Chapter 20: A Captivity in Disguise

The dawn at the Vasiliev mansion brought with it a false sense of calm. Golden light filtered through the windows, tinting the cold walls with warmth, but Anne knew there was no freedom in those first rays of sunshine.

The world out there still existed, indifferent to her confinement. And although there were no bars on her room or locks on the doors, she understood more and more that her life no longer belonged to her.

At first, she had believed that she could find a way to adapt, to regain a small part of herself within the walls of that mansion. But the days passed and Lucian's control became more subtle, more suffocating.

Everything was calculated. She could not go out alone, the corridors always had eyes watching her. Every time she asked permission for something, she received vague answers, enigmatic smiles and soft excuses disguised as concern.

-It's not safe for you, Ana.

-I need to know you're protected.

-Why do you need to leave? Here you have everything you could ever want.

It was as if the walls were speaking softly, reminding her that there was no escape. And worst of all was the gentleness with which Lucian bound her to his side, his caress on her cheek, his enveloping voice filling her with promises.

-You are my most precious treasure," he whispered to her one night, as he ran his fingers through her hair. I won't let anyone or anything hurt you.

Ana wanted to believe him. She wanted to hold on to those words and find in them something genuine. But reality seeped like a silent poison into her mind.

She was not safe. She was not protected.

She was trapped.