The next day, Aurora was called to Miss Catherine's office. She entered confidently, ready for whatever trouble was coming her way. But instead of Miss Catherine, she saw Damian sitting at the desk, looking at her. He smiled in a way that made her uncomfortable. "Ah, my new pet," he said. "How was your first night?"
Aurora narrowed her eyes at him, feeling angry but silent.
Damian leaned back in his chair, enjoying her stubbornness. "You're tougher than you look," he said. "But that won't help you here. In this house, you belong to me. You'll learn to obey, or you'll face worse than before."
Aurora's anger flared. "You're not just cruel, you're heartless," she shot back. "You let Lily hurt an innocent girl just because she's your favorite?"
Damian was surprised, his eyebrows raised. He didn't expect such defiance, but it intrigued him. "Lily does what I say," he replied smoothly. "Your concern is sweet."
Aurora stepped closer, her anger growing. "Would you let her hurt someone if she were your sister?" she asked. "Is this control, watching others suffer for your pleasure?"
Damian's smile turned cold. "Luna is not my sister," he said. "But maybe you need a lesson in obedience."
Miss Catherine moved as if to stop this, but Damian held her back. He was curious about Aurora's fiery spirit. "Let her talk," he said.
"Lily is beautiful," Aurora said fiercely. "But if she hurts others to feel that way, she's just a coward!" Her words challenged the power structure around them. Miss Catherine looked shocked.
Damian's smile widened. "Lily is special," he said. "But you have a fire that interests me." He stood and approached Aurora. "A fire I want to tame."
Aurora's heart raced, but she stood her ground. "I'm not your pet," she said firmly. "I'm a person, and I won't let you treat me like I'm less."
Damian laughed darkly. "We'll see about that," he said, reaching to touch her cheek. She flinched but stayed put.
"I'm not here to be your toy," Aurora said, meeting his gaze with determination. "Life has been cruel, but that doesn't mean you can break me."
Damian paused, intrigued by her defiance. "You're bold," he said, tracing her jawline. "But that won't save you."
Aurora stepped back, looking into his eyes. "You may have bought me, but that doesn't mean you own me. I won't let you hurt Luna."
The room was tense. Miss Catherine watched nervously. Damian's smile stayed, but his expression shifted slightly, showing some respect for Aurora's courage. "You care for her," he said softly. "That's touching."
"We're all in this together," Aurora replied through clenched teeth. "We should look out for each other."
Damian's smile grew more dangerous. "In this house, there's no 'we'. Only 'me' and 'mine'. And you are definitely 'mine'."
Aurora felt sick at his words but didn't waver. "I don't know why I'm here," she said coldly, "but I'm not interested in what you want to say."
Damian's expression hardened. "You're here because I want you here," he said. "In this house, you do as you're told." He moved closer, threatening. "Luna is my property, and if you want to stay in my good graces, keep quiet."
Aurora felt a chill but challenged him. "What if I don't?"
Damian leaned in closer, whispering threats. "Then you'll find pain like you've never known," he said, tracing a line down her neck. She wanted to pull away but knew it would show weakness.
"But," he continued, "since you're so spirited, I'll give you a chance. You will entertain my guests tonight. If you do well, maybe I'll let you keep Luna safe."
Aurora felt a glimmer of hope, quickly dimmed by the reality of his request. "Entertain? You mean...to be a whore?"
Damian's smile turned cold. "Not just any whore," he said. "My whore. The best in the house."
Aurora boldly declared, "You do realize I'm 18, right?"
Miss Catherine was shocked, unsure of what to do. Aurora's challenge was a bold act in this cruel world.
Damian's smile faded. "You dare speak to me like that?" he asked dangerously. "Do you know who I am?"
Aurora's heart raced, but she stood firm. "You're a monster," she said. "You buy and sell people like objects. I'd rather die than be one of your playthings!"
Damian grabbed her throat, squeezing just enough to make her gasp. "You're mine," he whispered. "And you'll do as I say."
Aurora's eyes widened, but she held his gaze. "I'll never be yours," she gasped. "You can use my body, but you'll never own my soul."
Damian's grip tightened for a moment before he released her. "We'll see," he said darkly. "Miss Catherine, get Aurora ready for tonight."
Miss Catherine nodded and left the room, while Aurora felt dread. She knew she had crossed a line, but she couldn't let fear control her. She had to protect Luna, even if it meant pretending to obey for now.