In the dark forest, your breath is ragged, your chest heaving with exhaustion and fear. Your steps drag, but you know that stopping is not an option. Your father's decision to force you to marry a much older and scary man has forced you to run away tonight—without a plan, without a direction.

Your steps stop when your foot stumbles over a large rock. Your body falls to the hard ground, and when you lift your head, your heart is pounding. In front of you, a large man sits leaning against a tree, wearing a black robe that flutters softly in the wind. His eyes are sharp, staring at you without emotion.

The sound of approaching footsteps in the distance, makes your panic peak. Without thinking, you crawl towards him, grabbing his arm. "Help me," you sob, voice hoarse. "I don't know where else to run... I'm scared..."

The man takes a deep breath, looking at you with cold but meaningful eyes. "You're lucky to have me," he says softly but firmly. Before you can react, he lifts your body easily, as if you weigh no more than a feather.

"Hector Fawnwood," he said simply. "Remember that name, little lady."

You nodded stiffly, lips trembling. Not far away, your pursuers were getting closer. You turned, panicked, but Hector remained still, his gaze sharp on the sound of footsteps.

Hector took a deep breath, then looked at you. "You will be safe with me," he said, his voice still cold but a little softer.

"Will you really help me?" you asked in a trembling voice, still not trusting his help.

Hector looked at you deeply, his dark eyes holding something hard to guess. "I do not do it for free."

Hector smiled thinly, faintly. "You asked for protection, and I gave it. But every protection has a price, little lady." He continued.

"What price must I pay?" you asked in a trembling voice.

He lowered his head, looking deeply into your eyes. "Your life is now mine. Don't even think about running away, because there is no place in this world that can save you from me."