MINE TO UNMAKE

POWER + SEDUCTION

ZAHRA'S POV

A sharp knock vibrated through my small wooden door, echoing against the silence of my worries. I rushed to open it expecting Mr Greg, the bill collector. My rent or the pharmacist, about mother's meds. But there was no one at the door. Only a sleek, black parcel sat on the porch with my name written on it.

Inside, my life rebooted. There was a phone and a thick envelope of cash. I fell to my knees, the nausea of relief washing over me. The money stolen was for my siblings and my mother's medication.

“ it's him” I whispered. I didn't even know his name

The Internet gave me nothing when I searched about him. But I felt his resonance, like a hum in my bones.

The phone buzzed in my hand. One text. High quality. No punctuation: onyx at 7. Don't be late. An outfit will be sent to you shortly.

He had saved himself as MINE on the new phone and I wouldn't dare delete it.

By 5pm, another delivery arrived.

THE OUTFIT

The gown breathed. It was a midnight-black floor-length gown, made of heavy silk that shimmered like oil under the light. The neckline was a V-cut, and the back was draped in delicate lace that felt like a spider’s web against my skin. To match, he sent a stiletto heels that looked like glass daggers and a matte black clutch with a silver chain.

At 6:58, the phone buzzed again.

Driver outside black SUV

JAYDEN'S POV

I had cleared out Onyx. Every table in the city’s most Standard eatery was empty, the staff standing in Strict formation. I didn't want any clutter or common eyes on her tonight.

Then, the doors opened.

When Zahra walked in, my soul framework crashed. She wasn't just a girl from the library anymore; she was a Goddess of the Night. The black silk hugged her curves like it was painted on, and her Glow illuminated the entire dark restaurant.

I felt a Violence in my chest—a protective, consuming fire. “If this is the love people talk about, I whispered to my soul, “I never want to be deleted from it.“

But then, my phone vibrated with a black line. My foster parents.

"Jayden, return to the mansion immediately. We have a guest you must meet."

The blueprint of my evening was ruined. I leaned in, inhaling the scent of her hair lilies and hope before whispering, "My driver will take you to my estate. Wait for me there. You are safe now."

The lie tasted like blood. Because safe was a word I couldn't promise. Not with the guest waiting.

Not with her.