With a deep breath, Aurora slid out of bed, her body aching from the previous night’s activities. She walked to the wardrobe, her eyes lingering on the fine garments that had been provided for her. She had never felt so exposed, yet so powerful. As she pulled on a silk robe, she could feel the weight of her new role settling onto her shoulders.
As Aurora made her way out of the room, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of victory. The house was hers to navigate now, and she was no longer just a servant to be ignored or pitied. The air was thick with the scent of candles and the faint sound of laughter from the drawing room below. She knew that soon she would be the center of attention, displayed for Damian’s guests like a prized possession.
Her steps were careful and deliberate as she approached the grand staircase, the silk of her robe whispering against her skin with each movement. As she descended, she saw Lily, Damian’s mistress who she has over taken, standing at the bottom, her eyes narrowed in disapproval. Aurora felt a thrill of satisfaction at the sight of the woman who had once held so much power over her.
Lily’s gaze followed Aurora’s descent, her eyes lingering on the marks of passion that still marred Aurora’s skin. Aurora couldn’t help but smirk as she swept past her, the fabric of her robe brushing against Lily’s arm. The woman’s expression was a mix of anger and envy, but Aurora felt none of the fear she once had. She was the one with Damian’s favor now, and she knew it.
The drawing room was a cacophony of voices and laughter, the air thick with the scent of fine wine and rich perfumes. Damian’s guests were a collection of the city’s elite, all dressed in their finest, their eyes gleaming with excitement and greed as they caught sight of Aurora. She felt their eyes on her, appraising and hungry, and she knew that she was the main attraction of the evening.
Damian waited for her at the bottom of the stairs, a smug smile playing on his lips as he watched her approach. He was dressed impeccably, his shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal the strong lines of his chest. His eyes raked over her, and Aurora felt a blush rise to her cheeks under his scrutiny.
“You look exquisite, my pet,” he murmured, his voice low and full of approval. He offered his arm, and she took it gratefully, feeling the heat of his skin against hers. He led her into the drawing room, the whispers and gasps of the guests following them like a dark symphony.
The room was bathed in candlelight, the shadows playing across the faces of the men and women who had gathered to see the evening’s entertainment. Aurora’s heart raced, but she kept her chin high, her eyes fixed on a spot just over Damian’s shoulder. She knew that to look at any of them directly was to invite challenge or, worse, pity.
As they entered the drawing room, Aurora felt the weight of their stares, the heat of their lust pressing in on her like a vice. But she was determined to show them that she was not just a pretty face, not just a body to be used and discarded. She was Damian’s mistress now, and she would not be cowed by their leering gazes.
Damian led her to a plush velvet chair that had been placed at the center of the room, a throne for her to preside over his twisted court. She sat down with as much grace as she could muster, her eyes meeting the challenge in the eyes of the guests.
Luna was brought in, her wrists bound in velvet cords, a collar around her neck. Her eyes searched the room, wide with fear, until they found Aurora’s. Aurora’s heart clenched at the sight of her friend, so vulnerable and exposed. But Luna’s eyes lit up when she saw Aurora, and she offered a tentative smile.
Damian’s hand rested on Aurora’s shoulder, his eyes on the crowd. He nodded to the guards, and they stepped forward, moving to remove the collar. Aurora felt a knot form in her stomach as she watched, her heart in her throat.
collar was unbuckled, Luna’s eyes never left Aurora’s, filled with a desperate hope that seemed to light up the room. The second she was free, she bolted across the floor, her bare feet silent on the plush carpet. Aurora’s eyes filled with tears as she watched her friend run to her, the bruises and welts from her own punishments stark against her pale skin.
The room was so still, Aurora could hear the crackle of the fire in the hearth. The silence was deafening as Luna threw herself into Aurora’s arms, sobbing with relief. Aurora held her tightly, feeling the tremors in her body, the fear and pain that she had endured. She whispered soothing words into Luna’s ear, promising that she would keep her safe, that she would never let anyone hurt her again.
Damian’s hand remained on Aurora’s shoulder, his smile never wavering. He leaned down, his breath warm against her ear. “As I said, she’s yours now. Treat her well, and she will serve us both loyally,” he murmured, his voice a dark promise.
Aurora’s eyes searched his, and she nodded, a fierce determination burning within her. She knew that this was her chance to not only protect Luna but to also show the guests that she was not just a pretty face for their amusement.
With a deep breath, she turned to face the room, her expression calm and composed. She leaned into Damian’s side, her eyes meeting his with a warm smile that seemed to challenge the very air in the room. The guests watched, their whispers dying down as she reached up to place a gentle kiss on his cheek.
“Thank you, my lord,” Aurora said, her voice clear and steady. “You are too kind to grant my wish and return Luna to me.”
Damian’s eyes searched hers, and she knew he could see the turmoil in them. But she kept her smile in place, a mask of contentment that she knew would only serve to inflame the jealousy of the other guests. She felt a strange thrill at the power she now wielded, the power to grant Luna protection from their twisted games.