CLARA'S POINT OF VIEW
I fought to free myself from the chains that left my wrists sore and raw. Looking up at me with a predatory stare, Vlad began to remove his clothing while my breath caught. Moonlight illuminated his muscular physique, which showcased his sun-kissed skin. As Vlad flexed his chest muscles, the wolf head tattoo appeared to move and watch me like a living creature mirroring his gaze.
Vlad growled in his dangerous tone, warning me that I already knew what would happen next, so I should stop fighting. The transformation took hold as his red eyes glowed with a wild intensity and his wolf side surged forward.
He ascended onto the bed, and his heavy weight came down on top of me. I struggled violently against him, yet he caught hold of the chain around my neck and pulled me back. Enough force received my body with force enough to steal my breath. A wave of panic surged through my body when I saw his smirk and the bright flash of his sharp teeth. His canines lengthened. His fangs were about to pierce my skin, which marked my final destiny.
"Please... stop..." I whispered through my tears. My voice sounded fragile, barely audible above a whisper.
Vlad emitted a subdued chuckle while his body shook with the sound. His amusement came from watching me struggle while he found my fear entertaining. His warmth pressed into me, suffocating, unbearable.
"Stop?" He tilted his head as if he was considering my plea before repeating, "Stop?" His hand appeared at my face once more, and even his gentle touch was misleading.
I knew this part too well.
This psychological manipulation was typical for him when he created a brief illusion in my mind that he would show some mercy. He gave me a fake smile while his fingers gently caressed my cheek as if I was his treasure. But I wasn’t. I never was.
My body betrayed me. Each moment he locked eyes with me drained my strength further. His constant scrutiny broke my will as my hands unclenched, and I gave in. His spell trapped me, paralyzing me.
"Please..." I whispered one more time as my voice faded into silence. Before my body gave in to him, I let out a tear.
Vlad’s smile widened. In a swift action, he tore apart my dress, leaving it shredded like torn paper. The ripped fabric let go and exposed me entirely to the room. A chilly draft entered through the open window and swept across my skin, causing my body to shiver.
The chilling air wasn't the reason behind my shaking.
His fingers traced my skin until they came to rest on the brand permanently etched into my stomach. He gave me this branding years ago.
Vlad’s Property.
The scar of burnt words would remain forever. I was forced old, they forced me into his presence. The hot iron branded my flesh with pain that was impossible to endure. I screamed until my throat hurt, and nobody came to rescue me. No one cared.
Vlad had watched it happen. He had made it happen.
Years had passed since then, yet he still traced his scar with his fingertips as though it represented beauty.
"You're mine," he murmured. "Mine to touch, mine to use." Everything you are belongs to me."
My stomach churned while bile surged up my throat. His grip held my wrists above my head with firm, unyielding strength. I put up resistance, but it proved to be in vain. I could never overpower him. That was the moment I realized my body had always belonged to someone else.
Vlad bent over, so his lips made contact with my skin. The moment his skin touched mine, I shivered, but he showed no concern. He never did.
"If you want to moan, go ahead," he said with a teasing smirk playing at his mouth.
I tightened my jaw muscles to prevent him from achieving his desired reaction. His smirk vanished when he detected my disgust, turning into something much more sinister.
The slap came without warning.
The force of the slap caused my head to jerk to the side while searing pain radiated across my skull. Stars moved erratically while my sight became distorted. The world around me spun as a loud ringing noise filled my ears. I did not have an opportunity to recover before Vlad pushed me down using a grip that left bruises.
His dark whisper accused me of my actions. You'll soon experience deep regret because of what you've done.
The dangerous gleam in his red eyes revealed that his wolf nature had fully taken command. A sickening feeling twisted my abdomen when I saw his pointed teeth before he moved towards me.
Pain.
It was white-hot and unbearable.
Vlad bit my neck hard enough to sever my skin as if he were claiming his domain. A raw and desperate scream tore its way through my throat. Agony consumed me as my body arched against the bed.
But it didn’t stop there.
He didn't stop.
I pleaded and begged with tears in my voice as I cried out desperately. But Vlad didn’t hear me. He probably heard me but simply ignored my pleas.
He finished and left me broken and shaking with blood running down my legs. Next to me, Vlad fell to the ground, and his arms tightened around my small frame, keeping me trapped. I didn’t move. I didn’t have the strength to.
His sleepy voice whispered against my ear as he claimed me, his warm breath caressing my skin. "Always."
I felt his breath regulate and noticed his hold remained strong as he slipped into sleep.
But I didn't sleep.
I couldn't.
I lay there, staring at the window. The bright light of the full moon illuminated the room with its glow. The window seemed to mock me, reminding me that I was still trapped there. Still trapped. Still his.
My fingers transformed into tight fists while my nails embedded themselves into my skin. I wanted to hurt him. I desired to claw his skin until it bled and make him experience a fraction of the suffering he inflicted upon me. But I couldn’t.
Not yet.
My eyes moved to the shattered shackles on my ankles, which Vlad had ripped off in his fury. I looked at the window, which had an open frame and reflected the moonlight through its glass.
A spark of hope ignited inside me.
I found myself unable to stand by while someone else rescued me.
No one was coming.
My freedom depended on my ability to rescue myself.
I slowly moved my head and focused my eyes on Vlad’s slumbering body. He looked peaceful, unaware.
This was my chance.
My heart struck my ribs as I swallowed hard.
Could I do it?
Could I finally escape?