I saw her long before she saw me. She didn't know then that her fate had already been sealed, that every step she took was drawing her closer to me. Closer to what she would become. There was something in her-something fragile, something wild. A fear she tried to hide, wrapped in defiance and confidence. It was intoxicating, watching her, knowing that no one else could see what I saw. No one else could feel the pull like I did. The slow, deliberate unraveling of her world as it would soon be tethered to mine. I felt my heart beat once, hard and fast. It was the only signal I needed. She would be mine-not in some fleeting, hollow way. No. I would strip away every shield, every defense, until she was laid bare, body and soul. And when she looked at me for the first time, I knew. She was already mine. A. Trigger Warning ⚠️: This story contains intense and graphic content, exploring dark and disturbing themes that may be triggering for some readers. Sensitive topics are depicted throughout. Reader discretion is strongly advised. Proceed with caution: after this point, no additional warnings will be provided.