Chapter Twenty Seven – Better plan.

Chapter Twenty Seven – Better plan.
“No.” Kaidon said sharply, his tone suddenly fierce.

“You are not just a vessel. You are mine. My Soulmate. The only person in all of existence I can truly belong to—and the only one who belongs to me.”

She shook her head, her eyes wide. “You say that like it’s fate, like I had no choice—”

“Because you don’t,” he said, voice rising before he clenched his jaw. He leaned closer, his breath brushing her cheek as he whispered,

“When I found you, something inside me that was dead… awakened. I felt pain, fear, desire. I wanted to rip the world apart just to touch you.”

Taliya stared at him, completely stunned.

Kaidon closed his eyes for a second, struggling for control. When he opened them, his gaze was softer, still burning—but more human.

“I haven’t marked you because I promised myself I wouldn’t until you wanted me to. But don’t mistake my patience for weakness, Taliya. The moment I lose control, the bond will complete. I’m fighting it for you.”

Taliya’s breath hitched. His words shook something in her—fear, yes, but also… something else. Something darker. A dangerous curiosity.

She licked her dry lips. “So what happens if you mark me?”

Kaidon’s voice dropped to a rasp. 
“Then you’re mine. Body, soul… forever. No one else will ever be able to touch you without dying. Your body will crave only mine. Your soul will call to me, even in your sleep.”

Taliya looked away, heart pounding so loudly it was all she could hear.

“I never asked for this.” she whispered.

“No.” he agreed, brushing a knuckle across her cheek. “But fate rarely asks.”

She trembled at his touch, unsure whether she wanted to lean into it—or run. But there was one thing she knew with absolute clarity:

She wasn’t safe here. 
Not from him. 
Not from herself. 

But will he let her go if she told him, she's not from this world?

♠︎♠︎♠︎

Kaidon had left hours ago, but not without leaving his mark—not physically, but mentally. His final words echoed like chains around her ankles.

"From now on, you stay in my chamber."

Taliya was pacing. Again. Back and forth, like a caged animal in a gilded trap. Her fingers tugged at the ends of her sleeves, her heart thudding loud in her chest as her thoughts spiraled.

“What the hell am I supposed to do?” she hissed under her breath, her voice cracking from the pressure building inside her. “I’m not staying here. I’m not going to be some damn Carrier…”

The word tasted like poison. Heavy, ugly, degrading.

“I don’t want this. I don’t want him.” she whispered, her voice trembling. “Please, God, if this is some twisted nightmare, wake me up. Please just let me wake up in Jex’s arms again. Please…”

Her eyes burned as tears threatened to fall, her chest tightening with that all-too-familiar ache of helplessness. This wasn't freedom. This was a prison wrapped in silk and shadows.

“I need to get out. I need to find Elara… Javen. They’re the only ones who can get me out of this messed up world. The only ones who can help.” she murmured, collapsing onto the edge of the bed, her shoulders slumping in defeat. Her hands curled into fists in her lap.

Then—knock knock.

Taliya’s eyes shot to the door just as Lenora walked in, graceful and composed as always.

“My lady.” she said softly. “Master asked me to bring you down for lunch.”

Taliya almost snapped. Almost. But what was the point? Anger wouldn’t free her. Screaming wouldn’t change anything.

No… she had to be smarter than that.

Her mind began to turn, fast and sharp.

If I want to get out of this hellhole… maybe I need to gain his trust. Make him think I’m playing nice. If he believes I’ve accepted this… maybe he’ll let his guard down. Maybe I can move around more. Maybe then, I can run.

She looked up, swallowing the rising emotion, shoving it down where it couldn’t betray her.

“I need to be strong,” she whispered to herself. “Stronger than I’ve ever been.”

Then she stood slowly, straightened her back, and lifted her chin.

“Get me dressed.” she said calmly.

Lenora blinked, clearly surprised. Then a soft, hopeful smile curved her lips. “Yes, my lady.”

As the maid moved toward the wardrobe, Taliya stared ahead with newfound determination burning in her chest.

I will get the hell out of here. I don’t care what I have to do. I’ll lie, I’ll charm, I’ll play the part…

But I’m not staying.