"I... I am sorry," I stammered, scrambling up from the bed, my face flushed with embarrassment. My heart thundered in my chest as I felt his piercing gaze following my every movement.
Before I could take another step, his hand shot out, grabbing mine. He pulled me close-so close that I could feel his warmth radiating against my skin. The intoxicating heat from his body mixed with the faint scent of pine and something raw, almost feral. His breath brushed against my cheek, and I instinctively kept my head bowed, avoiding his gaze. I knew better than to look directly into his eyes. These creatures were unpredictable, volatile. One wrong move could mean my life.
His grip tightened, and a spark shot up my arm, tingling like fire and lightning coursing through my veins. I gasped involuntarily, unable to hide my reaction. This strange sensation had been happening every time he touched me, and I still couldn't understand it.
"Look at me," he commanded, his voice deep and unyielding.
I hesitated. My breath hitched as my chest tightened with fear, but disobeying him wasn't an option. Slowly, I raised my gaze to meet his, and the world seemed to stop.
His eyes-they were unlike anything I'd ever seen. A silvery grey so pale they were almost transparent, like molten moonlight trapped in glass. They gleamed with an intensity that made it impossible to look away, as if they could see straight through to my soul. His face was impossibly perfect, with sharp, chiseled features that seemed sculpted by the gods themselves. Strong cheekbones, a jawline so defined it could cut through stone, and lips set in a line that radiated authority. His raven-black hair was sleek and fell effortlessly around his face, adding to the angelic yet dangerous aura he exuded.
As he reached up and gently brushed his hand through my thick curls, a strange calm washed over me. My panic melted away, and my erratic breathing slowed. My body, which had been trembling moments ago, now felt grounded and still.
How was he doing this? I looked up at him, bewildered. Seconds ago, I'd been on the verge of hyperventilating. Now, I felt serene, almost safe. Was this some kind of power he had? Some secret ability? It wouldn't surprise me; there was so much about these creatures I didn't understand.
"Go," he said at last, his voice low and quiet, before turning and striding toward the bathroom.
I exhaled sharply, realizing I'd been holding my breath. My hands trembled as I gathered my cleaning supplies and all but ran from his room. What 'was' that? My heart pounded in my chest as I descended the stairs, his silver eyes still haunting me.
---
When I reached the kitchen, I spotted Lily cleaning up near the sink. Her soft, warm smile faded as she saw my face.
"Are you okay? I'm sorry if we scared you earlier," she said, her voice gentle.
I shook my head as I set down the bucket and mop. "It's not you. It's this place-it's getting to me. I feel like I'm losing my mind."
Lily sighed, her face heavy with sadness. "I wish I could tell you it gets better, but that would be a lie. It doesn't. You just... learn to endure it."
As I moved closer, my eyes caught the black and blue bruises scattered across her neck. My stomach churned with anger and heartbreak.
"Lily," I whispered, stepping closer. "What happened? That looks awful."
Her eyes grew glassy as she tried to laugh it off. "I've been through worse. Don't worry about me; I'll be okay."
I shook my head firmly. "No. This isn't okay. We're leaving. I'll get you out of here if it's the last thing I do."
She grabbed my hand, her wide eyes brimming with fear. "Shh, Elizabeth! Do you know what they'll do if they hear you talking like that? They'll kill you!"
"I don't care!" I hissed. "I'd rather die trying to escape than stay here another second. You, me, and Anna-we don't belong here. We're getting out, Lily. I promise you."
Tears streamed down her cheeks, and she nodded weakly. "Okay... okay. How?"
"I can't tell you everything just yet. It's safer that way-for all of us. When the time is right, you'll know. Just trust me, Lily."
She wiped her tears and gave me a small, fragile smile. "I trust you. But do we tell Anna now?"
"Not yet," I said, grabbing a glass of water. "The less anyone knows for now, the better. If we act differently, they'll get suspicious, and we can't risk that."
Just then, Anna walked in. Her eyes flicked between us. "What are you two whispering about?"
Lily and I exchanged a glance. Talk about acting suspicious. Lily sighed and gestured at her neck. "She knows about the bruises."
I let out a breath, trying to suppress my anger. "They deserve to pay for this," I muttered through clenched teeth.
Anna looked heartbroken. "I wish I could protect you girls. You're so young... you have your whole lives ahead of you."
Before I could respond, a group of shirtless young wolves barged into the kitchen, laughing and grabbing whatever food they could find. One of them-a tall, cocky boy with a cruel smirk-sauntered over to Anna.
"Annabelle!" he crowed, draping an arm around her shoulder. "Why so sad today? Your food won't taste as good if you're upset."
I saw Anna flinch, her eyes fixed on the ground. The boy leaned in, planting a kiss on her cheek, and something inside me snapped. I stormed over and shoved his arm off her.
"Get your filthy hand off her, you little brat!" I spat, stepping between them.
The room went silent for a moment before laughter erupted from his friends.
"Oh, damn! Eric, she's a feisty one!" one of them jeered.
Eric's smirk vanished, replaced by a cold, hard glare. Without warning, he shoved me with a force that felt like a battering ram. My body flew backward, and I crashed into the kitchen counter. Pain exploded across my back and shoulders as the impact shattered everything on the counter-glass and dishes clattered to the floor in a deafening cacophony.
I collapsed onto the ground, gasping for air. My ribs felt like they were on fire, and my head throbbed.
Anna's panicked voice broke through the haze. "Please, forgive her! She's new-she doesn't know the rules. I'll make sure she learns!"
Eric sneered, brushing off her plea. "Let's go, boys. Let's leave Anna to her cooking."
They left, laughing, their voices echoing down the hall.
Lily rushed to my side, helping me sit up slowly. "Are you insane?" she whispered, her voice shaking. "Do you have a death wish?"
Anna knelt beside me, her hands trembling as she inspected me for injuries. "Never do that again," she said sharply. "Do you understand? They will kill you next time!"
Despite the pain radiating through my body, my chest warmed at their concern. They cared. For the first time in this nightmare, I felt like I had people who truly cared.
"It was worth it," I whispered, my voice weak but firm.