Chapter 23

Mia's words hung in the air like a threat. Eliana knew she had made a mistake, but she couldn't take it back now. She watched as Mia left the room, wondering what would happen next.

The minutes ticked by like hours, and then Mia returned with a small vial of liquid. "This is what you asked for, miss," she said, her voice cold. "But Lord Damon wants to see you now."

Eliana's heart raced as she took the vial. She knew she had to be careful, but she couldn't help feeling a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, she could escape this nightmare.

She followed Mia to Damon's chambers, the vial clutched in her hand. Damon looked up from his desk, his eyes narrowing as he saw the vial.

Eliana trembled as she entered the chamber, meeting Damon's menacing gaze. He snarled, "What's this I hear about you trying to abort a child?"

Eliana's voice shook, but she lashed out in anger and fear, "You have a lover, Damon! I won't bear a child for you while you're with another woman!"

Damon's face darkened, his eyes blazing with fury. "Get out!" he bellowed, pointing towards the door.

Eliana fled, tears streaming down her face. She collapsed onto her bed, sobbing uncontrollably. Eventually, exhaustion took over, and she fell asleep.

The next morning, Eliana woke feeling a glimmer of hope. She hadn't seen Damon, and a spark of happiness ignited within her. She went to the dining hall, expecting to see him, but he wasn't there. She asked a servant, "Where's Lord Damon?"

The servant replied, "He's traveled, miss. Won't be back for a while."

Eliana's heart soared. Maybe, just maybe, she could find a way to escape during his absence.

She was happy, feeling a sense of relief and freedom now that Damon was away. She spent her days attending classes, studying, and exploring the castle's vast library. She even made a few friends among the other students, who were drawn to her kindness and intelligence.

As the weeks passed, Eliana found herself growing stronger and more confident. She began to see that she didn't need Damon's approval or love to be worthy. She was worthy because of who she was, and she was determined to make the most of her time.

Eliana's eyes widened as she scanned the shelves of Damon's study, her fingers trailing over the spines of the books. She had never been in here before, and the musty smell of old parchment and leather-bound tomes filled her senses.

As she reached for a slim volume of poetry, Damon's voice cut through the silence, making her jump.

"What are you doing in my study?" he demanded, his tone cold and disapproving.

Eliana turned to face him, the book still clutched in her hand. "I was just...looking for something to read," she stammered.

Damon's eyes narrowed, his gaze flicking to the book and then back to her face. "That's a rare edition," he said, his voice dripping with disdain. "Not for the likes of you."

He strode towards her, his long strides eating up the distance. Eliana felt a shiver run down her spine as he reached out and took the book from her hand.

"Leave my study, now," he commanded, his voice firm and authoritative.

Eliana nodded, feeling a flush rise to her cheeks. She turned and hurried out of the study, feeling like an intruder caught in an act.

After 3 weeks of not seeing Damon...now he is back as he was before.