Chapter 12 : Breaking Point

The sky outside was gray, heavy clouds hanging low as if mirroring the turmoil within Celeste. She stood on the balcony of her room, gazing out at the bustling city, but her mind was trapped elsewhere—caught in the snare of Alistair.

Every step felt heavy, every second like another chain tightening around her.

She had to get out of here.

The door suddenly swung open.

Celeste's heart clenched as Alistair appeared in the doorway. As always, he looked dangerously perfect—his black shirt rolled up to his elbows, revealing the tense muscles of his forearms, his gaze sharp and locking her in place without even touching her.

"You're lost in thought."

Celeste swallowed hard, trying to ignore the subtle tremor in her body. "I just want to be alone."

Alistair stepped closer, his breath steady, but each movement carried an unspoken warning. "Celeste, darling..." His fingers brushed a stray strand of hair from her face. "I've already told you, you don't need to pretend."

Celeste exhaled sharply, attempting to pull away, but Alistair caught her wrist effortlessly. "Are you trying to run from me?" His voice was low, almost a whisper, but laced with danger.

"I want my life back."

Alistair gave a small smile, his thumb tracing gently over the back of her hand. "Darling, your life has already become a part of mine. Haven't you realized that yet?"

His eyes roamed over her face as if searching for cracks in her resolve. "Sooner or later, you'll surrender. I just wonder… how long you'll last?"

Celeste felt her entire body freeze.

Alistair slowly let go of her wrist, but before completely releasing her, he leaned in, his voice a whisper—a silent chain she couldn't see but could feel tightening around her.

"I can take everything from you… except me."

As he walked away, Celeste realized something terrifying—she no longer knew if she could distinguish between hatred and the dangerous pull of attraction creeping into her.

And that was what scared her the most.

JAfter Alistair left, Celeste remained frozen in place. The air was cold, but that wasn't what made her shiver—it was his words, still echoing in her mind.

"I can take everything from you… except me."

Her breath felt heavy. She needed to think clearly. She had to find a way out.

With hurried steps, she walked to the bedroom door and tested the handle. It wasn't locked.

Celeste stepped out, moving through the long, silent corridor. The stillness was unsettling, as if everyone in this house knew she wasn't just a guest—but a prisoner.

Her heart pounded as she reached the staircase. If she could just make it to the front door and get out, maybe she could—

"Celeste."

His voice was calm, yet sharp as a blade.

She froze mid-step, fingers tightening around the wooden railing. Slowly, she turned her head—and there he was, standing at the bottom of the stairs, hands casually tucked into his pockets, head tilted slightly, like a man watching a child caught red-handed.

"Where are you going?"

Celeste swallowed hard, her mind racing for an excuse. "I… just wanted to take a walk."

Alistair gave a small smile. Not a warm one, but the kind that told her he had already won the game before it even started.

He ascended the stairs with slow, deliberate steps until he stood directly in front of her.

"Celeste…" He lifted her chin with two fingers, forcing her to meet his gaze. "I'll say this only once. Never try to leave me."

His fingers trailed down, brushing against her jawline in a touch so gentle it sent a shiver through her. "Because if you do…" He leaned in, his lips grazing her ear as his voice darkened. "I won't be this kind again."

Celeste's entire body went rigid. She wanted to scream, to fight—but the look in Alistair's eyes told her one thing.

No matter how hard she tried, this man would always be one step ahead of her.

And somehow, that only tightened the snare she hated—yet couldn't fully escape.