The Shadows 4

Chapter 4 

When I opened my eyes again, the first thing I saw was Evric looking down at me from above. 

His every appearance unsettled me-like a nightmare I kept waking into, one after another, with no end in sight. Terrified, I shrank deeper into the blankets. 

Just as I feared, his first words were even more chilling. 

“Are you awake? There’s a banquet tonight. Come with me.” 

A banquet? 

Evric had never brought me to any formal events before. Why did he suddenly do something like that now? 

The next second, his next words hit me like a block of ice. 

“Back then, when Celeste and I were forced apart and she had no other options, she sold her mother’s heirloom to survive. That necklace is now owned by our biggest business partner, Victor Langmere. He once asked to buy you from me. I need to please him and get the necklace back.” 

My whole body trembled. “Evric, are you trying to sell me just to get Celeste a necklace?” 

He frowned. “There’s no need to put it so harshly. It’s just a few drinks.” 

“Drinks? My stomach ulcers haven’t healed yet. How am I supposed to drink?” I protested in disbelief. 

“It’s just a couple of glasses. You won’t die.” 

“Evric! Did you forget what you once said? You told me we’d only ever have each other!” I shouted, my voice shaking. 

He sneered. “You actually believed what a man says in bed?” 

My gaze dimmed. 

Of course. Why would I believe words whispered in passion? I had been a fool. 

“That’s enough,” he snapped. “Don’t fight it. Don’t forget what’s written in your contract, you’re bound to obey everything I say. Once this is over, I’ll make it up to you. You’ll never have to worry about food or money for the rest of your life.” 

Make it up to me? 

He didn’t even follow through on the last so-called “compensation,” which was so easy for him to offer. If I stay by his side, I probably won’t live long enough to see another year. 

But the astronomical penalty written into that contract left me powerless. I had no choice but to let Evric drag me to the banquet. 

When Mr. Langmere saw my face, however, his expression twisted in displeasure. 

“What happened to her? Her face is ruined.” 

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My heart twisted painfully at his words. Instinctively, I reached up to touch the scars. 

They were carved into my skin by Celeste, using rose thorns, deep, deliberate cuts. She hadn’t allowed me to treat them, so they had left permanent, disfiguring marks. 

Evric gave a dismissive laugh. “Turn the lights off and it’s all the same, Mr. Langmere. She’s wild in bed, you’ll enjoy it.” 

I froze, staring at him in shock. “What the hell do you mean?” 

“Nerina, don’t be naïve,” he said coldly. “That necklace is a priceless antique. People would kill to own it. Do you think Mr. Langmere is just going to give it to us And why would he give Celeste a chance if you don’t offer something in return?” 

His words were ice, plunging me into a cold, bottomless abyss. 

Mr. Langmere chuckled, his rough hand sliding along my waist. “Evric’s right. If your skills are as good as he says, I guess 

I’ll give you a try.” 

Terror shot through me. I shoved him away and bolted, screaming with everything I had left in me. 

“Help! Somebody help me!” 

But the cry was useless. It vanished into the air like a drop in the ocean, unheard and unanswered. 

Mr. Langmere caught me by the hair and yanked me backward violently. “You’re already in my arms and still trying to run?’ 

“Evric,” he barked, “give me the stuff.” 

Evric nodded. He pulled a vial from his pocket, uncapped it, grabbed my chin swiftly, and forced it toward my lips. 

“Don’t fight it, Nerina. This is a magic potion that puts she-wolves into heat. You’ll enjoy Mr. Langmere’s love soon 

enough.” 

Tears of despair streamed down my face. 

A scorching heat surged through my body, my mind slipping into haze. 

What I never expected was that Victor Langmere was a full-blown sadist. 

All night long, he tormented me with cruel tools, whips, bites, and worse. My entire body was covered in lash marks and 

torn, bleeding wounds. 

By the time dawn came, I felt broken beyond recognition, like I could die at any moment. 

But still, I forced myself to rise. 

My hands and legs trembled as I washed, dressed, and stepped out of the room. 

I had done everything for Evric and Celeste. 

And at last, this pain had bought me the one thing I needed most-a chance to escape. 

So I couldn’t die. Not yet. 

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Because the moment I left them behind would be the moment I was reborn. 

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