Sorry for the long chapter.

...

Even in slight unconsciousness as I tried to not think of the pain that was slowly killing me I couldn't help but shiver at the Viking man, I could barely see him through my view, his movements slow and deliberate, yet there was an underlying tension that hung in the air like a storm on the horizon.

I could feel the darkness radiating off him in waves, a palpable force that made my skin prickle with unease. Despite his outward composure, I could sense the bloodthirst lurking just beneath his calm facade, a primal instinct that made my heart race with fear.

He didn't raise his voice or make any sudden movements, but his very presence was enough to send a chill down my spine. He was effortlessly terrifying he commanded the room with nothing more than his presence. He stood not far from me making a call, I feared for whomever was on the other side, as I lay in bed battling unconsciousness with the fear of never waking up if I let it consume me. His voice even though I couldn't understand a single word, installed fear in me.

They had brought him in five minutes ago when I had passed out, only to wake up to unbearable pain. He walked in said something to me which I couldn't understand, my whole body was burning up and I felt like there was someone trying to drive a wedge through my abdomen. I couldn't form words; all I could manage were pained grunts. I was convinced that this time, my periods would kill me.

He was now on a different call which he put on speaker, as he moved around. What had started as a perfect morning had turned into a nightmare. I could hear his sister on the other end, but her words sounded like mush to me. I watched as the Viking man casually rolled up his shirt sleeves, getting more comfortable before disappearing into the bathroom. My vision blurred even further, turning everything into blurry blobs.

For as long as I could remember I have always had the most painful periods known to mankind. I always spent my periods hooked on tubes in hospitals. It wasn't a really fun experience, which is why I was grateful at how irregular they were at times, however this of course affected my chances of getting pregnant which I didn't dwell on much but for the past months I have been grateful given my circumstances. This was one of the reasons why I didn't worry as much as I should have. But the chances were not that low which is why I had an implant.

I felt warmth on my abdomen and forehead accompanied by a gentle breeze that left me disoriented. I slowly opened my eyes after some trouble, I saw the Viking man not far from me. I was in so much of pain that I reached the point which I called numb pain- the pain was so intense I felt numb —even though I could feel every bit of it.

"-on his way." I could hear his sister on the other hand.

"She will be fine, brother." The voice assured.

"You have to stop ripping my clothes Lachlan." I barely let out, glancing at what used to be my dress, my vision a little blurry as I fully opened my eyes.

"How are you feeling?" He asked watching me, seriousness lacing his tone, as I watched the warm towel on my abdomen. I would have never thought I would ever see this man in this condition. He was still in one of his suits with his sleeves rolled up and a bucket of warm water sat not far from us, steam rising from it.

"Are- are you placing a warm towel over my abdomen?" I asked amusement flooding my stomach as I watched him. My sister has done this for me a million times but I have never seen anyone look this good doing it, neither so manly. It didn't matter what Lachlan would do if he decided to partake, the action seemed important and the epitome of masculinity.

"Enye said it will help you." The man did everything seriously with a devotion. My eyes moved to the veins on his arms sticking out catching my attention. I cleared my throat before coming back to reality as I watched him, my eyes very heavy. I didn't even have enough energy to lift up an arm.

"Is it too hot?" He asked devoted to the task.

"No, it's just right."

"I have never seen you look so cute and ...
almost human." I exclaimed softly still half awake watching him. I wanted to look at him forever, he was beyond handsome.

"You are such an unnatural woman." I laughed seeing the genuine confusion and seriousness in his eyes, I found it amusing. He moved some of my braids out of my face staring at me as I smiled, a trace possessiveness shinning in his dark eyes, before removing the ripped dress gently which I appreciated.

"What? It's true. I have never seen you or thought you would ever care this much about me, it almost makes me think you have a heart Viking Man." I whispered, my words punctuated by short breaths.

"That's the second time you have called me by that."

"I call you that name more than I call you by your name in my head, I think you scare me so much your name has also become a real fear of mine." I said honestly.

"Plus- It fits you perfectly you are a Viking that looks like a God hence Viking man." It didn't make sense when I said it out loud, but I knew what I meant. He only shook his head, his silence echoing through the room like a thunderclap.

"Why do you care so much about me?" My heavy eyelids struggled to stay open as I gazed at him, somehow bothered by how gentle his rough hands were, his focus unwavering as he attended to his task, leaving me envious of his unwavering resolve. He was by far the most beautiful man I have ever seen and at this moment anyone would never even begin to think he was the monster he was.

It was a roller coaster with him, he could be a human good Viking man but he could also be the embodiment of my worst fears.

"I don't think you should be speaking Isla, get some rest."

"Speaking will help me try and get my mind off the pain."

"I care about you because you are mine." Despite the pain coursing through me, I couldn't help but feel a chill run down my spine at his words, spoken with an unsettling calmness that seemed utterly natural to him.

"What makes you so sure?"

"Your happiness, sadness, tears, joy are mine to give. Every single inch of you is mine to have and do what I see fit with it. Simply because you are mine and mine alone to have." His words left no room for argument or negotiation as he gently wiped the blood from my forehead which was a from a result of my falling. He didn't have to think about the answer, it's truly what he believed his eyes confirmed it.

"I don't think that is right. You like me for the wrong reasons."

"I care little for what is right and what you think is right."

"Please be nice, I'm literally on my death bed." I whined looking at him, which I took back when I realised he didn't get the joke.

"You confuse me, why do the things you do to make me happy,  it sometimes gives me hope, it makes me think that there is a little light in you only for you to show me that I could have never been more wrong." His face was inches from me focused on the task at hand, a band aid in his hands.

"I like the light in your eyes when you smile at me, what makes you happy makes me want to keep you so, your happiness belongs to me solely and none other. It's my responsibility to make you happy." I like the sound of his deep powerful voice.

"No matter how sweet your words may sound they are always laced with disturbing undercurrent."

"Lachlan- "

"Enough of that now lass." I looked at him before looking at his hands that tended to me so carefully and gently.

"I will be fine you don't have to worry. I am partially used to this. I say partially because one can never get used to such pain and because I kind of got used to the fact that I would have to go through this for the rest of my life."

"You will never have to go through this ever again. If someone doesn't figure out how to help you, the world might just run out of doctors." A part of me was glad I couldn't feel any emotions now and all I could feel was pain. I didn't want to speak anymore, it also seemed like it was contributing to the pain so I let him be. The thought of me thinking he needed help made me almost chuckle.

"Rest Mo Grà. You have a long afternoon ahead of you." He commanded. I nodded my head closing my eyes. It wasn't hard, around these times I was always tired and my body wanted nothing but to sleep. Anything to avoid the pain.

...

The past three days have been hell, it was better when I was dozed up. I was tired of sleeping in the same position and not moving. First I had woken up to another room connected to tubes, the next I was at a hospital, I could tell by the room and the change of smell. No matter where I was the Viking man slept where I slept. I would just randomly wake up in his arms, it was soothing.

Because of all the shots and drugs I was on I felt frail and I was very weak which I hated but every time he held me in his arms I felt protected and invincible, he literally swallowed me into his arms. I barely ate because I didn't have an appetite but Lachlan had the power to bring it back just by command. I was very much scared of going against the man in anyway.

I was handled as if I was glass and placed in the best care, there was literally always a doctor unless kicked out by Lachlan in the room with me. Lachlan came to know my singing side when I was doze up on meds for a long period of time I started singing, it was one thing my sister took advantage off because she would record me and then play it for me later on. It was embarrassing.

The Viking man didn't say anything but let me sing my lullaby's. It's the lullaby's my mother sang for me when I was a child. He actually encouraged it on some nights. I don't know why but that made me feel warm. I don't think he ever did properly go to work while I was in that room, he spent most of his time with me. Majority of the time, I asked him to read for me because I was in love with the way he spoke. He told me I gave the word strange a new meaning.

Today I felt much better, I had never seen so many doctors in one room before when I was fighting with my body.

I felt for the doctors, Lachlan -he truly did want to kill everyone in his path. I had to be healed or people would die. He gave them a few days for me to be back on my feet which his brothers thought was very generous of him which only happened because every chance I had when I was conscious I pleaded with him not to kill anyone- he obviously didn't listen but at least he gave them time. It wasn't enough but it was all I could do. I could not wait to no longer be in any position that would endanger anyone's life. I was getting better which seemed impossible, I didn't celebrate despite being free of paralyzing pain because I didn't want to be let down when my periods hit again. I have gone through it way too many times.

"When will you get tired of staring at me?" I asked not looking at him as I tried to solve the magazine puzzle he bought me at my request, it took me back to my good days back home.

"Why ask questions to answers you already know." He said, the way that Lachlan looked at me was indescribable sometimes it scared me because of the depth in his eyes, the look in his eyes made me unable to keep his gaze it was intense.

"By tomorrow you will be out of here." He stated making me focus on him.

"How sure of that are you?" I asked feeling a shred of hope grow inside of me.

"I have hired the worlds best doctors to help you for a reason love."

"And if they don't succeed."

"They will not make that mistake."

"Lachlan that is not right and it's so mean. I get that there is nothing natural about my periods and that it's a medical issue but I have been visiting doctors since this whole thing started, I don't want you to get your hopes up and blame these doctors." He has killed more than enough people in my name.

"I will have no use for them if they fail to do their jobs." He simply said leaving me speechless as always.

...

A wide smile took over my features as Lachlan pushed me out of the hospital room, I realised the theatrics of this man when he moved me back here from hospital back here after he created a hospital room. I suspected that he just didn't want me far from him, I have been in bed for the past four days and I was tired of the blend walls the Viking man did keep me company but I was at unease when he was around at times because I feared he would end up killing everyone if I was to go into pain arrest.

The doctors had operated on me but I didn't have any faith when it came to my periods, I lived in hospital rooms and my periods left me with no faith. It has been three days after the operation or what ever they did which I didn't even bother to ask because I have heard it all but it's been three days and my whole stomach felt numb. If I needed to go anywhere which I wasn't allowed to I travel around in a wheel chair.

Stepping into the room, I found myself surrounded by a winter wonderland, even though the sun shone brightly outside. The sight of a fucking igloo in the corner caught my eye, a fucking igloo, its icy walls glistening under the artificial sunlight. The snow-covered floor created a soft, cold carpet beneath my feet as I immersed myself in that magical scene.

Waddling around were a few penguins, their black and white feathers contrasting beautifully with the pristine white snow. They seemed perfectly at home, gracefully sliding across the icy surface. A smile formed on my face as I watched their playful antics unfold before me.

Amidst the snowy landscape, a group of scientists in lab coats moved about, standing out against the wintry backdrop. They observed, creating an atmosphere as if I had stepped into a different world where the laws of nature were temporarily suspended. I looked back not believing what was in front of me, and to my assurance we were still at his house we just entered another side of the house. I wondered how long it took for him to do this, this whole thing looked like it cost a fortune.

Taking in the surreal scene, a sense of happiness washed over me. The experience felt unreal, like a dream come true. I could almost feel the crispness of the cold air and hear the gentle crunch of snow under my wheels. It was a moment of pure joy and wonder, where reality and fantasy blended together in a snow-cold room on a sunny day.

All the days worries seemed to wash away and the smell of the hospital that I thought was stuck on me seemed to fade away. I was so excited I almost jumped. I didn't even know how this was possible the man brought me a fucking snow day with penguins in his house.

"W-what is this Lachlan?"

"You wanted penguins." Was all he said as if it was the most normal explanation. I mentioned penguins once and this man turned a whole fucking room into a-into, even my thoughts seemed speechless.

"Y-you got me penguins." I bit my lip trying to put myself together as I looked at the giant Viking majestic man before me.

"-and -and it's-you made me an igloo?" My voice was small and my emotions were all over the place, at this moment this felt like the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me. My sister didn't have the greatest memory at times because of her busy life so I had got used to reminding her of things, I wasn't used to my wishful thoughts that I utter only once being made into a reality.

"You said you-"

"Why are you crying?" He genuinely didn't understand and I could see the confusion in his eyes.

"I-I don't know." My voice cracked as I went through several different emotions that overwhelmed me. It was exactly what I was speaking about. He could be so attentive and caring and just amazing at times and then he could turn around and be a heartless psychopath, but right now all of that right now didn't seem to matter, I don't remember the last time I felt like this, I felt like the world was once again magical. Matter of fact I felt like writing again.

"How will I help if you also don't know Isla?" he asked, crouching in front of me. Even in this moment, Lachlan remained himself—intimidating, unyielding. My stomach turned, he still exuded an aura of power that I couldn't ignore.

"Are you mad at me you didn't call me Love or Mo Gra." My pronunciation was way off but he understood what I meant.

"No love, I just want you to answer me?"

"I don't know," I admitted, my voice wavering with uncertainty.

"If you do not know than it is no reason to cry, stop crying now." his voice firm making me gulp and feel overwhelmed.

"You're not being nice, Lachlan. You're making it worse," I sniffled, he always looked so intimidating.

"Mo Grà, if you don't like this, we can do something else." he offered, his tone surprisingly conciliatory.

"No, no, I'm completely in love with it—thank you. I just -I just -I -don't know what to say." I confessed, wiping my tears away as I laughed through my sadness.

"Would petting some penguins make you stop crying?" he asked, his attempt at kindness slightly awkward but endearing nonetheless.

"I don't appreciate the way you asked me that. I feel as if I'm a nuisance," Lachlan lacked the understanding of emotions, I felt it was harder to explain myself to him when I felt every emotion at once. I could see that he didn't understand this at all but none the less let me have my way.

"Forgive me, love. Would petting some penguins make you feel better?" he corrected himself, his sincerity touching me in unexpected ways. I bit my lip, suppressing a smile, as I nodded my head, watching him rise to his full height.

And that's how I spent my day—making him pet the penguins for me, much to his annoyance. Despite my initial excitement, I found myself hiding behind him when the penguins got too close, seeking refuge in his presence, anyone would feel protected behind him. The penguin experts were also my favourite part of the whole day, they regaled me with fascinating facts about these adorable creatures.

Despite going through what I thought I wouldn't survive without my sister, I surprisingly felt ...better, I couldn't stop smiling but that was obviously because of the penguins.

...

I took in a deep breathe as I tried to get my hands to stop trembling. My eyes were red from crying but I had to get it together. My hand felt heavier and my soul was slowly dying. I just wanted to scream and cry and disappear but I didn't want to make him mad, I was afraid of him and what he would do. I tried slipping into my delusional state but it proved to be harder with the ring around my finger.

I walked in feeling a little more comfort that there were people around, I had managed to convince him not to rent out the entire building for the night. I missed normalcy, which was true, it was one of the reasons why I had been happy that Lachlan decided we could stay a couple more days after the wedding. I was excited to explore the city with him, I didn't mind that he came along I just wanted to be in places with other human beings.

I looked around as I walked to the secluded area knowing that that would be where I would find him, the place was beautiful as every place that this man ever took me to, although this one seemed to be different because of the elegant underwater theme, under the glass floor I walked were different beautiful underwater species. Lachlan was definitely carrying me out, it was beautiful but also scary to me. I would prefer watching it from afar. The place was luxurious, we were dinning at the top of the sky scraper and you could see the city lights at the bottom, the people seemed like ants and the wind silenced the noises from cars and people.

I was getting closer and I didn't know how to react when I saw him. So long as I didn't break down in front of me him I would be fine. I needed to approach this in a peaceful calm way because one wrong move would leave to my grave. I blinked away the stray tears facing the glass chandeliers before putting a smile on my face.

Despite the tragedy that took over my life this morning, I felt a bit better today concerning my health and as much as I feared seeing him being outside brought me a sense of peace. The whole reason why I had asked for this 'vacation' in the first place was because being at home all the time was driving me crazy.

My body froze as I watched him walk towards me, the people fell away, his presence overpowered everything else in the room. The faces of the people around us blurred into insignificance compared to him. His every step sent a chill down my spine, and I felt as though I were being drawn into the abyss of his darkness, unable to escape. In this moment I was reminded the true extent of his power over me, and I knew that no matter how hard I tried to resist, I was utterly and completely at his mercy. This alone brought tears to my eyes.

As he came closer, his aura of menace seemed to suffocate the very air around us. Every instinct screamed at me to run, but I was paralyzed by fear, unable to move. The weight of his ring also sending sirens through my mind. His eyes bore into mine, cold and unyielding, stripping away any semblance of hope or defiance. I could feel my knees buckle, I didn't even recognise the word 'hope' any longer.

His presence seemed to cast a long, dark shadow over everything and everyone around him, a looming reminder of his dominance and control. I was watching, I could see the world around him acknowledging his dark powerful demeanour, his aura of power was palpable, leaving a trail of unease in his presence. People instinctively didn't look him in eyes, their gazes darting away nervously whenever he drew near.

I could not produce any sound as his scent over took my senses, my eyes finding his covered chest interesting, I felt like busting out in tears again. His touch sent electricity coursing through me, and I felt his hand wrap around the back of my neck in a possessive grip. I still didn't look at him as I stood frozen, I gulped as he drew me closer, his lips taking mine in a fierce kiss that stole my breath away. My body submitted to his, as I melted in his hands.

Every nerve in my body tingled as he deepened the kiss, his lips moving hungrily against mine, as if trying to claim me as his own. I couldn't help my tears. This was just another reminder of the power dynamic between us.

"I have missed you lass." His accent thick as he watched me squirm under his gaze. He felt more unhinged as he watched me not acknowledging the new development as if he wanted to let me dig my own grave.

"I-I -I -Can we please talk." I whispered at him as he lead us to a secluded area before helping me take my seat.

As I watched him from across the table, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease creep over me. His features, though undeniably striking, held an otherworldly quality that I could never quite reconcile. And his eyes, dark and inscrutable, seemed to pierce through the facade I tried so desperately to maintain. He was captivating, a Viking God. His rugged features a stark contrast to everyone around us. No matter where this man went, he exuded power and darkness. I could see it from people around.

"What did you want to speak about love?" He asked as if he already didn't know. I looked at the ring on my finger that I didn't have on last night. Clearly he was patronising me.

"I- I- I wanted to suggest that you accompany me for my next walk." I said I could see the amusement develop in his void soulless eyes. After being able to stand on my own and having no use for my wheel chair I didn't want to sit down, I was tired of sitting. The Viking man allowed me to take a walk of course he would accompany me, we have no destination the sun had been setting and the wind had been awfully nice. His land was big enough we didn't need to go outside the gates.

I let out a breath of air as the waiter came along, I decided to focus on him whilst I try and build my courage, asking him what he would recommend but made sure to keep my distance. I didn't like being around men, I was forever traumatised and I would never provoke him ever again.

He stammered watching me as his face heat up stuttering over his words as I tried and helped him but at a distance, it just made him more red before he could hold himself together. He finally took in a deep breathe and apologised claiming he was nervous before making recommendations before he could even finish Lachlan ordered for us. His cold stare on both of us. I shifted in my chair, finding the act of breathing a little harder.

"A-As I was saying. It- it could also be a hobby."

"I have my own hobbies that keep me entertained love." A shiver ran down my spine as I looked at him almost forgetting what my mission was today.

"Is everything still fine?" The waiter asked breaking my train of thought as I looked at him before looking at the man opposite me, relief flooded me as I took a deep breath in. Convincing my self that this was the sign I needed to bring up the ring.

I shifted uncomfortably as I noticed that the waiter was staring a little too, hard it made me uneasy. I had to cut him some slack maybe he was just very friendly with everyone, but I noticed that he couldn't look the man before in the eye. I thought these things only happened in movies and books. The Viking man was quiet just staring at me, I couldn't keep his powerful gaze. My heart starting racing because I couldn't predict his actions neither could I even begin to imagine what he was thinking.

When I looked around I noticed it was now just the two of us, we were already in a secluded area, the people had left. I normally wouldn't mind knowing Lachlan preferred his privacy and I already had my glimpse of normalcy but right now I missed being surrounded by them even though it wouldn't change anything if Lachlan decided to scar me.

"Yes, thank you for checking up on us." I said keeping it short, confused. The boy just wanted a good tip, I thought pushing away any other thoughts. He walked off and I was able to breathe again.

"Thi-this place is magnificent." He was silent the drum of my heart made me sit up straight. If I kept quiet I would let my one run far.

"I wanted -I wanted to speak to you about something Lachlan. -The ring. The ring on my finger Lachlan." I settled on just ripping the band aid off. I was scared.

The waiter made his way back making me pause and raise a brow shifting a little in my chair putting distance between us as he brought me my juice, stealing glances. I could feel the atmosphere change without even looking at the Viking man.

"Go on, love, please pass me the fork," he encouraged, his voice smooth and chilling.

"W-well I..." My tongue faltered as I watched him casually reach for his pistol, its silencer gleaming ominously in the dim light. Without hesitation, he aimed and fired, the sharp crack of the gunshot echoing through the room as the man's screams filled the air.

I recoiled in horror as he ruthlessly pinned the man to the table, his eyes wide in terror as the forks plunged into each of his eyes with a sickening squelch. Blood spurted in every direction, painting the table a grotesque shade of crimson as the man writhed in agony. The sight was gruesome, terrifying, and I felt a wave of nausea wash over me as I struggled to comprehend the sheer brutality of it all.

I felt bile rise in my throat as I witnessed the brutality unfolding before me, the stench of blood and death thick in the air. But what scared me even more was his calm demeanor, his expression devoid of emotion as he carried out his gruesome deeds. There was no hint of anger or remorse in his eyes, only a cold, calculating efficiency that sent shivers down my spine.

With a savage twist of his hand, he tore open the man's throat, the sound of tearing flesh and gurgling blood filling the room. I gagged, the metallic tang of blood coating my tongue as I fought to suppress the bile rising in my throat, also to stifle a scream, my whole body shaking with fear as I watched in horror.

Tears streamed down my face as I realized the full extent of the danger I was in, trapped in a nightmare with a man whose cruelty knew no bounds. And as I sobbed into my hand, unable to look at the scene before me.

"I would rather you be blind than cry over another man." Making me stop as he gave me a single look. I wiped my tears trembling in my seat fighting all tears.

As if on cue, another waiter approached, a bowl of water in hand. I watched in numb disbelief as he washed his hands with practiced efficiency, before being given a dry cloth to dry them. The dead body of the man he had brutally murdered forgotten.

Without a word, he held out his hand to me, and I took it without hesitation, allowing him to lead me to another room as if nothing had happened. My heart pounded in my chest as I tried to hold myself together, his presence suffocating me. As we took our seats at the table, our meals were being laid out before us, he helped me settle into my chair with a gentleness that contrasted the brutality of his actions. And as I forced myself to take a bite of food, I knew that I was trapped in a nightmare from which there was no waking.

"Go on lass." He said returning to his seat as if he didn't just brutally murder someone right in front of me.

"It's -it's nothing." I barely got out. Still traumatised. He was going to kill me.

"Isla." It was the way that he said my name. I couldn't see.

"I -I I." I gulped. I couldn't lie to him, he already knew and he wouldn't repeat himself. "I feel -I - wanted -" I paused trying to control my emotions the image of the waiter now painted in my mind, goosebumps covered my body at Lachlan's presence. I knew if I started to cry he wouldn't be please I tried to make my mind go to my delusional state. It was hard, I could hear the sounds his eyes, throat made, I could smell his blood and his screams clawed at the confines of my mind but I knew that if I kept thinking about this I could be next.

I tried to push it at the back of my mind with great difficulty knowing that it would resurface later on with full force. I focused on my cursed fate as I watched the ring. How could I tell him now after that.

"I -I wanted -I wanted to respectfully speak about this ring - I don't understand." My voice was soft and low. I was speaking to his chest if I gazed into his eyes I would weep.

"It's your engagement ring." I was too scared to even breathe.

"Is there a problem?"

"N-no I- I just thought- I just - you didn't ask me." Words were difficult to pronounce and remember.

"I told you, you would be my wife, did I not?" His words were like cement on my chest, just layers and layers pressing onto my chest making it difficult to respire.

"You-you did. I -I just thought you wou-you you would ask me- we -we spoke about-it." A tear trailed down my cheek as my vision blurred, I wiped it as quickly as it escaped.

"You can always take it off." The smirk on his face was unsettling as he ate his food as if he didn't just kill a man so brutally just a few minutes ago.

"I-please." I bit my lips tears streaming down my face. My heart dropped, my lips trembled. He drowned me in blood, he hurt me beyond measure, scarred me and traumatised me beyond recognition. I couldn't stop crying.

"Give me your hand." I started crying and apologising letting him know that I just wanted to talk with him. He didn't move nor budge I placed my hand in his as he took off the ring, I retracted my trembling hand. My heart was in my throat. I could no longer stop the tears. I could feel a vein popping at the centre of my forehead.

"Isla Khumalo, be my wife." It wasn't a question and he left no room for argument. He held out his hand for mine as I panicked.

"Can we speak- can we speak about this." I was breathless. Saying yes to him meant more of this.

"There is nothing to talk about." he replied calmly, his eyes cold and distant.

"Lachlan -I can't -please don't make me do this -I'm -I fear you- that that is not okay-you hurt me- you hurt me so much." I sobbed, my words pouring out in a desperate plea for mercy.

"Then say no, love," he said, his voice like ice, his gaze unwavering as he waited for my answer.

"You will hurt me if I do." My voice was broken as my gaze focused on his chest.

"You-you will kill me if I - if I do."

"Please don't hurt me Lachlan, I don't I don't think I can take it anymore -I try - I try and not do anything that will make you mad b-but I don't know what to say here." He watched me patiently freak out not moved by my tears or the panic in my eyes, he awaited his answer.

"What if I... what if I say no... what then?" I whispered, wiping away my tears, barely able to look at him.

"Why don't you try it and see, lass," he said, a smile playing at the corners of his lips, his eyes gleaming with malice. I knew he would fuck me up, I definitely knew that he would hurt me but I still couldn't help it. I have heard this man speak about marriage and it was just another level of craziness. The thought of being married to him filled me with terror, having his monster babies was my worst nightmare. And Lachlan made it very clear that he wanted children with me that he would accept nothing less than heirs of his own bloodline. None of them would be bastards, he had said, his voice dripping with a chilling certainty. The thought sent shivers down my spine, knowing that I would be forever tied to him, that my fate would be sealed in blood and pain.

"Please have mercy on me.-"

"-I -I'm scared -I'm so scared."

"Make your decision Isla."

"I- I can't. I'm sorry -I'm can't."

With a swift and brutal motion, he hurled a knife through my neck, the blade slicing through flesh and sinew with terrifying precision, leaving me gasping for air. Excruciating pain overtook my body from my throat overwhelming my senses as I screamed in agony which made it feel worse. I could feel the warmth of my blood trickling down my powder blue dress, pooling around me in a dark, crimson puddle that stained the floors beneath me. The pain was excruciating, overwhelming, and I could barely comprehend the horror of what was happening to me.

I felt like I was losing my vision and my hearing consisted of only ringing. I could feel the sharp end of the knife on the other end of my throat. I could not stop screaming holding onto my throat my hands were now covered in blood. Yet even as fear gripped me, rendering me powerless and paralyzed, I couldn't tear my gaze away from him. His eyes bore into mine with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine, and I knew that I was at his mercy, utterly and completely.

"Shh." My mouth shut as I looked at him my vision glazed over my whole body trembled watching him. Tears poured down my face yet I didn't produce a single sound as I trembled in my seat.

"Who are you speaking to?" he asked, his tone laced with malice, his gaze piercing through me like a dagger. I have never been so scared in my entire life as I begged him with my eyes, I couldn't stop crying. I was going to die.

"That word should never leave your pretty lips when speaking to me. Why don't you try again." He was so calm and collected watching me fight for my life. He held out his hand, as if I wasn't a dying mess.

In that moment, with blood staining my dress and my throat throbbing with pain, I knew that I had no choice but to submit to him, my entire body had submitted before I could even speak. With trembling hands, I gave my blood covered hand to him and a voice barely above a whisper, I uttered the words he wanted to hear.

"Yes," I whispered, the word barely audible over the ringing in my ears and the pounding of my heart. "Yes, I'll be your wife Lachlan." I watched him slide the ring onto my finger sealing my fate.

And as the darkness closed in around me, I knew that there was no going back, condemned to a life of fear and servitude at the hands of the man who had stolen everything from me.

....

Tell me what y'all think.

...