Chapter 5 FIRST ESCAPE ATTEMPT

The mansion was a labyrinth of marble halls, high ceilings, and guards stationed at every corner. Damian's world was built like a fortress, but Isabella refused to be caged.

That night, long after the mansion had gone quiet, she sat by her window, staring out at the vast, shadowy gardens. Her heart hammered in her chest as she made her decision.

I can't stay here. I won't.

Still wearing the torn remains of her wedding dress, she slipped off her shoes and crept toward the door. Every step echoed in her ears. She prayed the guards wouldn't hear.

The hallway stretched endlessly, lined with dark portraits of men whose cold eyes seemed to follow her. She hugged the walls, moving like a thief. At the far end, she spotted a side door leading out to the garden.

Her pulse quickened. Freedom.

She darted outside, her bare feet sinking into the cold grass. The night air bit at her skin, but she didn't care. The gates were far, but she ran, her lungs burning, her veil trailing behind like a ghost.

She was close-so close-when a voice cut through the silence.

"Going somewhere, bella mia?"

Her body froze.

From the shadows near the gate, Damian emerged, his black suit blending into the night, his eyes glowing with dangerous amusement. Two guards flanked him, but he didn't need them. His presence alone stopped her in her tracks.

Her throat tightened. "Get out of my way."

Damian stepped forward, slow, deliberate, like a predator savoring the chase.

"You think I didn't expect this? You think I don't know every move you'll make?"

Her hands clenched into fists. "You can lock me up, but I will *never* stay willingly."

For a moment, something flickered in his eyes-admiration, even desire-but it vanished as quickly as it came.

In a blur, he closed the distance, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. She twisted, trying to fight him off, but his grip was unyielding.

"Let me go!" she screamed, kicking at him.

Damian's jaw tightened, but instead of lashing out, he pulled her against him, holding her struggling body flush against his. His voice was low, dangerous, but strangely calm.

"You have fire, Isabella. I warned you, didn't I? This world will eat you alive if you walk into it unprotected. You're safer in my cage than you'll ever be out there."

Her chest heaved, fury and fear colliding. "You're a monster!"

His lips brushed her ear as he whispered, "Maybe. But I'm *your* monster now."

And with that, he lifted her into his arms-her fists beating uselessly against his chest-and carried her back toward the mansion as though she weighed nothing at all.