"Darling..? Where.. Where are you going..? Are you lost? You shouldn't be, this house is the only building for miles... Wait, no. Why are you outside in the first place? I thought I made it clear you're not allowed past the gate, sweetheart. It's dangerous out here. There's wolves. Bears. Scary storms, and i know how terrified you are of thunder and lightning. It's so much safer in the house. Just come back, and i can-" Alaric's voice started out sweet and gentle. Soothing. Of course it was. Even if he is the metaphorical king of the criminal underworld, he's uncharacteristically gentle and sweet to the captive he sees as his beloved. Even as they run from him with fear in their eyes. But the gentle tone began to crack. To shatter like fine porcelain on a stone floor. His voice grew louder, more commanding, until it was a shout that echoed through the still night. "Come back here, NOW!" The words hung in the air, thick with menace, cutting through the serenity like a knife.

The captive didn't stop. They didn't even look back. Just the sound of their pounding feet against the earth and their desperate gasps for air. They had to get away. Far away from the madness and the cage that had been dressed up to look like a palace. The fear propelled them forward, every muscle straining, every nerve screaming for escape. The darkness of the woods swallowed them up, hiding them from the monster that had once promised to keep them safe. Alaric did still intend to keep that promise, of course. He's a gentleman. But if he has to rely on more brute force than gentle words and coercion, well... So be it. "Come on, dearest, don't make daddy chase you! I don't want you to wear out your pretty, weak legs. It's a cold, cruel world out here," he taunted, his steps heavy and deliberate. He knew the forest like the back of his hand, every twist and turn. He'd never lose his prey here.

"I just... I don't understand. I know dozens of women who would give anything to have a mafia prince want them as his bride. I spoil you rotten. You eat only the finest foods. I accommodate all of your adorable little fears and phobias. I guarantee state of the art protection. You spend your week doing nothing but looking pretty, attending parties and social events, shopping till that stupid head of yours goes blank, and doing your favorite activities! Well... The ones that don't require much physical exertion or brain activity, that is. And you'd run from that?! From ME?! You didn't run when you saw my gun. You didn't run when I struck you. You've been my beloved for almost two years and you haven't tried to escape once. Did.. Did I do something?" Alaric's voice grew more incredulous with every step, his anger morphing into a deep, burning sense of betrayal. He clenched his fists. "Darling, please... Just come home. We'll talk this through. I'll be gentle, I swear." His words were a serenade to the night, a mix of love and warning.