Sanctuary of my heart

Chapter seven

Chapter seven

As Eric droned on about the engagement plans—venues, dates, guest lists—my mind spun with everything that had just happened. The room felt smaller with each passing second, the walls closing in on me as his voice faded into the background. I wanted to scream, to tear myself out of the chair and run as far away from this place, from him, from Merrick, as I could.

But there was no escape.

"Lyra." Eric's voice cut through my thoughts, sharp and commanding. His hand reached across the desk, capturing my chin and tilting my face toward him. "Are you even listening?"

I forced myself to meet his gaze, the coldness in his blue eyes making my skin crawl. He smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "You'll need to start paying attention. This is your future we're talking about."

His fingers tightened around my chin, the pressure growing more painful with each passing second. I winced, but he didn't release me. Instead, his thumb stroked over my bottom lip, his gaze darkening. "You're going to be my wife, Lyra. There's no running from that."

The weight of his words settled over me like a shroud, suffocating me. His grip on my chin was unrelenting, and when I didn't respond, his hand moved to cup the back of my neck, pulling me closer.

"I won't tolerate you sneaking off again," he said, his voice dangerously soft. "You'll be where I want you, when I want you. Understood?"

I nodded, my heart hammering in my chest. His control over me felt like a vice tightening around my soul. I tried to pull back, but Eric's grip only grew firmer.

"Good," he said, his lips curving into that same cold smile. "You'll get used to this, Lyra. To being mine."

A knock at the door broke the moment, and Eric finally released me, but not before brushing his fingers down my arm one last time. "That'll be your driver. Merrick's arranged for you to go back to the estate. It seems he's eager to finalize the plans for the rest of your future."

I stood on shaky legs, my body screaming to run, but there was nowhere to go. Eric watched me closely, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction as I made my way to the door. "Remember, Lyra," he called after me, "there's no escaping this."

I didn't answer, couldn't answer, as I left the office and made my way to the waiting car.

***

The drive back to the estate was a blur, the world outside the window moving past like a silent movie. When we arrived, the driver said nothing, simply gesturing toward the house before pulling away. My legs felt like lead as I walked up the steps and into the cold, oppressive mansion that had become my prison.

Inside, the familiar chill settled over me, but this time it felt heavier, more permanent. As I stepped into the hallway, I was met with the sound of footsteps—deliberate, slow, and familiar. Serena appeared at the top of the staircase, her red hair cascading over her shoulders in perfectly styled waves. Her expression was as cold as ever, her blue eyes narrowing slightly as they landed on me.

"Well, if it isn't our little runaway," she said, her voice laced with mockery. "I heard about your meeting with Eric. Daddy dearest said you'll be married off right after my wedding."

The words hit me like a punch to the gut. I stood frozen, staring up at her as she descended the stairs, her eyes never leaving mine.

"I wouldn't get too comfortable, Lyra," Serena continued, her tone casual, but her eyes glinted with something darker. "Daddy's made it clear that your days of freedom whatever you had of it, are numbered. Once I'm married, you'll follow soon after."