A Dangerous Obsession
Chapter 51 - 50

Chapter 51: Chapter 50

The silence that followed my refusal was almost as satisfying as saying the words themselves. I watched the maid’s face fall, her eyes widening just slightly before she regained her composure. It was clear she didn’t know what to do with herself now—probably wasn’t used to seeing some disobey the Lycan King. I could almost see the internal battle playing out behind her eyes as she weighed whether to argue or scurry off to deliver the message.

She lingered for a moment, glancing between me and the door, and then, with a shaky bow, she retreated, disappearing as quickly as she had come. The silence that followed was thick, wrapping around me like a comforting blanket. Finally, just me, the faint glow of the moon seeping through the curtains, and the soft purrs of my cats curling up beside me. It was a small victory, a spark of rebellion I could cling to, and for the first time that day, I felt something that wasn’t anger or resentment. It was peace—a fragile, fleeting peace, but peace nonetheless.

I stretched out on the bed, pulling the blanket up to my chin, and let out a long, slow breath. It felt good to refuse him, to know that, even if just for tonight, I was the one in control. I could still feel the dull ache left over from the humiliating "sparring match" he had put me through.

The room settled into a quiet lull, the stillness broken only by the occasional rustle as one of the cats shifted, curling closer to my side. I ran my hand over their fur absentmindedly, still replaying the day’s events in my mind.

I should’ve been resting, letting my mind recover, but I wasn’t able to. The thought kept slipping back like it was refusing to let me enjoy any kind of peace. I could feel the weight of the Lycan King’s hand lifting my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze, his smug voice echoing in my head: "Just a friendly spar, mate." I grit my teeth just thinking about it. The audacity of him to call me his "mate," knowing full well what I was—a Half-shifter with no true bond, no real connection.

Frustration simmered, bubbling up like a pot on the edge of boiling over. But what could I do about it? Nothing. That’s what infuriated me the most. I was stuck here, bound by this twisted arrangement, and no amount of defiance would change that. Not yet, anyway.

Unable to sit still any longer, I got up and started pacing the room, my bare feet cool against the floor. My cats watched me with wide, curious eyes, their tails flicking in sync with my steps. The room felt too small, too confining, like the walls were closing in, inch by inch, trapping me in this nightmare.

The next morning, the sun was already high in the sky when I finally stirred. The light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room, and for a brief, blissful moment, I forgot where I was. Forgot about the Lycan King, the looming responsibilities, the twisted web of expectations that had woven themselves into my life here. It was just me, my cats, and the soft, lazy quiet of the morning.

I allowed myself to bask in it, if only for a moment, before reality came crashing back in. I knew I couldn’t avoid him forever. The Lycan King would find me out soon enough, and I would have to deal with whatever consequences he deemed fit. But that was a problem for later. Right now, I wanted to savor this rare sliver of freedom.

Just as I was beginning to feel comfortable, a soft knock echoed from the door. I groaned inwardly, already bracing myself for whatever news would interrupt my morning. This time, the knock was hesitant, almost reluctant, and when I opened the door, it was the maid from last night, clutching a tray of breakfast.

She looked at me with a nervous expression, as though bracing herself for a scolding, and gave a polite bow before setting the tray down on the small table near my bed. "I... I thought you might be hungry, my lady," she said softly, avoiding my gaze.

I raised an eyebrow, a little surprised at the gesture, but nodded my thanks, deciding not to make her job any harder. She lingered, clearly not wanting to overstep, but also not quite able to leave.

I settled into the chair beside the tray, picking at the fresh bread and fruits. "Did he send you?" I asked, keeping my voice calm, neutral.

The maid’s eyes darted up to meet mine before quickly dropping to the floor. "No, my lady. His majesty... he hasn’t asked for you this morning."

I let that information settle, feeling a mix of relief and confusion. Part of me had been bracing for him to come storming in here, demanding answers or forcing me into yet another show of obedience. But he had stayed away. For now, at least.

She hesitated, as though debating whether to say more, before finally blurting out, "It’s just that... you shouldn’t refuse him, my lady."

I paused mid-bite, glancing up at her. "Oh?" I kept my tone casual, though my mind was already racing.

The maid shifted uncomfortably. "His majesty changed when you came here, and... well, I believe he has a liking for you. That’s something you shouldn’t take for granted. His majesty, he..." She trailed off, clearly unsure of how much to reveal.

I gave a dry laugh, setting the bread back on the tray. "He has a liking for me?"

That was the most hilarious thing I have heard in days

She gave a small, almost relieved smile and bobbed her head in agreement. "Yes, my lady. But... I just thought you should know."

I sighed, leaning back in the chair, feeling a familiar mix of frustration and determination. He likes me yet pushes me, prodding, trying to see if I would break. Well, if that was his way of showing his likeness, I wasn’t going to make it easy for him. He had already taken so much from me—the least I could do was hold onto this one scrap of defiance.

"Thank you," I said, nodding to the maid. "That’ll be all for now."

She gave a quick bow and disappeared from the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts once more. I resumed eating, savoring the rare feeling of autonomy. For as long as he kept his distance, I would use this time to my advantage.

I will find a way out of this hellhole.