Chapter 5 Evenly Pov

I sat on the edge of my bed, still wondering about Arnold's brother and what they wanted from me. I felt a knot of fear in my stomach as I paced the room. My mind raced with questions. Would they really hurt me? Can I escape this nightmare?

I decided to ask one of the maids for help. "Excuse me," I said, my voice shaky. "What happens if they don't like me?"

The maid looked at me with pity. "If they don't like you, they might hurt you or worse," she said quietly. "But don't worry too much. Sir Arnold seems to like you. That could change things."

My heart raced at her words. Would Arnold protect me? I hoped he would. I didn't want to think about what would happen if he didn't.

Later, a maid came to help me with a bath. She treated me like a queen, carefully washing my hair and skin. I felt both grateful and scared. I didn't understand why they were being nice to me. Was it a trick?

"Sir Arnold has never taken care of a lady like this," the maid said, her voice soft. "He usually kills them after having his fun." Her words sent chills down my spine.

"Why is he different with me?" I asked, my voice trembling.

"I think he sees something special in you," she replied, smiling gently. "Just be careful. You never know how things might change."

After the bath, I felt clean but still anxious. The maid helped me get dressed in a gown that revealed too much of my body. I looked at myself in the mirror and felt like a stranger. I looked like a character from a story, one I had read online-like a whore or a stripper.

"Is this how they see me?" I thought, feeling sick. I didn't want to be anyone's plaything. I wanted to be strong and free.

As I walked around the room, I tried to ignore the fear creeping back in. I had to stay strong for my grandfather. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. I had to focus on finding a way out of this situation. I couldn't let fear control me. I needed to think clearly.

The door opened suddenly, and one of the guards stepped inside. "It's time," he said, his voice cold and emotionless. I felt a wave of panic wash over me. "Time for what?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Arnold wants to see you," he replied, his expression unchanging.

I swallowed hard. "What does he want?"

"Just follow me," he said, stepping back to let me pass. I hesitated for a moment, but I knew I had no choice. I had to go with him.

As I walked through the mansion, I felt eyes on me. I could see guards standing watch, their faces serious and threatening. The walls felt like they were closing in, and I could hear my heart pounding in my chest. What would Arnold do? Would he be kind, or would he treat me like the others?

Finally, we reached a large door. The guard knocked, and a voice from inside said, "Come in." The guard opened the door and motioned for me to enter.

I stepped inside, and my breath caught in my throat. Arnold was sitting at a grand desk, looking powerful and confident. He was even more handsome up close, with dark hair and piercing eyes that seemed to see right through me.

"Evenly," he said, a slight smile forming on his lips. "I'm glad you're here."

"Why am I here?" I asked, trying to sound brave.

He leaned back in his chair, studying me. "You're here because I want to know more about you. You're not like the others."

I felt a mix of hope and fear. "What do you mean?"

"You have spirit," he said, his gaze intense. "Most girls would be crying or begging for mercy. But you're different."

I didn't want to show him any weakness. "I'm not afraid of you," I said, though my voice shook slightly.

He chuckled softly. "You should be. This world is dangerous, Evenly. You're in my territory now, and I decide what happens to you."

I felt a chill run down my spine. "What do you want from me?" I asked, my heart racing.

"I want you to learn how to survive," he replied. "I can protect you, but you need to understand the rules of this world. You have to follow my lead."

I stared at him, trying to read his intentions. Did he really want to help me, or was this just a game for him? "And if I refuse?" I asked, testing the waters.

Arnold's smile faded slightly. "Then you'll face the consequences. It's better for you to cooperate. Trust me, it will make things easier."

I felt trapped, but I also felt a spark of defiance. "I won't be your puppet," I said, trying to sound stronger than I felt.

He leaned forward, his expression serious. "You think you have a choice? You're here because of your grandfather's mistakes. If you don't play along, things will get very bad for you. I don't want that. I can be your ally, but you have to be smart about this."

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his words. "What do you want me to do?" I asked, finally giving in to the reality of my situation.

"For now, just stay close to me," he said, his voice softer. "Learn about my world. You'll need to understand who you can trust and who you can't. You'll have to be strong, Evenly. I can help you, but you have to be willing to learn."

I nodded slowly, my mind racing. Could I really trust him? Would he protect me? I had to believe that there was still a chance for me, even in this dark place.

"Good," he said, his smile returning. "We'll start your training soon. For now, enjoy the mansion. There are many things to see, but remember to stay close to me."

As I left his office, I felt a mix of emotions. I was scared, but I also felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, I could find a way to survive in this ruthless world. I had to be smart and stay one step ahead.

I would find a way to escape this nightmare, and I would do it on my terms. I had to believe that there was still a way out, and I would fight for my freedom. No matter what it took.