𝐑𝐎𝐂𝐊 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 𝐀𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃

Luxury In Disguise

I ignore his dumb comment about rubbing my chest and focus on the more pressing issue, getting out of here. Not that I’d actually planned what I’d do once I was free. Small oversight.

A knock sounds at the door. Walker, the man who, against all odds, can now walk, rises with me still in his arms and strides over to it. I arch a brow. Really?

“What, afraid I’ll bolt if you put me down?” I quip, casually wrapping my arms around his neck. I’m not one of those stubborn female leads who refuse to be carried. If a handsome man wants to treat me like royalty, who am I to object?

He doesn’t answer. Just shifts me slightly against him, his arm firm around my waist. Then, with his free hand, he pulls a key from his pocket and unlocks the door.

I roll my eyes. “You do realize you’re underestimating me by showing me the way out, right?” I ask, though I make no move to escape. Yet.

His gaze flicks to mine, full of silent amusement. Yes, I’m underestimating you. What are you going to do about it?

Before I can retort, he swings open the door, revealing just how thick it is. A second later, a group of uniformed staff enters, each carrying a tray. They move with practiced precision, laying the trays on a sleek table, and in an instant, the stark, prison-like room transforms into something straight out of a five-star hotel.

I clap my hands. “Impressive.”

Walker carries me to a plush chair and sets me down as the servers lift the silver cloches, unveiling an array of decadent dishes. A perfectly seared steak, its juices glistening under the warm light, sits beside a bed of truffle-infused mashed potatoes. A whole roast duck, its skin crisped to a deep golden brown, glistens with a honeyed glaze, the rich aroma of spices curling in the air. Delicate seafood, draped in velvety sauces, adds to the indulgence, while a tower of artisanal desserts, gold-leafed chocolates, pastel-hued macarons, and an airy soufflé, completes the lavish spread.

Then, as seamlessly as they arrived, the staff files out, shutting the now well-lit room behind them, leaving me with an undeniable truth:

This isn’t just captivity. It’s luxury in disguise.

After finishing my meal, I lean back against my seat, debating whether I should leave. The fatigue that had weighed me down is gone, but I still haven’t regained the soul energy I lost while healing Walker. Not that I expect to, I doubt whatever fragment of my soul that broke away can even be retrieved.

As for escaping, I haven't attempted anything violent yet, at least not with my spirit powers. I can only hope they’re strong enough to overpower humans.

But first, I want answers.

"Who's your mother?" I ask, cutting straight to the point.

Across the table, he stares at me with an intensity that tugs at something deep inside me, his gaze almost magnetic.

"You met her. Don’t you remember?" His voice is smooth as he rises from his seat, moving toward me with quiet confidence.

"That’s not your mother. Not your biological one, at least." I tilt my head up to meet his gaze. Now that he’s standing, the difference in our heights is even more pronounced. He no longer needs a wheelchair, and it makes him seem even more commanding. "Or did you not know?"

It’s entirely possible he was too young to remember.

He extends a hand, palm open. Without thinking, I place mine in his, and he pulls me up, leading me back toward the bed.

A flood of images invades my mind, him sprawled out on that very bed, clothes rumpled or discarded entirely. My breath catches for half a second before I shake the thoughts away.

"She raised me. She’s my mother in every way that matters," he says quietly.

Guilt flickers through me for having inappropriate thoughts while he’s pouring out his emotions. But honestly? Not my fault he looks so damn appetizing.

A/N: been a while, I got down with a fever. Stay safe chicas!