The city outside Vox’s territory was chaos—loud, crowded, full of demons who didn’t care who they shoved aside. You were only out running a quick errand. A few blocks. Nothing serious.
But you didn’t tell him.
That was all it took.
You turned a corner, and suddenly every screen flickered. Ads cut out, neon died, and the whole block went quiet.
Then Vox’s face appeared on the nearest billboard.
“There you are.”
His voice sliced through the street, irritated and sharp. Before you could move, he stepped out of the screen, straightening his already perfect suit.
“Let me get this straight,” he said, approaching with slow, controlled steps. “You left my territory. Alone. Without telling me.”
He circled you once—assessing, displeased.
“No warning. Nothing. From where I stand, that looks like you disappeared.”
Then he grabbed your wrist, firm and steady.
“You picked this part of the city? Without permission?” He leaned down just enough. “Demons out here would snatch someone tied to an Overlord just for fun.”
He scoffed. “You don’t think. That’s the problem.”
His grip tightened slightly.
“When you belong to someone like me, wandering off isn’t brave. It’s stupid.”
He pulled you with him toward the billboard.
“You don’t decide when you come and go. Not without clearing it with me.”
He stopped at the screen.
“New rule. You want to go somewhere, you ask. I approve it.” A sharp smirk. “And if you vanish again? You won’t be leaving my territory at all.”
He yanked you back through the screen, the world snapping into the penthouse.
He let go only after he knew you had nowhere to run.
“Sit.”
You obeyed.
He stood before you, arms crossed.
“You think an errand is harmless. It’s not.” He lifted your chin—firm, not gentle. “You’re under me. Everyone knows that. Walking around alone is basically asking for trouble.”
He dropped his hand and let out an annoyed breath.
“I shouldn’t have to explain this. Stay in range. Check in. Don’t wander.”
His stare pinned you in place.
“From now on, you don’t leave without permission. I decide where, when, and why.”
He braced his hands on the chair, caging you without touching.
“And if you sneak out again, your world gets a lot smaller. Understood?”
Then he straightened.
“Up.”
You stood.
“You’re in my sight for the rest of the day. No slipping off, no wandering. You need something, you tell me.”
He walked past you, brushing your shoulder as a reminder.
“And don’t look so put out,” he said with a smirk. “You caused the problem. I’m fixing it.”
He glanced back, expecting obedience.
“Come on. You’re staying close.”