Bound in Shadows

Chapter 3: The Rules of Engagement

The days blended into each other in the mansion, each morning starting with the weight of Damian's looming presence. Maya spent her time wandering through the ornate rooms, desperately searching for a way to escape while trying to learn about the man who had taken her captive.

One afternoon, she found herself in the expansive library, surrounded by towering shelves filled with books. She had always loved reading, and a part of her hoped that losing herself in a story might ease the suffocating atmosphere around her. But as she perused the titles, a shadow fell across her, interrupting her thoughts.

"Still trying to escape?" Damian's voice broke through the silence, low and teasing.

Maya turned, arms crossed defensively. "I'm not escaping. Just looking for something to occupy my time."

He stepped closer, his eyes narrowing as he surveyed the room. "This library is more than just decoration. It's filled with knowledge—something you might find useful in your new life."

She met his gaze defiantly. "I'll only be here until I can find a way out."

A smirk played on his lips. "You're welcome to try. But I should warn you—this house is heavily secured. You won't find a way out without my permission."

"Permission? You think I'd ask you for anything?" Maya shot back, her voice laced with anger.

He stepped closer, invading her personal space, and she fought the urge to back away. "You will learn that everything here operates on my terms. You're no longer in control."

"Control? You think keeping me locked up gives you control? You're wrong," she said, glaring up at him.

For a moment, his expression flickered, revealing a hint of frustration. "What are you trying to prove, Maya? You think fighting me will change your situation?"

"I want you to understand that I will never accept this," she replied fiercely. "I refuse to be your prisoner."

Damian's eyes darkened, his voice lowering to a dangerous whisper. "You misunderstand. This is not about acceptance. This is about survival. Yours and mine. The sooner you realize that, the better it will be for you."

She crossed her arms tighter, unwilling to show weakness. "And what if I don't want to survive under your conditions?"

He chuckled, but there was no humor in it. "Then you'll find that life can be quite unbearable."

Maya held his gaze, trying to convey her defiance. "You can't break me, Damian."

"Maybe not," he admitted, stepping back and allowing her some space. "But I will find a way to make you cooperate."

With that, he turned and walked toward the door, pausing to glance back. "I suggest you familiarize yourself with the house rules. Ignoring them will have consequences."

"What rules?" she called after him, but he only smiled, disappearing through the door.

Maya was left standing in the library, frustration bubbling inside her. She wanted to scream, to lash out at him, but she also understood that she needed to play this game carefully. The stakes were high, and the last thing she wanted was to provoke him further.

As night fell, she lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. The silence was oppressive, and every creak of the house made her jump. Thoughts of her family flooded her mind, and she felt a pang of longing for the life she had before Damian took her.

Hours later, a soft knock on her door startled her awake.

"Maya?" Damian's voice drifted in, smooth but firm. "It's time for dinner."

She hesitated before responding, still feeling the weight of their earlier conversation. "I'm not hungry."

"Come out, or I'll come in," he warned, a hint of impatience creeping into his tone.

With a sigh, Maya swung her legs over the side of the bed. "Fine. I'll be there in a minute."

As she opened the door, Damian stood there, arms crossed, a predatory gleam in his eye. "Good. I wouldn't want to have to carry you out."

She bristled at his words but followed him down the hallway. The mansion was eerily quiet, the only sound their footsteps echoing on the polished floors. Damian led her to a lavish dining room, the table set for two with candlelight flickering softly.

"Looks like you put in a lot of effort for this dinner," she said sarcastically, eyeing the spread of food laid out before them.

"It's a simple meal," he replied, taking a seat. "But I thought you could use some comfort food."

"Comfort food?" Maya laughed bitterly as she sat down. "You've got to be kidding me."

He ignored her tone and began to serve himself. "Eat, Maya. You need your strength if you plan to survive."

"Survive? Is that all you can think about?" she shot back. "I'm not a prisoner in your little game."

"Then prove it," he said, looking directly at her. "But that requires energy."

Maya scoffed but picked up her fork. She knew he was right—she needed to stay strong. The food was surprisingly good, and she found herself eating more than she expected.

"So, what's the next step in your plan?" she asked, trying to mask her curiosity with indifference.

"Step one is to establish trust," he replied, leaning back in his chair. "But you'll need to cooperate if that's going to happen."

"Trust? You're the one who kidnapped me," she shot back.

"And you're the one who will be my wife," he countered smoothly, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. "If you keep resisting, it won't end well for either of us."

Maya put down her fork, meeting his gaze. "I won't be your wife, not now, not ever."

Damian's expression darkened slightly, but he remained calm. "You can fight it all you want, but I assure you, I'll find a way to make you see the reality of this situation."

She leaned forward, her voice low. "You underestimate me, Damian. I won't give in."

For a moment, they stared at each other, the air thick with tension. Damian finally broke the silence, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Then this will be an interesting game."

Maya narrowed her eyes. "This isn't a game for me."

"Of course, it isn't," he replied smoothly. "But I do enjoy a challenge."

She couldn't tell if he was joking or serious, and it unsettled her. As dinner continued, the conversation shifted, filled with unspoken tension and the weight of their circumstances.

As they finished eating, Damian stood, looking down at her. "Remember, Maya, every action has consequences. It's in your best interest to play by the rules."

She watched him walk away, determination flooding her. She may be trapped, but she would not lose herself to this man. Somehow, she would find a way to regain her freedom, even if it meant playing along for now.