Chapter 3 The mark that leaves a scar

The guards left just as quickly as they came, leaving only deafening silence between us as the moonlight bore witness to this.

We were still wrapped tightly around each other or should I say -me.

Lost in the warmth of his embrace, his scent so attractive that I forgot to let go.

I could feel his heartbeat, steady and warm, against my trembling skin.

"Miss," he whispered close to my ear, his breath brushing my neck, soft but teasing. "I know I'm handsome, but you don't have to keep holding on. The guards are gone."

Heat rushed through me. I pulled away instantly, my hands scrambling to fix my robe.

My lips parted, but no sound came out.

He smiled - that kind of smile that made you want to slap him and stare at him at the same time.

I hated that he looked amused. I hated myself for holding on for too long.

"Annoying," I muttered under my breath.

He chuckled. "You can call me Leon," he said, stretching out his hand.

I glanced at it, then at him. Those grey eyes gleamed like a storm, wild and knowing.

"I don't talk to strangers," I said coldly, then turned and walked away.

"Then at least tell me your name," he called.

I didn't look back. I couldn't. Because if I did, I was afraid I might not stop looking.

Back at the hall, music played loudly in the background. Laughter, loud and hollow, bounced off marble walls.

Men with power and calibers sat in clusters, surrounded by wine and women, their laughter sharp and empty.

At the head sat Alpha Aaron - confident, cruel, and proud. His presence was enough to silence the room whenever he moved.

"Allow me to appreciate every one of you for honoring my invitation," he said, lifting his glass.

One of the guests laughed. "Who could turn down the call of the great Alpha Aaron - the man of gold, wine, and women?"

Aaron grinned, showing his perfect teeth. "You flatter me."

"We heard you claimed a woman so beautiful that even the moon hides in shame," another said. "Will you show her to us tonight?"

Aaron laughed, dark and deep. He leaned toward one of his maids and whispered something.

I was in my room, rushing to fix my hair and jewelry. I had just changed from my earlier attire which was already stained. Now fixing my hair which still had traces of dirt from the fall. I barely had time to wash it off before the maid's voice came again through the door.

"The Alpha has called for you."

I sighed, my heart tightening. I looked into the mirror - painted face, lifeless eyes. I forced a smile, fixed myself a bit more.

Then I walked out.

The hall fell silent the moment I entered.

My gown was sapphire blue, soft and heavy, clinging to me in all the right places. Diamonds glittered at my neck and wrists, catching the light with every step. I had never looked more alive, yet I had never felt more hollow.

Every pair of eyes followed me. I could feel their hunger, their whispers, their awe.

But my gaze found only one face.

Leon.

He sat among them - calm, unreadable. His eyes caught mine. They followed me like shadows.

My chest tightened.

Aaron rose to meet me, his hand sliding possessively around my waist. The scent of him burned in my throat.

"Isn't she beautiful?" he said proudly, parading me like a trophy.

They all cheered, laughing and praising, raising their glasses.

But Leon didn't move. Didn't clap. He just sipped his wine slowly with his gaze still fixed on me.

"Brenda here," Aaron continued, "is not only beautiful, but a very talented dancer."

My heart stopped. My eyes cut to his, warning him silently.

The guests laughed, shouting for me to dance.

I smiled - tight, cold whispering softly to Aaron. "If you want to entertain them, Alpha, then you dance because I will not."

Aaron smile disappeared. He leaned close. "You will either obey me or suffer the consequences," he hissed.

"Then I will suffer the consequences," I whispered back.

I stepped forward and bowed slightly to the guests.

"Gentlemen, I wouldn't want to bore you with my amateur steps. And besides, I'm not feeling well tonight so I would like to take my leave. Please enjoy the night."

Then I turned and walked away, leaving the hall heavy with silence.

I didn't look back, but I could feel Aaron's rage burning holes into my back.

By the time I reached my room, my hands were shaking. I trembled for what awaits me. I knew how much he enjoys giving torture, the way he could make pain last longer than time itself.

Aaron's punishments were creative, cruel, unforgettable.

Once, he made me lie on broken glass while he forced himself on me - each breath was a scream I swallowed to stay alive, with every move I felt the piece cut deep into my skin all because I refused one night with him.

Another time, he locked me outside naked under the rain, watching through the window as I begged for mercy that never came.

Every scar on my body was a story he wrote in pain.

Aaron was not one to tolerate disobedience but I was done been his plaything.

I paced around in panic when the knock finally came, my knees nearly gave out.

The maid entered, her face pale.

"The Alpha is waiting," she whispered, handing me a blindfold.

My breath caught.

Still, I tied it over my eyes. The world went black.

She led me down the hall, her grip trembling on my arm. Her voice came faintly. "Keep walking straight. First door on your right."

I swallowed hard. My heart thudded painfully in my chest.

When I reached the door, I hesitated for only a moment before whispering, "I'm here, Alpha. Do with me as you wish."

The scent in the air was strange - not his usual one.

Then I heard footsteps approaching, slow, deliberate.

My throat tightened. I clenched my hands, bracing for pain.

But instead, a hand brushed against my waist - gently.

I froze.

His touch wasn't rough. It wasn't demanding. It was careful. Curious.

He leaned in. His breath was warm against my skin. I could scent the alcohol on him. He was probably drunk.

My knees trembled.

And then - he kissed me.

Softly. Unexpectedly.

My mind went blank. My lips parted on instinct, a gasp escaping.

This wasn't Aaron. It couldn't be.

Aaron's kisses were violent. This one was something else - something dangerous in its tenderness.

My chest burned. My heart betrayed me, beating faster.

For the first time in years, I felt warmth instead of fear.

His hand came up to my face, tracing the edge of my jaw. His touch made my skin come alive in ways I'd forgotten were possible.

He pulled me closer, his breath mixing with mine, his heartbeat loud and strong.

I didn't know what I was doing anymore. I didn't care.

For one stolen moment, I wanted to feel human again.

I let him lift me - easily, gently. He laid me down, his lips finding mine again, slower this time, like a question neither of us dared to answer.

My body trembled. My hands reached for him before I could stop them.

The world melted into heat and confusion and heartbeat. Every emotion I had buried clawed its way back to the surface - longing, fear, loneliness, and something that felt dangerously like hope.

His lips moved down to my neck. A soft moan escaped my lips. My fingers clawed on his back

I felt like a sinner for enjoying this moment. I should hate Aaron but this moment, I didn't want him to stop.

I felt fire burned through me with every kisses. His hand grabbed thighs, lifting them slowly.

For a moment I forgot all about my fears. I forgot how much I hated Aaron.

His fingers slipped within my lips.

A loud moan escaped my lips as I felt him thrust deep inside me.

He kissed me softly in ways he never did in three years.

I felt the heat burn through me the deeper he went.

For the first time in years, I didn't feel like a prisoner. I felt alive.

He whispered my name between breaths, as if it belonged to him alone.

"Brenda..."

I shivered. His voice - deep, rough, familiar. But not Aaron.

Then-

BANG!

The door crashed open.

I gasped, ripping the blindfold away. My eyes widened.

Alpha Aaron.

He stood at the door, fully dressed, his face dark with fury. His breathing came in sharp bursts.

For a heartbeat, everything went silent.

Then my gaze shifted - to the man beside me.

The man whose hands still held my waist. The man whose eyes I could never forget.

Leon.

My heart stopped.

Aaron's eyes burned with rage. My mind screamed for a way out, but there was none.

I could feel it in my bones - the storm that was about to break.

And I knew, in that moment, that my life... was about to end.