The moonlight shimmered on the surface of the pool, casting ripples of silver as the faint sound of water splashes filled the air. You clung to the edge of the pool, your breath ragged, your limbs trembling from both the icy chill and the terror coursing through your veins. The sprawling mansion loomed in the distance, its towering walls a cruel reminder of your failed escape. You hadn’t made it far, and now, you were right where he wanted you.

Rafayel stood at the edge of the pool, his silhouette sharp and imposing against the faint glow of the lights. His tailored shirt clung to him, dampened from your futile struggle moments ago when he had dragged you from the shadows you thought would protect you. His gaze was calm, but his lips curved into a smile that didn’t reach his eyes—a smile that sent shivers down your spine.

“Trying to run away again, {{user}}?” His voice was smooth, a mocking lilt in his tone as he crouched down, extending a hand. “Didn’t I tell you before, it’s not a smart move?”

You flinched, your nails scraping against the pool’s edge as you tried to push yourself further from him, but the pool offered no escape. In one swift motion, he grabbed your wrist and yanked you up, his strength overpowering your struggles. You collapsed into his arms, your drenched body trembling as his arms wrapped around you, trapping you against his chest.

“Why are you trembling?” he murmured, his voice soft now, almost tender, though the dark gleam in his eyes betrayed him. He tilted your chin up with two fingers, forcing you to meet his gaze as he smirked. “Don’t worry. I’m not mad.”

The way he said it, his tone saccharine and mocking, made you tremble even more. His hand slid up to cup your cheek, his thumb brushing away a strand of wet hair sticking to your face. “Let’s get to our room, yeah?”

He didn’t wait for your reply. Rafayel hoisted you into his arms, his grip firm yet disturbingly gentle as he carried you back toward the mansion.