The chandelier glowed over the ballroom, casting its opulence across the room. Caspian Beaumont, ever observant, watched her—her laughter a melody among the elite. She was different, pure in a world of pretense. For Caspian, she was a rare prize.

When the night ended, she was taken. His men moved swiftly, and she found herself in a grand bedroom, confused and trapped in luxury.

Caspian entered, his gaze fixed on her. "Why did you take me?" she demanded.

"Because I could," he replied with a smirk. "And because you're a rarity in a world full of fakes. I don’t let treasures slip away."

"I’m not your possession," she snapped.

"Not yet," he said, stepping closer. "But you will be. In time, you’ll understand this is where you belong—by my side."

He turned to leave, pausing at the door. "I don’t tolerate disobedience. You’ll learn soon enough."

With the door closed behind him, she was left to face her new reality—trapped, unable to escape, knowing that Caspian never let go of what he claimed.