Chapter 50: Chapter Fifty.

Minutes passed in tense silence before Viktor reappeared, his tall figure framed by the doorway. In his hand was a small, sleek black box. The dim lighting of the library flickered against the sharp angles of his face, his expression unreadable as he approached Xena with slow, deliberate steps. 

Xena’s heart quickened. She instinctively sat straighter, her fingers unconsciously tightening around the armrest of the chair. When he finally stood before her, he extended the box without a word. The weight of the moment felt heavier than the box itself. 

Swallowing hard, she accepted it, her fingers brushing against his for the briefest second—a spark, brief yet electric. Carefully, she lifted the lid, her breath catching in her throat when she saw what was inside: a brand-new phone, sleek and modern, its dark screen reflecting her wide-eyed surprise. 

Before she could say anything, Viktor’s voice cut through the silence, low and commanding. 

“I’m only giving this to you because I trust you,” he said, his tone devoid of the teasing edge he often carried. This was different—serious, almost threatening. His dark eyes locked onto hers, unwavering, as if daring her to test the limits of his patience. 

His next words sent a chill down her spine. 

“If you break that trust, I’ll break the phone.” 

Xena nodded instinctively, her throat too tight to form words. She could feel the gravity of his promise lingering in the air, as sharp as a blade. 

But Viktor wasn’t done. He stepped closer, invading her space with an ease that made her pulse race. His hand reached out, fingers gently brushing a stray lock of hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear with surprising tenderness. The contrast between his harsh words and his gentle touch sent a confusing swirl of emotions through her—fear, defiance, and something she refused to name. 

“You’re mine, Xena. Just mine,” he murmured, his thumb grazing the soft curve of her cheek, leaving a trail of heat in its wake. His possessiveness wasn’t hidden; it dripped from every word, every look, every touch. 

Before she could respond, he straightened, his expression shifting from intense to smug as a sly smirk curled on his lips. 

“Fix yourself. We’re going out.” 

Xena blinked, stunned. “W-what? Really?” she stammered, the idea of leaving the mansion catching her completely off guard. 

But Viktor’s smirk darkened, his playful edge replaced by a dangerous glint in his eyes. He leaned in, his face inches from hers, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper. 

“Don’t even think about running, little fire. I’ll burn this city to the ground if that’s what it takes to find you.” His words weren’t just a threat—they were a promise, cold and terrifying. Then, with a slight tilt of his head, he added, “And when I do, I’ll break your legs so you can’t try it again.” 

Xena’s breath hitched, fear knotting in her chest. She shook her head quickly, her body reacting before her mind could catch up. The intensity in his eyes softened slightly, replaced by a dark satisfaction. 

“Good girl,” he murmured with a sinister smile, his grip tightening around her wrist as he pulled her to her feet. 

Without another word, he led her out of the library, his hold firm, possessive—like he was afraid that if he let go, she’d disappear. And for the first time, Xena realized it wasn’t just about control. It was about fear—his fear of losing her, wrapped up in obsession and darkness. 

And that terrified her even more.

♧♧♧

As they descended the grand staircase, Xena’s eyes landed on a familiar figure, and her breath hitched. “Travis?” she called, her voice bubbling with excitement.

Travis, emerging from the kitchen, froze for a second before his gaze met hers. His lips curled into a small, warm smile—until his eyes lifted slightly and collided with Viktor’s cold, warning glare. The warmth in his face drained instantly, replaced by a stiff, nervous demeanor.

“G-Good day, Ma’am... Sir,” Travis greeted, his voice polite but strained.

Xena’s excitement faltered, her smile softening as confusion flickered in her eyes. “It’s... good to see you here again,” she offered gently.

Travis gave a tight nod, clearly uncomfortable under Viktor’s oppressive presence. But before the moment could stretch, Viktor’s large, possessive hand gripped Xena’s and tugged her forward without a word, severing the interaction like a blade through silk.

Xena barely had time to glance back before Viktor guided her out the massive double doors.

A sleek, red Lamborghini waited in the driveway, its polished surface reflecting the cloudy sky above. The roar of its engine felt like a caged beast, ready to pounce.

Viktor opened the passenger door with a smirk, his dark eyes daring her to defy him. Xena hesitated for a split second, her fingers tightening around the cool, smooth edges of the phone he had given her earlier.

The device felt heavy—not from its weight, but from the silent promise that came with it. *If you break my trust, I’ll break the phone.* His voice still echoed in her head.

Her heart pounded with frustration. This wasn’t freedom—this was a leash, thinly disguised. She was out of the mansion, but still trapped in a cage forged by his threats and obsession.

Her throat felt tight as her thoughts drifted painfully to her Nana and brother—faces she hadn’t seen, voices she hadn’t heard. Were they safe? Did they know what had happened to her?

A bitter taste filled her mouth. She hated this. Hated the man towering over her, hated the golden prison he kept her in. But most of all—she hated how powerless she felt.

With a slow breath, she slid into the passenger seat. The leather felt cool against her skin, but her insides burned with a silent rebellion.

Viktor closed the door with a click that felt too final. Sliding into the driver’s seat, he glanced at her from the corner of his eye.

“No running, printsessa.” he warned, his voice dark with satisfaction. “You’re mine.”

Her jaw tightened as she looked away, her nails digging into her palm.

*For now,* she thought coldly. *But I won’t be caged forever.*