Chapter 17: Silk and Iron Lies

Anna moved cautiously through the Vasiliev mansion. After her encounter with Viktoria, she had understood that every false step could cost her too much. The house suffocated her with its luxurious corridors and intrigue-laden atmosphere. But more than anyone else, it was Lucian who filled every space of her mind.

He had saved her from Viktoria's wrath, from the scorn of the service, from the devastating loneliness. And though Anna knew his protection came with strings attached, she couldn't help but feel grateful. Grateful and trapped.

That night, the air was charged with electricity. It was stormy outside, but inside the mansion the silence was more threatening than any thunder. Anne was finishing her chores when a servant approached her with a tense expression.

-Mr. Lucian is waiting for you in his office," he said in a low voice.

Anne's heart skipped a beat. It was not unusual for him to call her, but something in the servant's gaze made her hesitate. She took a deep breath and walked briskly, ignoring the trembling in her hands.

Lucian's office was a cage dressed in opulence: mahogany bookshelves, a lit fireplace that spread warm light, a spotless marble desk. But what really filled the room was his presence.

He was standing by one of the windows, watching the rain with a thoughtful air. He didn't turn when she entered, but his voice slipped out as softly as poison.

-Did they treat you well? -he asked, without emotion.

Anne hesitated before answering.

-Yes, sir.

Lucian turned then, his sharp gaze dissecting her.

-Don't call me that. Not when we're alone.

Ana swallowed. It was an order. Everything that came from him was.

-Lucian," she corrected in a whisper.

He smiled slightly, as if the word had a flavor he enjoyed. He moved closer, each step calculated, until the distance between them was minimal.

-I heard what Viktoria did to you," he said, his voice velvety. I shouldn't have let it happen.

Ana lowered her gaze. There was no point in talking about it. She knew Lucian wouldn't confront her sister directly about her. He never did. He always played from the shadows.

-But I've fixed things," he continued, leaning a little closer. No one will bother you anymore. No one will be able to touch you, Ana... because you belong to me.

She felt a shiver run down her spine. That word.

-I don't want to be a burden," she tried to say, but Lucian laughed softly, as if her concern were a naïve game.

-"Burden? -He repeated, brushing his fingers against her chin, forcing her to look at him. No, Ana. You are a treasure to be protected.

His tone was gentle, but the grip of his fingers was firm, like a silent warning.

-I want to help you," he whispered. I want to give you a place in this world where you don't have to fear. But for that, you must trust me. Only me.

Anne felt the weight of his gaze and the depth of his promise. He was a savior with golden bars, a jailer with silken hands.

-I... trust you," she murmured, not knowing if she was telling the truth or if it was simply the answer he wanted to hear.

Lucian smiled. He had caught her. Again.