Sanctuary of my heart

Chapter four

The morning light seeped through the heavy drapes, casting long, pale shadows across my bedroom floor. I hadn't slept much after the engagement party, my thoughts churned endlessly, a relentless cycle of confusion and dread. Serena's engagement, Merrick's unsettling expectations, the way Eric's eyes lingered on me it all swirled together, keeping me awake long after the last guest had gone.
I sighed, forcing myself out of bed, the weight of the previous night clinging to me like a shroud. I dressed quickly, my movements mechanical, trying to steel myself for whatever lay ahead. But before I could even begin to prepare, a knock sounded at the door. I barely had time to react before Merrick strode in, his expression as cold and stern as ever.
He walked to the window, gazing out over the estate as if he owned not just the land, but everything—and everyone—on it. "Eric spoke highly of you last night," he began, his voice devoid of warmth. "He seems... interested."
My stomach twisted at his words. "I barely spoke to him," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.
"That doesn't matter," Merrick said, turning to face me, his gaze sharp. "Eric is a good match. His family is influential, and it would be wise to consider his attentions."
The implication behind his words made my skin crawl. I clenched my fists at my sides, my nails biting into my palms. "I'm not interested in being matched with anyone."
Before I could even process what was happening, Merrick's hand shot out, his fingers closing around my arm in a vice-like grip. "You don't get to decide what you do, girl," he hissed, pulling me closer, his grip bruising. "You belong to this house, and you will do as you're told."
My breath caught in my throat, fear constricting my chest as I tried to pull away, but his hold only tightened. The pressure of his fingers, the malice in his eyes—it was too much.
"I've been more than patient with you," he continued, his voice growing darker, more dangerous. "But it seems you've forgotten your place. Let me remind you—you're nothing without me. You have no one. And you will meet with Eric again, whether you like it or not."
Tears burned in my eyes, the pressure in my chest becoming unbearable. I nodded quickly, my voice a broken whisper. "Yes, sir."
He sneered, shoving me away. "Don't forget it." The door slammed behind him, the sound echoing in the silence of the
room.

The moment he was gone, I collapsed, my legs giving out beneath me as I crumpled to the floor. My hands clutched at my chest, trying to contain the panic that threatened to consume me. It was like a wave, crashing over me, pulling me under, choking me. I couldn't breathe. I had to get out—I had to escape.
I crawled to the window, my hands trembling as I fumbled with the latch. Finally, I managed to push it open, and the cool morning air rushed in, offering a brief reprieve from the suffocating pressure inside me. I didn't think, didn't hesitate—I just climbed out, my movements frantic as I fled.

I ran through the woods, my feet carrying me on instinct. The treehouse. I had to get to the treehouse. It was the only place where I could breathe, where I felt safe.
When I finally reached it, I climbed up, my limbs trembling with exhaustion and fear. But as I pulled myself inside, I froze.
Kael was there
He was sitting quietly, his eyes widening in surprise when he saw me. "Lyra?"

I wanted to turn and leave, to find another place to hide, but I couldn't move. My breath hitched, tears streaming down my face as the reality of everything crashed down on me.
Kael stood up, concern etched in every line of his face as he took a step toward me. "Lyra, what happened? Are you okay?"
I shook my head, backing away from him, my voice lost in the storm of emotions raging inside me. I didn't want to explain. I didn't want to be seen like this. I just needed to be alone.
But Kael reached out, his voice soft, almost pleading. "Please, Lyra, talk to me."

Something inside me broke at the gentleness in his tone. I couldn't do this. I couldn't let him see me like this. I turned and bolted, climbing down from the treehouse and running back through the woods, my tears blurring everything around me. I didn't stop until I was back at the estate, locking myself in my room, the walls closing in around me once more.
I leaned against the door, sliding down until I was sitting on the floor. The tears had stopped, but the numbness that replaced them was somehow worse. My thoughts were a tangled mess, and no matter how hard I tried to unravel them, they just kept tightening, suffocating me all over again.