Chapter 1 Excerpt

OSWALD'S presence was oppressive, and it felt like the walls had shrunk. He took a step forward, standing directly in front of her now, looking down at her with an expression devoid of emotion. His hands quickly went behind his back.

"Listen carefully," he began, his voice low and deliberate, "there are rules and regulations I have gotten for you, laid down rules," she gasped, "you are going to follow every one of them, obey every one of them."

Orlanda's heart sank as his words came, each one more terrifying than the last. He continued in a cold, measured tone:

"First rule, you don't leave this room unless I tell you to. Never ever."

"Second rule, you don't make a noise, no sounds, no talking, no screaming. No one should ever know you are in here. You stay quiet at all times."

She blinked, fear settling deeper in her chest.

"Third rule, if I give you an order, you follow it without question. You do not ask why and you do not hesitate."

Her stomach churned. The rules weren't just harsh, they were dehumanizing, the commands of a master over a slave.

"Fourth rule, you don't touch anything that belongs to me anymore. Not in this room, not anywhere in the house, keep your hands to yourself."

Orlanda's lips parted slightly, her mind struggling to keep up with the onslaught of rules.

"Fifth rule, you will only speak when spoken to, and you will address me as 'Master' at all times."

Her eyes widened in shock. Seriously?

"Yes," he continued, "sixth rule, you will eat, sleep, and move only when I allow it. You don't make decisions for yourself, I do."

"Seventh rule, you are not allowed to interact with anyone else unless I give you the go ahead. Well of course, you wouldn't be interacting with anyone," he said as he used his right hand to circle around his left wrist.

"Eight rule, although this rule won't be understandable to you now but just note it down, you will always be available when I need you, no matter the time or circumstance. In due course, you will understand."

"Ninth rule, you are forbidden from showing any emotion unless I permit it."

Orlanda was now at a loss, she just didn't know what was going on or what rules she was being fed with at the moment, her head was twirling.

Oswald cleared his throat as he straightened up his tie and folded his arms.

"The last but not the least, the tenth rule, which I also term as the eleventh commandment," he said, his gaze hardening as he leaned in slightly, "If you disobey or forget these rules... I punish you."

She gasped, her heart racing in fear, but she said nothing. Oswald's cold, emotionless voice sent shivers through her.

Then came the final blow.

"Any questions?" He asked, his voice purred.

Orlanda licked her dry lips, now feeling dizzy.

"I... I can't remember all of them," she whispered helplessly.