Chapter 30
“Are you really going to keep being naïve in here? I won’t always be around to protect you. Sooner or later, you’ll have to fend for yourself. Learn to survive -and become someone strong.”
Then, suddenly, his expression turned serious.
“But a warning: just because you become stronger, don’t make the mistake of thinking you can challenge me. If you try, I’ll break your wings before you even know it. Don’t ever make the mistake of thinking I’m a good man, Elijah.”
I swallowed hard, a shiver crawling down my spine.
“I never thought that.”
He laughed softly, a cruel sort of amusement in the sound.
“Good boy. I’m gentle now because you’re obeying me. I can make you a king in this place, but if power starts clouding that pretty little head of yours. I‘ destroy you before you even see it coming.”
I sighed, a weight settling in my chest.
“Why do I get the feeling you know me?” I asked hesitantly. “You know my name, but I never told you. Have we met before?”
He ran his tongue slowly across my lips, and the shiver it caused was immediate.
“Why don’t you try to remember? Use that little brain of yours and think.”
He gave a faint smile, but then his expression shifted.
Until then, here’s a tip: when someone tries to talk over you, don’t lower your head. If they try to intimidate you, don’t back down. Face them. Show your claws. Even if it ends in a fight–fight with everything you’ve got. That’s the only way to survive in this hell, bunny.”
He pulled back slightly, though his eyes never left mine.
‘Now, let’s shower and start the day.”
I pulled away from his chest, feeling my body cool slightly with the distance. He stood and stretched his imposing frame, and only then did I notice something different–his hair was loose. I was used to seeing it tied up in a firm bun, but now, the black strands fell over his shoulders, straight and shiny.
It was beautiful hair… Actually, everything about him was striking.
Strong.
Tall.
Intimidating.
An absurdly handsome man.
But that thought was immediately pushed aside by brutal reality–this man was a killer.
And that made it all the more surreal.
‘What’s your name?” The question slipped out before I could stop it.
The moment it left my mouth, I regretted it/
No one used real names in this prison.
Chapter 30
A chill ran down my spine when the Reaper looked at me.
‘F–Forget it, I muttered.
I looked away and stood quickly, trying to escape whatever his reaction would be.
‘Dante.‘
His voice was low but firm.
I blinked in surprise and turned to face him.
“My name is Dante, bunny. Remember it well.”
The crooked smile that formed on his lips sent a cold wave through my stomach.
I opened my mouth, but before I could say anything, the sharp metallic sound of the cells unlocking echoed down the corridor, making me flinch.
“Let’s go,” he said simply, walking out without looking back.
I followed in silence, feeling the heavy stares of the other inmates settle on us–mostly on me–but I ignored them.
I wouldn’t let those looks affect me anymore.
We entered his private bathroom, and I headed straight for my usual shower. Before turning on the water, I took off the uniform, still uncomfortable under his watchful gaze. The way he looked at me made it feel like I was something rare–like a work of art carved solely for him.
I hung up my clothes and turned on the hot water, letting it cascade over my body.
It should’ve been relaxing, but the tension refused to leave my muscles. I knew he was still there, watching every detail, analyzing every movement. The idea of being under his constant gaze sent a chill through me.
I tried to ignore it and focused on getting clean. I grabbed the toothbrush and toothpaste he had given me and started brushing my teeth. The fresh taste spread through my mouth, but the moment I ran my tongue across my lips, I felt something strange.
A different texture. A slight discomfort.
I frowned, lifted my hand to my mouth, and touched the corner of
Something was stuck there.
my
lips.
With a gentle tug, I felt resistance, and as I peeled it away, I realized what it was.
A bandage.
My heart skipped a beat.
When had he done that?
I held the little piece between my fingers, turning it over as if it might give me an answer.
I didn’t remember putting anything there before I fell asleep.
My breath caught.
The only possible explanation was that he did it while I slept.
The thought stirred something strange inside me.
Chapter 30
He took care of my wound.
Why? (
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
