Echoes In the Abyss

34|The Resolve|

~Artemis's POV.

I wake up feeling an oppressive weight around my waist, and for a moment, I panic. Damien's arm. His grip tightens like a vice, his possessiveness still lingering from the night before. His breath is hot against my neck, sending a shiver of revulsion through me. I carefully try to pull away, not wanting to wake him, but my movement stirs him, and his hand clamps down harder, pulling me closer to him.

"Where do you think you're going?" His voice is low, a growl filled with control and something darker.

"I need space," I manage, trying to sound calm, trying not to show the disgust bubbling inside me.

Damien lifts his head, his eyes narrowing as he looks at me, clearly agitated. His hand trails from my waist, brushing over my arm possessively, like he's staking his claim.

"You belong to me, Artemis," he whispers, voice filled with venomous obsession. "Don't you ever forget that."

I suppress the urge to flinch as his fingers brush against my skin. He leans in closer, his lips dangerously near my ear. I know what he's doing-he's trying to break me, to bend me to his will. But I won't give him that satisfaction.

"Damien," I say, keeping my voice steady. "At least... let me see my dog. I don't have anyone here but him."

His expression hardens instantly. "No." The finality in his tone slams into me like a punch.

"Please," I plead, forcing myself to meet his gaze, to keep my emotions in check. "You've taken everything from me. I just want to see him."

He pulls away abruptly, standing up and leaving the bed without so much as a second glance in my direction. His face is a mask of cold anger, and I know I've pushed too far.

"You don't get to make demands, Artemis," he snaps, his voice sharp and dangerous. "You'll see him when I decide. Now get ready. You've got twenty minutes." His tone is filled with warning, and before I can respond, he stomps out of the room, slamming the door behind him.

I don't move. I just sit there, feeling a hollow ache inside me. My dog-my last connection to something real-was a tool in Damien's game, and he's keeping him away from me as punishment.

Ten minutes pass, and the silence in the room becomes suffocating. The door creaks open, and a maid enters. Her face is pale, eyes wide with fear as she approaches cautiously.

"Miss... the master asked me to help you get ready," she says softly, her voice trembling slightly. "He'll be very upset if you're late."

I nod numbly, allowing her to help me into the dress Damien had chosen for me. The fabric feels heavy, restrictive, as though it's designed to remind me of the chains that bind me here. I don't have the energy to fight it, not today. The maid's hands are gentle but rushed, and she whispers,

"Please... you need to go downstairs. If you don't, he'll hurt someone. Maybe your dog. Maybe me."

Her words cut through the fog in my mind, and I force myself to stand. I can't let Damien's cruelty fall on anyone else, not when I can still find a way out.

When I enter the dining hall, Damien's eyes are already on me. He's seated at the head of the table, a smug smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he watches me approach. His gaze rakes over me like I'm an object, not a person, and I have to fight to keep my expression neutral.

"Sit," he orders.

I do as he says, sitting carefully at the seat next to him, my heart racing in my chest. I know better than to disobey him now.

He pushes a plate toward me, and I barely glance at the food. My stomach is in knots, but I know what's coming next. He won't let me refuse.

"Eat," he says, his voice cold, commanding.

"I'm not hungry," I whisper.

He leans forward, his fingers gripping my wrist, not painfully, but with enough pressure to remind me who's in control. "You'll eat, or I'll take away the one thing you care about."

My throat tightens, the threat hitting me harder than I expected. I glance at the plate and take a small bite, my hands trembling as I force myself to chew. Each swallow feels like swallowing rocks, but I keep going, hoping it'll be enough to appease him.

After the meal, Damien leaves. His departure is abrupt, his presence fading like a storm passing. But even with him gone, the air is still thick with his threats. I stand in the hall, waiting until I'm sure he's far enough away before I start moving.

The house is eerily quiet as I slip through the corridors. The guards are stationed at strategic points, but they don't interfere as I pass. Some give me nods, others just glance at me with a mixture of pity and wariness. But none stop me. None try to touch me. They know better.

My heart races with each step as I search the house for something, anything, that might help me find my dog... or my freedom. The thought of Perseus flickers in my mind-his voice, his strength, the way he always managed to make me feel like I wasn't alone. I need him now more than ever.

Then, in a small room, hidden from the main part of the house, I find it-a small, outdated device, something so insignificant that it's almost laughable. There are no guards stationed here, no one watching this forgotten corner of the house. It's perfect.

I grab the device and quickly start working. The interface is encrypted, as I expected. Damien knew what I was capable of and took precautions. But he's underestimated me.

My fingers move with practiced precision, bypassing the layers of security he'd put in place. It takes time-longer than I expected-but I'm determined. I have to get through. I have to reach Perseus.

Finally, the screen opens. I quickly tap into a secure line and send a message.

*"Perseus, it's me. I don't have much time."*

My heart pounds as I type, detailing what little I know about my location. I tell him it's secluded, surrounded by mountains. I haven't been outside, but I can sense the isolation. It's not much, but it's enough for him to start piecing things together.

Seconds tick by, each one feeling like an eternity. Then, his reply comes through.

*"Artemis. I'm here. Where are you? I'm coming."*

I exhale, my hands trembling with relief. For the first time in days, I feel like I'm not completely alone.

*"I'm in a house on the outskirts of the mountains. I haven't seen much, but I know there's a heavy guard presence."*

There's a pause before his reply. *"I'll find you. Just hold on."*

Tears prick at my eyes, and I bite my lip to keep them from falling. I can't afford to break down now. I need to stay strong.

*"I'm trying,"* I type back, my fingers shaking. *"Just don't be long. I don't know how much more I can take."*

His response is immediate. *"I won't let him hurt you. Not anymore. I'm coming, Artemis. Just hold on."*

I shut down the device, hiding it back in its place. My chest tightens with both fear and hope, my mind racing with thoughts of escape. I've taken a step-a small one-but it's enough to remind me of who I am.

I'm not Damien's puppet. I'm not his to control.

And Perseus is coming for me.

"Just hold on," I whisper to myself, feeling the spark of hope reignite in my chest. "He's coming. I just need to hold on."