Chapter 20 : A Dangerous Game

Celeste stood before the mirror, staring at her own reflection with empty eyes. The black silk nightgown Alistair had given her now clung to her body, wrapping her in a suffocating comfort.

A soft knock echoed against the door.

"Celeste."

The voice was low, yet clear. There was no anger, no threat. Just a simple call—but it was enough to make her heart race.

She knew that if she didn't respond, the door would open within seconds.

So, with a held breath, she slowly walked toward the door and pulled it open.

Alistair stood there, his gaze sweeping over her from head to toe. His eyes darkened, filled with a hint of satisfaction.

"Good," he murmured, the corner of his lips curving slightly.

Celeste bit her lip, swallowing the surge of emotions threatening to break free.

Alistair stepped inside, closing the door behind him without any rush. He didn't speak for several seconds, simply watching her with an intensity that made her feel as if she were being stripped bare under his gaze.

Then, he moved.

His hand reached out, tilting her chin up gently.

"I told you, you'd get used to this," he whispered, his voice like a deadly whisper slipping into her mind.

Celeste didn't respond. She didn't even dare to move.

Alistair tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable.

"Are you still hoping to run?" he asked, his tone almost amused, as if the question was nothing more than a casual game to him.

Celeste remained silent, but her eyes betrayed her thoughts.

She did want to run. She always wanted to run.

Alistair stepped closer, closing the distance between them entirely.

"Tell me, Celeste..." he whispered near her ear. "Do you want to challenge me again?"

Her heartbeat pounded even harder.

Then, Alistair slowly stepped back, letting the silence hang thick between them. A moment later, his lips curled into a slow, dangerous smile.

"Very well," he finally said. "Let's see how long you can last in this game."

A game?

Celeste tensed.

What did he mean?

But before she could ask, Alistair had already turned and walked out of the room, leaving her with a storm of unanswered questions.

And Celeste knew—

This game had only just begun.

Celeste stood frozen in place, her breath caught in her throat.

Alistair's words still echoed in her mind.

"Let's see how long you can last in this game."

A game.

As if all of this was nothing more than entertainment for him.

Celeste's blood ran cold. She wanted to be angry, to scream, but her voice was locked inside her. She had long since learned that openly defying Alistair was useless.

But if this was a game, then she had to play it on her own terms.

---

Hours later, Celeste sat at the long dining table, which felt far too vast for just two people.

Alistair sat across from her, enjoying his dinner with an ease that made it seem as if nothing was wrong.

"Celeste," he suddenly called.

She flinched slightly, turning to him with a blank expression.

Alistair set down his spoon and regarded her intently. "You haven't touched your food."

Celeste lowered her gaze to her untouched plate. She had no appetite.

Alistair sighed, then reached forward, taking the knife and fork from her plate. With practiced ease, he cut the meat into small pieces, then speared a piece with the fork and held it out to her.

"Eat," he ordered, his voice soft yet absolute.

Celeste hesitated, but when she saw the sharp edge returning to his gaze, she knew resistance was pointless.

Reluctantly, she parted her lips and took the piece of meat.

Alistair's lips curled into a small, satisfied smile. "Good."

Celeste bit the inside of her cheek, swallowing down the frustration welling in her chest.

This man truly treated her like a doll.

But just as she was trying to think of a way to regain control over her own life, Alistair spoke again.

"I'll be hosting a party in a few days," he said casually, swirling the wine in his glass. "And you will be attending with me."

Celeste stiffened. "What?"

Alistair met her eyes, his gaze glinting with mystery.

"I want everyone to know who you are."

Her heart pounded.

This wasn't just any party.

Alistair wanted to put her on display.

As if she were nothing more than his possession.

And Celeste realized—

This game was becoming even more dangerous.