"You're insane," I hissed.
He didn't flinch. Just kept looking at me like I was some priceless thing he'd finally stolen. Something he'd been waiting for.
"I prefer the word… devoted," he said, tilting his head slightly. "Everything I've done is for you."
"Drugging and kidnapping me is for me?" I spat.
His jaw twitched. "You don't understand now. But you will."
I scrambled off the bed, wobbling as the dizziness hit again. He didn't move. Just stood there, letting me panic. Letting me realize.
The room was huge. Elegant. No windows. A single door behind him.
No way out.
I ran anyway, straight at the door. Tried to push past him.
His hand shot out. Not rough. Not violent. But enough to hold me in place.
"I don't want to hurt you, Aarya." His voice was low now. Dangerous. "But I will if you make me."
I froze.
Tears stung my eyes, but I blinked them away. I wouldn't cry in front of him. I wouldn't.
"What do you want from me?"
He was quiet for a second too long. Then—
"You."
One word. Quiet. Final.
"I've watched you live a life full of fear. I've seen you look over your shoulder, wondering who's following you. You were right to be afraid."
I stared at him, breath caught in my throat.
"Because it was me," he said.
My blood turned to ice.
"Why?" I whispered.
He took a slow step toward me. "Because I saw you before the world tried to break you. And I couldn't let it happen. So I took you from it."
"You're not saving me," I said. "You're just another monster."
He didn't react.
"Then call me a monster," he said finally, voice smooth. "But I'm the monster that loves you."
The silence that followed was louder than any scream.
"Here," he continued, "you'll be safe. But there are rules."
I stared at him, shaking.
"Rules?"
He nodded. "Rule one: You don't try to run. Ever. Rule two: You don't lie to me. I'll always know. And rule three…" —he leaned closer, brushing a strand of hair from my face— "You'll learn to need me. Even if you hate it."
I slapped his hand away. "I'll never need you."
His smile turned dark. "We'll see."
He turned to leave, pausing at the door. "Dinner's in two hours. You'll eat with me. If you don't come out willingly… I'll come get you."
The door clicked shut.
And for the first time, I realized—
This wasn't a game.
This was his world now.
And I was trapped in it.