Under His Shadow

The Day She Was Given Away Keiroa Vale learned early that silence kept her alive. She learned it in Madam Gray’s house, where doors slammed louder than voices and kindness never lasted long. The house was big, but there was no warmth in it. Every corner reminded Keiroa that she did not belong. Her parents were dead. No one told her how they died. No one spoke their names. When she asked questions as a child, Madam Gray punished her. So Keiroa stopped asking. She grew up small, quiet, and watchful. She noticed everything. The way Madam Gray smiled was only when money was mentioned. The way visitors ignored her presence. The way servants looked away, afraid to show pity. Keiroa worked from morning till night. Cleaning. Cooking. Carrying things too heavy for her arms. If she rested, she was called lazy. If she spoke, she was called rude. Love was something other people had. In the morning, everything changed. Madam Gray called for her. Keiroa knew the sound of her voice. Sharp. Cold. Final. Keiroa stood in front of her, eyes lowered, hands folded. Madam Gray did not ask how she was. She never did. “You are getting married,” Madam Gray said. The words did not make sense at first. Keiroa lifted her head slowly. “Married?” “Yes,” Madam Gray said. “Pack your things.” Keiroa’s chest tightened. “To whom?” Madam Gray smiled, and that was when Keiroa knew something was wrong. “Roland Black.” The name hit her like a slap. Everyone knew that name. Men feared him. Women whispered about him. People said he ruled by fear and never forgave. They said he was cold, cruel, and powerful. They said once he decided something, there was no escape. Keiroa’s knees felt weak. “I don’t want to,” she whispered. Madam Gray’s smile disappeared. “You don’t get to want,” she said. “You are lucky. This marriage will bring honor and wealth.” Keiroa wanted to scream. She wanted to run. But she had nowhere to go. “Please,” Keiroa said. “I will do anything. I will work harder.” Madam Gray stood up. “You have already done enough,” she said. “Now you will be useful.” That was when Keiroa understood. She was not getting married. She was being given away. Servants prepared her quickly. No one met her eyes. No one spoke of comfort. She was dressed and led out like a stranger in her own life. When she arrived at Roland Black’s house, the air felt heavy. People bowed. People went silent. Fear lived there. Roland Black stood waiting. He did not smile. He did not welcome her. He looked at her once, slow and cold, like she was something fragile that could break easily. “This marriage means nothing,” he said. “Do not expect kindness. Do not expect protection.” Keiroa nodded. She had never expected anything from anyone. As the doors closed behind her, Roland took a step closer. His voice dropped. “If you try to run,” he said, “you will regret it.” Keiroa felt her heart stop. Because for the first time, she realized something worse than fear. She was trapped. And the man everyone feared had just claimed her.