Chapter 2: Freedom Denied
1415 Words
I woke up to a splitting headache and a haze of drowsiness. As I rested my head against the headboard, I realized my body ached all over. My body felt cold to the touch, and I was startled to discover I was naked. The sleepiness was shaken instantly and I sat up with a jolt, looking around at my unfamiliar sight.
Memories of the previous day flooded in, and my face flushed with a mixed feeling. I tried to sway my leg to the side of the bed, but a wave of soreness washed over me, forcing me to hesitate.
The knock at the door was soft but it startled me. I looked up to a young lady dressed in a crisp maid's uniform enter the room. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she approached me.
“Master asked me to bring you this,” she said, her voice laced with disdain. She placed a tray on the bedside table with swift and economical movements.
I watched her, sensing the contempt beneath her polite demeanor. It was a feeling I know well. My beauty had always drawn scorn from my peers, and I recognized the jealousy in her eyes.
As she turned to leave, I noticed a delicate, rose-colored stain on the bed. My heart sank, and I felt a wave of shame wash over me. In our village, ladies go through a sacred rite before… before loosing their innocence. But I had been denied of that privilege, forced to surrender it to debt.
The maid's footstep faded away, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I summoned my strength and got out of bed, each movement, sending a jolt of discomfort through me.
As I emerged, feeling somewhat restored, my gaze fell on the tray of food. The aroma wafting into my nostril was enticing, but I knew I hadn't earned such luxuries. The meager wages I earned barely covered our debts, leaving my mother and me with scraps to survive.
I eyed the food doubtfully, unsure if eating this food would lure me into another trap. I sealed my mouth, resolving not to touch the food. Instead, I walked towards the door and tried the handle, only to discover that it was locked from outside.
“Is anyone there?” I whispered, but it was eerily quiet. I called out several times, my voice going hoarse, but I got no response.
Defeated, I went back to the bed, awaiting Alpha Liam's arrival. While waiting, my gaze wandered around the grand room. The air was thick with the scent of exotic fragrance, and the luxurious furniture seemed to whisper tests of wealth and power. My eyes widened as I spotted the stunning antiques on the table by the window. I couldn't resist the urge to reach out and touch them, my fingers twitching with curiosity.
Just then, the door swung open, and Lord Liam strode in. I straightened my back, looking up to him with fear and determination.
“Not eating?” He asked, his voice low and smooth.
I swallowed hard, my voice barely above a whisper. “Yes, I'd like to go home now, please.”
Lord Liam's glare was deadly, and the temperature of the room plummeted. I shivered,my heart racing. He grasped my jaw, his eyes narrowing. “Going home? Dream on!” He flung my head aside and stormed out, leaving me shaken.
“Lord Liam!” I called after him, but the cold door was my only response. I collapsed onto the bed, my face ashen. Was I doomed to be imprisoned here? Memories of my mother's words echoed in my mind: “You are only here to pay off debt.” Had she lied?
I rubbed my temple, distress evident on my face. Could my mother have sold me to Alpha Liam? The thought sent shivers down my spine. My mind swirled with unanswered questions.
Meanwhile, Liam walked into the living room, his body emanating an oppressive aura. He settled on the sofa, facing his two parents: Thane Wolfsbane and Aria Moonflower.
“When will you bring your mate to us, son?”Thane Wolfsbane asked, his tone soft but firm.
“Yes, it's time you settled down.” Aria Moonflower added, her eyes expectant.
“I'll bring her soon.” Liam replied curtly.
Thane Wolfsbane's expression turned stern. “You have a month. If you can't provide a suitable mate, you'll accept Leslie.” Thane Wolfsbane said, his voice soft yet authoritative.
Alpha Liam's eyes locked onto his father's, and the air was filled with the thick smell of gunpowder. After a few seconds, he looked away, pulling out a cigarette. He lit it, exhaling a plume of smoke that shrouded his face.
Aria's face contorted in displeasure. "I've told you to quit smoking."
Liam crossed his legs elegantly, his eyes glinting with defiance. "And I've told you to stop pestering me about my mate." His voice was smooth, laced with a hint of amusement.
Aria's anger boiled over, and she stormed out, slamming the door behind her.
Thane stood up, his expression stern. "Stop provoking your mother, Liam. It's not good for her health."
Liam's eyes sparkled with innocence. "Perhaps she should stop nagging me."
Thane shook his head, his disapproval evident, before leaving the room.
A maid entered, her eyes hesitant. "Young Lady hasn't eaten. She only asked to see you."
Alpha Liam's expression turned thoughtful. "Hmm..." He disappeared into his study, leaving the maid standing alone.
Back in my room, I paced back and forth, plotting my escape. The door opened, and I looked up, expecting Alpha Liam. Instead, a timid maid stood before me.
"Master asks you to come to the study," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
I hid my disappointment, trying not to reveal my desperation. "Please, where are the exits of this mansion?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me.
The maid's eyes darted nervously around the room. "I'm sorry, but I can only relay my Master's message."
I shouldn't have expected to get an answer from a loyal maid. I followed behind her, my eyes scanning the layout of the mansion, searching for any opportunity to escape.
As we reached the study door, the maid bowed and left. I stood alone in front of the door, feeling a mix of emotions. I took a deep breath, pushed open the door, and entered.
A waft of smoke pierced my lungs, inducing a slight cough. I waved my hand to clear the haze, revealing Alpha Liam's sturdy back profile silhouetted against the window.
"Come here," he commanded, his voice low and slightly hoarse.
Each step felt like walking into a trap as I approached him. Standing behind him, I silently observed his profile, tempted to touch his sturdy back.
Suddenly, he spun around, catching me off guard. I stumbled backward, my body plummeting toward the concrete floor. But instead of hitting the ground, I felt myself suspended in mid-air.
It took me a few seconds to realize that Alpha Liam was holding me by the waist. "How much longer will you keep staring like this?" he asked, a soft smirk playing on his lips.
"Sorry," I muttered, feeling awkward. I grasped his shoulders to steady my body, reluctant to let go. Alpha Liam's eyes narrowed, his gaze probing.
I quickly released his shoulder, looking down in embarrassment. He walked over to the chair behind the large desk and sat down, while I remained frozen in place.
"You'll be staying here for a month," he stated, his tone brooking no refusal.
"A month?" I exclaimed, my voice rising in protest. Alpha Liam shot me an icy glance, rendering me speechless. I dropped to my knees with a thud.
Begging was my only option. I had to go back to work; unpaid debts loomed over me like a specter. Alpha Liam's eyes sparked with pleasure, but I didn't care – my work was paramount.
"You can't leave," he said resolutely, focusing on his work. Begging him was like punching a cloud – futile.
I stood up, sketching another plan, but Alpha Liam deflated me with his parting words: "Forget about escaping. But you can try." He didn't even bother to lift his head.
I stormed out of the room, my mood foul, feeling like I'd aged several years.
Alpha Liam raised his head, a subtle, enigmatic smile playing at the corner of his lips, a fleeting expression he seemed entirely unaware of.
- Writer
