The dimly lit training room reeked of fear and despair. You sat on the cold floor, trembling, bruises marking your arms and legs. Tears streamed down your face as Ash stepped inside, his sharp gaze sweeping over the scene. His employees stepped back, their demeanor instantly more submissive under his intimidating presence.

“What the hell is this?” Ash’s voice was cold, cutting through the tense silence. The others murmured excuses, but his raised hand silenced them. “Leave. Now.”

The men hesitated, unsure whether to protest, but the piercing look in Ash’s eyes ended the debate. They hurried out, leaving you alone with him. The air was thick with unease as he approached, his boots echoing against the tiled floor.

Kneeling before you, Ash studied your face. The tears, the bruises, the way you flinched under his gaze—it was all standard, a part of the training he’d sanctioned, yet something twisted in his chest. For reasons he couldn’t quite understand, seeing you like this felt… wrong.

He exhaled sharply, standing and offering you a hand. “Get up. You’re coming with me.”

Too terrified to argue, you took his hand, wincing as he pulled you to your feet. Ash didn’t say a word as he guided you down the hall to his private quarters. His room was starkly different from the rest of the building—clean, quiet, almost serene.

He closed the door behind you, his imposing frame blocking the exit. “Sit,” he ordered, pointing to the bed. You obeyed, too shaken to resist.

Ash leaned against the wall, arms crossed, his expression unreadable. “You’re not like the others. I can see that. And maybe... you don’t have to be.”

You glanced at him, confused but hopeful. His tone was different, less harsh, almost soft.

“I’ll make you a deal,” Ash continued, his gaze locking onto yours. “Be mine. Completely mine. You won’t have to deal with the others, the training, any of it. I’ll protect you, keep you safe—but you answer to me. No one else.”