me. I followed him, my bare feet walking against the cold marble floor.

We entered the dining hall.

I had never seen a dining room that big. The table was so long it could fit thirty people at once. Polished black wood reflected the chandelier above.

Two places were set. One at the head and

another head directly opposite it.

The light from the chandelier was so bright it started to hurt my eyes. I squeezed it shut.

"Sit", he ordered again, pulling out a chair at the head for himself.

I didn't sit at first. I stood at the other end, my arms wrapped over the dress.

"I'm not hungry"

Zade looked at me, then gave that irritating smirk. He clapped twice.

Immediately, maids began to fill in. Four of them, heads bowed, dressed in black and carrying silver trays. They placed the food on the table.

Steaming washroom soup, grilled chicken, mashed potatoes, vegetables and freshly baked bread.

My eyes widened.

All this, for breakfast?!.

The aroma filled the whole room, and my stomach growled loudly, betraying me.

Curse you!

Zade picked up his spoon and knife, cutting into his steak gently. He ate like it was a normal breakfast.

I sat at the other side and watched as the maids dished out my food. But I didn't touch anything.

My plate was full, but I placed my hands on my lap.

Zade noticed.

"Eat, my dear", he ordered without looking up.

I shook my head.

"No," I replied.

Zade paused. His eyes looked up to meet mine.

"No?" He repeated.

"I'm not eating any food in this house, Zade!" I snapped, pushing the plate away.

"Who knows what you put in it"

Zade took another spoonful of his food and ate it, watching me at the same time.

"So you think the best way to torture you is to poison you?" He chuckled.

"Kitten, if I wanted you dead, you would be dead", he added.

"Then why should I eat?" I snapped, " I'm your captive, not your guest-"

"They all get princess treatment and also the treatment of someone who deserves pain," he cut me off, using a napkin to wipe his face.

He put his food down.

"Since you won't eat-"

"I won't", I cut him off.

Zade nodded once as if he expected that answer.

He turned to one of the maids.

"You. Come here."

An elderly woman stepped forward, looking nervous.

Zade pointed at me.

"She doesn't want to eat the food", he said casually. "So you'll take her food instead. Eat every single piece on that plate and don't leave a crumb."

My eyes widened.

"What? No-"

The woman looked terrified. "But Master?-"

I wanted to speak, but Zade glared at me. I could see the pure anger in his eyes.

The woman picked up my food. Her hands were shaking as she picked up the spoon. She scooped the mashed potatoes first and put it in her mouth.

One second, two seconds, Then, it happened.

Her eyes went wide as she grabbed her throat instantly. A horrible choking sound escaped from her as white foam started bubbling from her mouth; her whole body seized, and she crashed to the cold marble floor.

I screamed in terror. My chair fell backwards with a loud crash. I covered my mouth with my palm.

"Oh, my God! Oh my God!" I cried out.

Two guards immediately rushed in but didn't touch her body. After thirty seconds, she lay dead on the floor. Her eyes widened.

I was shaking in fear.

My knees gave out, but I held the table to stand still. My whole body was vibrating, cold sweat running down my back.

That was supposed to be my food. That was my plate.

Zade stood up on his feet. His face was stone cold and dangerous.

"That's Lena," he said.

"She tried to kill me, and I think it backfired"

He turned to the guards. "Burn the body, find her family and burn them with her"

The body was dragged out. I was still shaking, hugging myself; I stared at the spot where the woman died.

I almost died. I was supposed to die.

Another food was bought for me within minutes. This time, it was sealed in a plastic container, unopened.

"I won't tell you to eat again, Sleddin," Zade says coldly, grabbing my attention.

He walked towards me and opened the new container himself. He picked up a clean spoon and took a bite for himself. Right in front of me.

He chewed, swallowed, and paused for five seconds.

Then he turned to me.

"It's not poison", he whispered, his voice low.

"Remember, death is the easiest; I prefer to torture my prey". He glanced down at my throat. "Slowly"

My lips were trembling, tears rolling down my cheek, but I opened my mouth, taking a mouthful of food.

Was this my end?.