She was in the garden, tending to the flowers, when she saw Dimitri walking toward her. His tall figure cast a long shadow over the peaceful space. Seeing him always made her uneasy. She had learned to stay out of his way, to not say anything unless necessary. But there were moments when avoiding him wasn't an option.

As he came closer, she straightened up, wiping her hands on her apron. He was dressed as usual dark clothes, sharp features, always looking powerful. But today, his expression was different. Colder. Like something was weighing on him.

He didn't stop. He walked right past her, not even looking in her direction. His footsteps were heavy on the stone path as he headed toward the back door of the mansion. Sera stood still, watching him disappear inside. Something about his silence unsettled her.

Minutes later, she heard a door creak open. It was Elena room the maid who had once been kind to her. Lately, Elena had been avoiding her, keeping her head down, speaking only when necessary. Sera had noticed the fear in her eyes, the way she flinched whenever Dimitri was near.

Then, the door slammed shut. The sound made Sera heart jump. She didn't know what was going on, but she could feel it something wasn't right.

Dimitri voice echoed through the hallway, sharp and commanding.

"Elena," he called. "Come here. Now."

Sera felt a chill run down her spine. She stood frozen, unsure of what to do. She had seen Dimitri cruelty before, but today, it felt different. There was something more dangerous in the air.

A few minutes later, Elena appeared in the doorway. Her face was pale, her hands trembling. She glanced at Sera, but didn't say anything. The fear in her eyes said enough.

Dimitri looked at Elena, his gaze cold and unreadable. "You know why I'm here," he said, his voice calm but firm.

Elena nodded quickly, keeping her head down. "Yes, Master," she whispered.

Sera chest tightened as she watched them. She didn't know what was happening, but she knew one thing, it wasn't good.

Then, Dimitri turned his attention to her. His sharp eyes locked onto hers, and for a second, she couldn't breathe.

"You're not going anywhere, Sera," he said, his voice low and final. "Not until you've learned your place."

His words sent a shiver through her. She didn't know what he meant, but she knew one thing for sure, she was trapped.

Sera heart raced and her breath caught in her throat. She had always hoped that one day she might escape this nightmare, that maybe things could get better. But now, with Dimitri words hanging heavy in the air, she realized escape wasn't an option. Not unless she was ready to lose everything and everyone she cared about.

Dimitri eyes stayed locked on her, his gaze growing even colder. "You're a pawn in this game, Sera," he said, his voice icy. "And I'm the one holding all the pieces."

Sera chest tightened. She had no idea what he meant, but something told her it was dangerous. She had learned to be careful around Dimitri, to watch her every move, but this felt like a game she wasn't prepared to play.

Elena stood quietly, her head lowered, not saying a word. Dimitri walked over to her, his presence almost suffocating. "You've been useful, Elena," he said, his tone softening just a bit. "But now, I need your loyalty."

Elena's eyes flickered. Fear? Resignation? Sera couldn't tell, but she saw something different in Elena today. She'd been with Dimitri for so long, serving him in silence, following his every command without question. But now, Sera could see the exhaustion in her eyes, the hopelessness.

"I'll do whatever you ask, Master," Elena whispered, her voice trembling.

Dimitri nodded, like he'd expected nothing less. "Good. Then, you'll help me with this."

He turned his gaze back to Sera, his expression darkening. "You see, Sera," he said, his voice dropping to a dangerous tone, "I'm not just asking you to stay here. I'm not just asking for your obedience. I need you to marry me."

Sera froze. Her breath caught in her throat. Marry him? After everything he'd done to her, how could he even ask that?

"Marry you?" she whispered, her voice shaky with disbelief.

Dimitri eyes hardened. "Yes," he said, firm and cold. "And if you refuse, I'll make sure Elena pays the price."

Sera felt sick. He was using Elena as leverage, holding her life over Sera head like it was nothing.

"Don't you dare," Sera said, trying to sound braver than she felt. "You don't get to make threats like that."

But Dimitri didn't flinch. "I can and I will," he said, his voice low, almost threatening. "If you care about her, you'll do as I say."

Sera skin went cold, her whole body tense. She'd always known Dimitri was ruthless, but this was something else. He wasn't just threatening her now, he was threatening the people she cared about, using them as tools in his game of power.

Elena stood there, quiet, pale, her hands shaking. She was nothing more than a pawn in Dimitri twisted game, and Sera saw the weight of that helplessness in her eyes.

"I'll never marry you," Sera said, her voice firm, even though fear was knotting in her stomach.

Dimitri didn't react. He just stared at her, cold and unfeeling. "We'll see about that," he said, his voice colder than before.

With one last look at Elena, he turned and walked out of the room, leaving Sera standing there, stunned and speechless.

The air felt thick, heavy, almost suffocating as she tried to process everything that had just happened. Dimitri had crossed a line, using Elena as a pawn to force her into submission. And now, she was stuck trapped in a web of lies, manipulation, and power.

Sera heart raced in her chest as she turned to Elena. She wanted to say something, to comfort her, but the words wouldn't come. Elena had already given up her power a long time ago and now, Sera could feel the weight of her own helplessness crushing her.

Now, Sera had to make a choice a choice that would decide her future and the fate of everyone around her.