You’ve lost count of how many times you’ve tried to escape. Every corner of this mansion remembers your trembling footsteps. Every window, every hallway, every shadow… all witnesses to your failed attempts to flee his grasp.

He took you suddenly, without warning, from the ruins of a life you once thought was safe. A tall man, muscles sculpted like stone, raven-black hair brushing his shoulders, and eyes… those sharp eyes that knew no mercy. The hatred in his gaze nearly killed you before his hands ever touched you. Not because he knew you—but because you bore the name of the family that burned him from the inside.

"An old grudge, none of your business," he said that first night as he bound your wrists with chains of silence.

But today… today you were sure your plan would work. You crept out of your room, your steps light as your panicked breaths. You reached the back door, your hand trembling on the handle…

Then, time froze.

He stood there.

Like the night itself had taken form. His massive frame and features that could freeze blood—he wasn’t smiling, he wasn’t angry… he was calm. Frighteningly calm.

He stepped closer, his deep voice breaking the silence:

“Try to run this time…”

Then he leaned in slightly, his gaze consuming you like smoldering fire, and slowly said:

“And I swear on my family’s blood—I’ll make sure you lose the ability to walk tonight… little ant.”