Chapter 2

The next morning, I was moved from my luxurious apartment in Thorne Tower.

Servants, men and women I once gave polite orders to, packed my things under the supervision of Isabelle' s new assistant.

My collection of rare books, the ones Marcus helped me find, was boxed up.

"Miss Vance prefers a more modern aesthetic," the assistant said, not looking at me.

I was taken to a small room in the staff quarters, bare and cold.

My new role was clear: I was a servant.

I served Marcus and Isabelle their meals in the grand dining room where I once sat.

Isabelle would often make comments.

"Sarah, dear, a little faster with the water, please. Marcus is thirsty."

Or, "Is this how you used to arrange flowers for Marcus? How... quaint."

Marcus rarely spoke to me, his eyes distant, sometimes tinged with a flicker of something I couldn't name – annoyance, or perhaps a sliver of discomfort he quickly hid.

The elite of Thorne City, people who once sought my quiet advice or a moment of my time, now whispered and snickered when I passed.

One evening, there was a private gathering in Marcus' s penthouse.

Isabelle wanted new entertainment.

"Marcus, darling," she purred, "I hear security caught an intruder trying to sneak into the data archives."

Marcus nodded. "Some foolish outsider. He's being dealt with."

"Bring him up," Isabelle said, her eyes bright with a cruel amusement. "Let's have a look."

A man was brought in, his clothes torn, a bruise on his cheekbone. He looked defiant.

His name was Elias, the head of security announced.

Isabelle clapped her hands. "He looks rebellious. Perhaps he needs a... minder."

Her gaze shifted to me, standing by the wall.

"Sarah," Isabelle said, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "You seem to have so much free time. Why don't you look after our little troublemaker? Keep him in line."

Marcus, eager to please Isabelle, simply nodded. "An excellent idea, my love."

To be paired with a prisoner, another humiliation.

But as I looked at Elias, at the intelligence in his steady gaze, a strange feeling sparked within me.

It wasn't hope, not yet, but a desperate, tiny thought: maybe this was a chance. A chance for what, I didn't know.

I met Elias' s eyes.

"I will do as you ask," I said, my voice low.

This was my new life: servitude, mockery, and now, a prisoner' s keeper.