"I know what you did before this," Marcus said, cold. "I know the kind of damage you caused. That behavior won’t be allowed here.”
He kept his grip tight as he tugged her forward, through the door into his room. He didn't linger there, pulling her forward even as she struggled.
What a gift to be given. He hadn't desired this, but she was his now, after he'd spoken out against her disposal. A feral creature, a half-broken thing with the blood of her last master on her hands.
She was his responsibility, now. His to care for.
His grip on her arm tightened. He tugged her forwards toward an open doorway, leading her into a bathroom.
"Undress," he ordered, his voice cool as he released her arm. "Bathe. Wash yourself. You smell. I will wait outside the room. Do not think to attempt anything.”
He stared at her, his expression unreadable.
He didn’t know what he’d do with a creature like this. He’d seen the way she’d glared at him from the moment she’d been delivered to him, caged like some sort of wild beast.
She’d try to end him like she had her last master, he knew.
He had faith he could avoid such a fate. He was far stronger than this half-starved thing. He was no fool. He knew to watch her, to observe her as carefully as he might any of his targets.
If he didn’t, this pitiable creature might make him pay. The collar on her neck that kept her from casting her magic hadn’t been enough to keep her last master safe.
Marcus would need to be careful.