Chains of devotion:

Chapter 4: The monster (2)

His body trapped mine, his weight pressing down, and one of his legs slipped between mine, brushing against the thin fabric of my nightgown.

As the lightning struck, for a fleeting moment, I saw his face — sharp, pale, and hauntingly beautiful. His black hair was damp and clung to his forehead, while his eyes, darker than the midnight sky, burned with something terrifying and possessive.

His gaze devoured me whole, making my heart pound so violently that I thought he could hear it.

I instinctively curled up, clutching my trembling body and turning my face away from him. But his cold, slender fingers, which seemed to drag the chill of the night along with them, grasped my chin and forced me to look at him.

In the darkness, I couldn't see his expression, but I could feel the heat of his breath against my lips.

His fingers traced from my chin to my lips, lingering there for a moment.

I squeezed my eyes shut, my heart racing wildly.

His...

"Flor."

His voice — deep, bold, and laced with an eerie calmness — echoed through the dimly lit room, striking a cold shiver down my spine. It felt as if his voice itself could bind me in place.

I refused to open my eyes, fearing what I'd see.

Suddenly, one of his hands grasped my wrist and effortlessly pulled me up to sit on the bed. My body felt weak against his strength, and before I could process anything, his other hand was still lingering on my lips, tracing them slowly.

My breath hitched as his slender fingers pushed past my lips, forcing them to part. I flinched, instinctively trying to pull back, but he didn't let me.

I can't stay afraid forever... I know that.

I was about to push him away when—

He slid something soft between my lips and pressed it against my tongue. The taste of warm, freshly prepared food spread across my mouth.

I froze.

He... fed me?

"You must eat well," he said in a low, commanding tone.

His words burned me with rage, more than anyone in this world ever could.

I slapped his hand away and shoved the food off the table, the sound of the plate shattering echoing through the room.

"WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?!" I screamed at him, my voice trembling with anger and helplessness.

"FIRST, YOU HELD ME CAPTIVE BUT Y-"

Before I could finish, tears betrayed me, falling uncontrollably down my cheeks.

"Y-You..." My voice broke as sobs took over. "You're a... ac—"

Before I could curse him, he pulled me into his arms, trapping me once again.

"Just cry."

His voice was cold, yet oddly gentle.

The hell maniac is he?!

He's the last person I want to break down in front of.

I... I hate him...

He's the reason I cry...

He held me... tightly.

Once again, making sure I couldn't escape.

In other words, making sure I'm not free.

"Flor, I shall tell the maids to bring you something sweet," he said with a calm yet possessive tone.

"I want to be with you for eternity but...you don't like it and I have something important to take care of"

I glared at him, silently begging for him to leave.

Before stepping out of the room, he turned back and said,

"You're my earth."

I just turned my head.

(In ancient times)

where people believe the sun and moon revolve around the earth...

If he's the sun, then... I am the earth that means he's revolving around me?

I finally had a moment to breathe as he left the room.

He's sick.

I don't understand anything about him...

I sat on the bed, my eyes drifting to the food I had pushed away earlier.

Not just food... but something far too expensive for someone like me.

Not a normal room... but one larger than the outhouse I used to live in.

Everything around me screams luxury...

Yet, I'm nothing more than a caged bird here.

I looked at the door hoping he wont return,running my fingers through my hair. A few white strands stood out between my fingers.

I let out a bitter laugh. "He not only gave me all these riches but also white hair," I murmured, gripping the strands before letting them fall.

I collapsed back onto the bed, my mind spinning.

My eyes darkened. Just what does he see in me…?

I see nothing in him but a monster.

A monster who ruined my life in the name of love… A monster who chained me here.

And yet, no matter how much I push him away, he still looks at me like I'm the center of his world.

My thoughts drifted back to the past.

---

I ran.

I ran as fast as I could, leaving the garden behind, my feet barely touching the ground.

Only when I reached the stone walls did I finally stop, sinking onto the cold earth, pulling my legs to my chest.

That Garden....

It was forbidden.

Only the Duke's family was allowed here.

Yet, I had entered… and I had seen the young Duke.

Would this get Sera and Mr. Garfed into trouble?

They were so kind to me… and because of me—

"Yes, as Father says, 'I'm a misfortune,'" I whispered to myself.

A shadow loomed over me.

I looked up.

It was Sera.

Her warm brown eyes softened when she saw my troubled face. She knelt beside me and patted my head.

Without thinking, I hugged her tightly.

I don't understand these people.

Why are they so kind to me?

Why do they love me? Care for me?

"What happened?" she asked gently.

Should I tell her?

If I do, she might be able to prepare for what's coming…

But—

"Sera, I… I was just looking for you but couldn't find you," I said instead, forcing a small smile.

Some things are better left unsaid.

If it becomes a problem, I will take responsibility alone.

Sera chuckled. "You have no idea how cute you are right now, Flora."

W-What?

Why is she laughing? What's so cute about me?

"Your hair is a mess, yes, but since you did it, it looks both cute and beautiful," she teased, gently touching a lock of my hair.

I pursed my lips.

Was she indirectly telling me it looked bad?

Maybe… But I liked this warmth.

She did not want my feelings to be hurt...

I liked being cared for.

My father was never an option, and my mother…

She was never in a situation to care for me anyway.

But now…

My life here is new.

And this new life… is filled with happiness.

Before I realized it, tears were falling from my dark green eyes, streaming down my rose-tinted cheeks.

"Oh my god! Flora, have I hurt you in any way?!" Sera panicked and quickly wiped my tears.

I shook my head with a faint smile. "I'm... I'm just happy."

She sighed in relief and took my hand, leading me to the maid's garden.

Just how rich is the Duke to build such a beautiful garden just for the maids...?

"You're lucky it's my free time," Sera said with a smile as she brought out her hairbrush and slowly combed my hair.

Slowly... gently...

Her hands reminded me of my mother.

She did not shown me much of love but I know it's the situation that caused that.

No,I must be happy now.

This is my new life.

I clenched my fists and forced a smile.

"Your hair is so sof—" Sera paused. Her eyes widened in shock as she turned me to face her.

"Flora..."

Her eyes, filled with warmth and love, were now mixed with fear with care.

"I know... how you came here, but... Were you abused back in your... home?"

"W-What...?"

Did she see... one of the scars on my head?

I couldn't speak. I didn't want to defend him nor accept it because I would cry....if I said it...

I just stayed quiet clenching my teeth.

Sera hugged me tightly.

"The past shall not return. That's why it's called the past," she whispered.

"No one will harm you here. I will not let anyone."

She gently held my face and wiped my tears.

"So, don't cry anymore."

H-Huh...?

I... I've been crying again...

I didn't even realize it.

I quickly wiped my tears.

"Sera! Come now! We still have a lot of work amd less time"

A group of maids called for her from a distance.

"Oh no! I think my break time is over," Sera sighed. But her eyes hesitated to leave me alone.

"Go on, Sera," I reassured her.

"But I haven't even braided your hair ye—"

I grabbed her hand.

"You can... later."

She smiled softly. "Take care, Flora."

Then she left.

"Take care...?"

I... I love Sera so much...

She's like a mother to me.

I slowly stood up... only to realize—

I don't know the way back.