Chapter 1

                                    

                                          
**** Sorry, I realized that I uploaded the unedited version of this chapter. 8/2/2024****

"Ella." Kain's voice pierced the tranquil morning like a sharp dagger. Ella couldn't stop herself from flinching, and she cursed herself for it. She forced herself to keep her gaze fixed on the cold stone floor, scrubbing harder with raw, bleeding hands as if trying to erase his presence. But she couldn't escape the heavy thuds of his boots as they stomped across the creaking floorboards, each step like a deafening clap of thunder that magnified his looming and oppressive presence in the cramped cottage.
She knew he was standing behind her, watching her with those dark, unfeeling eyes. His hot breath on her neck, his rough hands reaching for her. She tried to block out the memories of their past, the pain and fear that still haunted her every waking moment.
But she couldn't escape him. He was her husband, her tormentor, her jailer. And she was trapped in this loveless, suffocating marriage, unable to break free.
"Ella," he repeated, his voice an icy command. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, steeling herself for whatever he had come to say. It was always something cruel, something designed to hurt her.
But to her surprise, his next words were not an accusation or a threat. "I have business in the city," he said, his tone strangely resigned. "I won't be back until tomorrow."
Ella's heart skipped a beat. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Was he actually leaving her alone for a whole day? It was unheard of. She almost dared to hope that maybe, just maybe, this was her chance to escape.
But she knew better. Kain was still here, still watching her, waiting for her to make a move. She couldn't let her guard down for even a second.
Ella lowered her gaze, unwilling to meet his. Her heart hammered in her chest, a wild rhythm she feared he could hear. She knew the consequences of defiance–they always landed heavily on her shoulders. So she straightened her back, staring at a spot just beyond his shoulder, praying that he wouldn't catch the glimmer of hope hidden in her eyes.
"Understood," she whispered, her tone flat and devoid of any emotion. Kain's frown deepened as he scrutinized her. Ella could almost feel the waves of tension rolling off him like a storm cloud ready to burst.
"I shouldn't have to remind you of your place," he snarled, invading her personal space until their bodies were nearly brushing against each other.
But Ella wouldn't retreat. She kept her focus steady on that spot beyond his shoulder, refusing to show any sign of weakness or fear. Inside, though, she was shaking like a leaf caught in a gusty wind, filled with dread for what might come next.
Suddenly, Kain reached out and gripped her chin tightly, forcing her to meet his gaze. "Remember who you belong to," he hissed, his grip on her chin almost painful.
And just like that, Ella's hope vanished as quickly as it had appeared. She knew there would be no escape for her today–or any other day.
"Of course," she managed to reply evenly before Kain abruptly let go of her and turned away without another word.
Ella released a breath she didn't realize she had been holding as she watched him storm out of the cottage and slam the door behind him. She leaned against the rough stone wall for support, feeling drained and defeated.
She knew better than to dwell on what could have been. Kain would never leave her alone long enough for an escape attempt and if she did, where would she go? Kain would burn down every village just to find her. The only place he wouldn't go was the Fae Lands and for a very good reason.