When Ian woke up, he was in an empty place that was dark and cold. It felt like nothing could exist in this space. The last thing he remembered was agreeing to have a slave mark. Ian tried looking around and felt a sharp pain that reminded him of getting marked. Feeling that pain made him happy. It meant that it wasn't a dream, that he really was marked and that he really belonged to her from now on.
"Finally woke up?" came ℥enji's voice. When Ian turned around, he found that he had left that place and was sitting on a bed in a house. "⨊?" asked Ian. "What do you remember?" asked ℥enji cautiously. "I'm her slave now and forever," said Ian with a gentle smile. "Being a slave means you have to listen to whatever she says. Even if it's against your will," said ℥enji reminding him. "It's ok. I would do anything for her," "Even stand behind her in the shadows or be left behind and be ignored by her, pretending that everything is fine?" asked ℥enji.
"If that's the only way to stay by her side, so be it. I have no right to ask for anything or say anything after I've hurt her and lost her trust in me," said Ian. "I know she despises me right now and presumably will forever. But even if she never looks at me again or talks to me, even if she gets a partner, it's ok. As long as I can help her and stay by her side," he added in a hurt voice.
"It's too late to regret. Just do as you're told and don't hesitate even for a second. No matter what you're told," said ℥enji. "And pretend that you don't see it and don't mention it," he added. "I'll explain once we are free. For now just go with it and don't say anything. A slave is not allowed to state their opinion or question its master," he added seeing Ian's confused expression. Knowing that its better for Ian to see for himself. ℥enji told him that his parents and siblings were told that he was hired and won't be returning.
