Chapter 4 The Master's terms

Vivian's pov

I winced, still nursing my throbbing toes. The maid's smile grew wider, and she walked away, leaving me seething.

"The guard's gaze softened slightly. "Follow me."

I trailed behind him, anxiety building with each step. What did Lincoln want?

We reached a grand door, adorned with intricate carvings. The guard knocked twice before pushing it open.

"Enter," Lincoln's deep voice commanded.

I stepped inside, my heart racing. The room was dimly lit, with only a single lamp illuminating Lincoln's figure.

"Leave us," he said, dismissing the guard.

The door closed, and I stood alone with Lincoln. His masked face seemed impassive, but his piercing blue eyes gleamed with intensity.

"Welcome back, Vivian," he said, his voice low and husky. "I trust you're settling in."

I nodded, unsure how to respond.

Lincoln gestured to a nearby chair. "Sit."

I obeyed, trying to appear calm.

"What do you think of your new home?" he asked, his gaze roaming over me.

I hesitated, unsure of what to say, did he call this my new home.

But before I could answer, Lincoln leaned forward, his voice taking on a menacing tone.

"Let's get one thing clear, Vivian: you're mine now."

"Yours?" I repeated, incredulous. "Maybe I heard wrong. Please, let me go back to my family. I don't want to be here," I pleaded, tears streaming down my face.

Lincoln's laughter cut through my desperation, his eyes darkening.

"Let you go?" he asked, his tone laced with amusement. "You think you have a choice?"

I nodded fervently. "Yes, please! Let me go!"

Lincoln's expression turned sinister. "Did they tell you that whoever enters here never leaves alive?"

My heart sank.

"What do you want from me?" I shouted, meeting his gaze defiantly.

Lincoln leaned back, his voice taking on a calculated tone. "You're trespassing, but I'll let it pass since today's your first day. I don't force people to stay. You have two options. Choose one."

I hesitated. "What are they?"

"Option one: Leave this place alive, but your family will pay the price," he said, his words dripping with malice.

My anger boiled over. "Their lives? How can you be so wicked?"

Lincoln's expression remained impassive. "Option two: Stay here and abide by my rules."

I recoiled, horrified.

Lincoln tossed a photograph onto my lap. My family's smiling faces stared back at me – Dad, Mom, and Neil.

I shivered, fear gripping my heart.

"He really means it," I thought, my gaze locked on Lincoln's.

"Why am I here?" I asked, desperation creeping in.

Lincoln's voice was cold. "You're paying for your father's debt."

"Okay," I whispered, resignation settling in. "It seems my father has ruined my life."

I gazed at my family's photo, tears welling up.

"What do you choose?" Lincoln pressed, impatience edging his voice.

I took a deep breath. "I'll stay here and abide by the rules."

Lincoln raised an eyebrow. "I thought you were desperate to leave. What changed?"

I glared, defiance burning within. "Wicked souls like you," I thought, my eyes locked on his.

"Don't look into my eyes!" Lincoln warned, his voice low and menacing.

But I refused to back down, my gaze piercing his mask.

"You said you don't force people to stay," I spat. "Yet, you're holding me captive."

Lincoln's expression turned glacial. "I offered you options. You chose to stay."

"I chose to protect my family," I corrected.

Lincoln's eyes flashed with anger, but he regained control.

"These are my rules," Lincoln stated, his voice firm. "Don't break them if you want to keep your life."

He paused, his gaze intensifying.

"Number one: Don't touch me."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. How was that a crime?

I thought, but Lincoln continued, unfazed.

"Number two: Never break any of my rules."

Did he call those rules? I wondered, listening intently.

"Number three: Address me as 'Lord Lincoln' at all times."

His eyes narrowed.

"Number four: Stay within designated areas. Certain zones are off-limits."

I nodded, committing the rules to memory.

"Number five: Don't ask questions about my past or personal life." What is my own with your past? I thought.

Lincoln's mask seemed to hide secrets.

"Number six: No communication with the outside world."

My heart sank.

"Number seven: Loyalty will be rewarded. Betrayal will be punished."

Lincoln's voice dropped to a whisper.

"Remember, Vivian, I'm always watching."

He stepped closer, his presence suffocating.

"Break any rule, and your family will suffer."

I swallowed hard, trapped.

"I understand," I said, forcing submission.

Lincoln nodded, his expression unyielding.

"What if I break them?" I asked, testing boundaries.

"I've told you before, I don't repeat myself," he warned, his voice cold.

I pressed on, curiosity getting the better of me. "Why are there so many rules?"

Lincoln's eyes narrowed. "You're breaking one of my rules, Vivian. You're questioning me."

I took a step back, realizing my mistake.

"And," Lincoln added, his voice dripping with menace, "you're standing too close. You're invading my space."

I glanced down, noticing my feet were inches from his.

"Step back," he ordered.

I retreated, creating distance.

"Remember, Vivian," Lincoln cautioned, "my rules are non-negotiable."

"I thought rules were made to be broken," I smirked, standing up to leave.

"I didn't give you permission to leave," Lincoln said, his voice firm.

"I think you have a lot of problems," I groaned, turning to face him.

My gaze met his, but I quickly recalled the rules and lowered my eyes.

"How old are you?" Lincoln asked, his tone unexpected.

"Didn't you research that before kidnapping me?" I retorted.

Lincoln's gaze turned icy, a silent warning.

"Eighteen," I relented.

"And stubborn," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

I sensed a hint of intrigue behind his words.

"Get out," Lincoln ordered, pointing toward the door.

I turned to leave, feeling his piercing gaze on my back.

"You will soon learn how to obey," he said, his voice low and menacing.

I quickened my pace, eager to escape the oppressive atmosphere.

As I reached the door, I glanced back, meeting Lincoln's masked face.

His eyes seemed to bore into my soul, sending shivers down my spine.

I hastened out of the room, slamming the door shut behind me.

Is he a monster? I said and quickly covered my mouth, what if he hear me?.