THE BLACKWOOD LEGACY

Chapter 4:The First Night

It was oppressively quiet on the drive back to Damian's estate. With my hands clasped in my lap, I sat rigidly and gazed blankly out the window. The fact that this was not just the first day of a marriage but also the first day of a life in which I had no control made the day weigh heavily on me. And this evening? I would be going into a world I had never been in before tonight.

The expansive mansion, a formidable fortress that engulfed me, appeared larger than life when we arrived at the estate. Naturally, Damian got out of the car first, moving with deliberate precision as if he were constantly five steps ahead of everyone else. Reluctantly, I followed while attempting to control my hands trembling from nervousness.

At the entrance, the butler greeted us and motioned for us to come in while bowing slightly. I was struck again by the house's magnificence: the walls were covered in valuable artwork, the flooring was marble, and the chandeliers were crystal. Yes, it was lovely, but it wasn't friendly. It had the feel of a prison with opulent décor.

As we moved through the corridors, Damian remained silent, and I had to rush to keep up with his lengthy strides. We arrived at the main bedroom at last. When he pushed the door open, I felt my heart race, and I saw a beautiful but chilly room. In the middle of the room was the bed, a huge four-poster covered in silk. With accents of gold, the walls were a subdued shade of grey. Shadows flowed across the walls as a fireplace flickered in the corner.

With a clipped and emotionless tone, Damian declared, "This will be our room." "Everything you need is right here."

I swallowed hard as I tried to take in what he had said. *Our space*. Was he implying that we will be using this area together? It made me shiver to think of it. There was no connection, no warmth between us. In this place, how could we act like husband and wife?

Damian moved smoothly and unconcernedly across the room and started taking off his tie. He appeared completely unconcerned, as though this were simply another business deal. Perhaps it was.

With his voice as icy as usual, he continued, "You don't have to worry," without turning to face me. "I don't want to coerce you into doing anything. Physical. This arrangement is merely for show.

I felt a wave of relief, but it passed quickly. Despite their seeming reassurance, his statements had a darker undertone. I couldn't help but think that this supposed mercy had a price, some hidden consequence.

With his piercing look, Damian turned to face me. However, Amelia, don't take this as compassion. I expect you to perform your role effectively, which is why you are here. Error is not an option.

With my throat too constricted to speak, I nodded. Instead of waiting for an answer, he withdrew to the adjacent restroom and closed the door. I was alone in the enormous room, feeling smaller than ever, and the sound of running water filled the quiet.

I sat looking at the fire from the edge of the bed. Long shadows were cast across the room by the flickering flames, and for a few seconds, I thought those shadows were skulking toward me, waiting to engulf me. As the truth of my predicament set me, my chest constricted. Married to a man who viewed me as only a tool, I was stuck in a life that wasn't mine.

Damian was wearing dark pajama trousers and a simple white shirt when he came back. Without his typical armor of fitted garments and icy glares, he appeared more human. Nevertheless, his weighty and uncompromising presence continued to pervade the room.

He pointed to the comfortable sofa by the window and said simply, "I'll take the couch." "The bed is yours to keep."

Startled by the gesture, I blinked at him. "You're not required to—"

With a decisive tone, he interrupted, "It's not up for discussion."

I refrained from arguing. I was too worn out and too overwhelmed to resist. Instead, I turned to the wall and climbed into the bed, pulling the heavy duvet over me. Across the room, I could sense Damian's presence, which served as a continual reminder of our separation.

Sleep was elusive as the hours passed. My mind was racing with ideas and feelings, each one more erratic than the one before it. I reflected on the sacrifices I had made for my family. I remembered Damian, his cold exterior, and the barriers he had erected around himself. And I reflected on who I was before all of this happened.

However, a sound jolted me back to consciousness just as I was starting to nod off. At first, it was so faint that it could hardly be heard over the roaring fire. Then it became louder, a low, threatening growl that made my spine tingle.

With my heart pounding, I sat up. The noise reverberated through the mansion's passageways from outside the chamber. A steady, methodical creak of footfall followed, as though someone or something was approaching us.

I looked at Damian, who was already standing, his face alert and focused. He took deliberate, steady steps towards the door.

He commanded in a hushed voice, "Stay here."

"Hold on, what's happening?" With a hint of panic in my voice, I whispered.

Damian, however, did not respond. I was left alone in the quietness as he quietly left the room. My mind was spinning with worst-case possibilities, and my hands were shaking as I gripped the duvet. What was out there, or who?

I waited in silence, only sometimes disturbed by the creak of the floors, and the minutes seemed to drag on for hours. The roar ceased as abruptly as it had started.

The door flew open, and Damian entered with a more somber countenance than I had ever seen. There was a faint line of blood running down his arm and his shirt was ripped. With a slamming sound that made the walls vibrate, he locked the door behind him.

"What took place?" My question was hardly audible above a whisper.

He didn't respond. Rather, he went across the room and retrieved a bottle of whisky from the bar, pouring a large glass for himself. He raised the glass to his lips, his hands trembling a little.

"Damian," I pressed, my voice laced with anxiety. "What's happening?"

His eyes were colder than ever as he turned to face me. "Amelia, this is the reason I warned you to keep out of my affairs. It is best to keep some things unknown.

Before I could answer, there was a huge crash coming from deep inside the mansion, followed by glass breaking. Damian's mouth clenched, and he carefully put the glass down.

"Remain in this room," he urged in a very serious tone. "Avoid opening doors for other people. Do you get it?

Too scared to protest, I nodded. I was left alone once more as he vanished into the corridor.

I couldn't help but feel like I had just been pulled into something far more hazardous than I could have ever imagined, especially as the noises of pandemonium became louder.