Conquest of Magic

Part 12.

I stepped out of the shower, shivering at the thought of wearing the same dirty clothes again. I scanned the small cabin, hoping to find something clean, but there was nothing. Tightening the bathrobe around myself, I hesitated before heading back into the main room.

A sudden knock on the door made me jump. My heart pounded as I crept over and peeked outside.

William stood there, a warm smile on his face. "I brought you some clothes," he said, holding out a small bundle. I took them from his hands—a T-shirt, shorts, and undergarments. They looked soft and comfortable. I felt my cheeks flush.

"Thank you," I mumbled, trying to smile back.

The rich smell of coffee filled the air, and my stomach grumble loudly. William chuckled. "I'm making a sandwich. Want to join me?" He turned and headed into the kitchen without waiting for a response.

I hesitated, then decided to follow him. I needed to understand what was going on and why he brought me here. Maybe if I played along, I could find a way out.

"Hi," he greeted me with a deep voice. I forced a small smile, trying to look relaxed.

"Take a seat," he gestured, his smile almost disarming. I couldn't help but notice how perfect he looked—his hair combed back, his sharp nose, those striking eyes. He moved with such grace, every step effortless. My heart fluttered for a moment, but I reminded myself to stay focused.

I sat down, my stomach rumbling again, and he laughed softly. His laugh was almost soothing, but I couldn't forget the danger.

I clenched my fists under the table, my mind racing. I had to stay strong, act like I was warming up to him, and find a way out of this mess.

As I gazed at him, I noticed his lips twitching at the corner. "Is everything okay?" he asked, breaking me out of my thoughts.

"Yeah," I said, lowering my head. "Can I borrow your phone? I need to call Anne. She must be freaking out about my sudden disappearance and I need to make sure she's okay." I tried to persuade him with an innocent face, hoping that he would understand and trust me. He sighed, and I held my breath, waiting for his response.

"John has taken care of the situation at your home," William said casually, but his words made me freeze. My eyes shot up to meet his, filled with alarm.

"What?! Did you send that arrogant bastard to my aunt?" I snapped, panic rising in my chest. "Tell me he didn't hurt her!"

I stood up, my heart racing. "She'll figure it out—John was involved in my disappearance. If my aunt reported me missing, he'd be the first suspect. And you'd be next!" I could hear the desperation in my own voice, my hands clutching my head as if to hold myself together.

William's expression was calm, even amused, which only made my blood boil. "Why are you smiling?" I demanded, anger flaring.

"John didn't hurt your aunt," he answered calmly. "He just compelled her to believe you went to visit your parents. She's safe. She won't remember anything about the dinner or your disappearance."

I stared at him, distrust heavy in my voice. "I don't trust him." My heart pounded with a mix of anger and fear, my mind racing with all the ways this could go wrong.

"I heard that!" John sneered as he swaggered into the cabin, a sinister smile playing on his lips. "Miss me?" His mocking tone made my skin crawl.

I clenched my fists, barely holding back my anger. "What did you do to Anne?" I demanded through gritted teeth.

He shrugged casually. "I compelled her to believe you're visiting your parents and won't be back for a while."

I scoffed, disbelief washing over me. "And she just... believed that?"