Chapter 13
1170words
The lingering sensation of that extreme pleasure seemed to stay longer than the weakness. The wound on her neck healed within hours, leaving only two almost invisible, pale pink marks, like a secret tattoo.
But something was different.
That pulling sensation originating from "fate," after their blood mingled, had transformed from a vague "background noise" into a clear, taut string.
She could sense Elias's presence.
When he was in the study, she could feel his "calmness"; when he became irritated by a business call, she could feel his "coldness."
And she herself... she had become docile.
She was no longer like a hedgehog constantly ready to raise its quills. She no longer thought about provoking him with words, nor did she draw those self-destructive pictures. Most of her time was spent quietly sitting by the floor-to-ceiling window, looking at the clouds, immersed in this strange "connection."
And this "docility" of hers clearly pleased Elias.
The cold, suffocating pressure in the apartment dissipated. He was no longer just a "master" gazing at her from the shadows; he began to... "appear."
When she was drawing, he would sit on the sofa not far away, leafing through an ancient book. When she was eating, he would pour himself a glass of deep red liquid and keep her company.
There was no conversation between them, but this silent "coexistence" made Emma feel more anxious than any previous confrontation.
She discovered she had a new, more frightening secret.
She had begun to look forward to the coming of night.
This made her feel extremely ashamed. She hated him, but her body, that shameful body that had betrayed her, began to crave the sensation of being "invaded" and "filled."
This craving brought a new, more practical anxiety.
She was, after all, human. The production of blood takes time.
What if... what if he wanted her again tonight, and her body wasn't ready yet? What if her "supply" couldn't keep up with his "demand"? Would he be disappointed? Would he grow tired of her, like he did with that painting?
This thought made her restless.
That afternoon, she saw Elias in the study, flipping through an old book with a leather cover. After hesitating for a long time, she finally walked over to him.
"Um..." she began, her voice very small.
Elias looked up from his book, a hint of surprise flashing in his golden eyes. This was the first time in days that she had initiated conversation with him.
"What is it?"
"I... I was thinking," Emma's fingers nervously fidgeted with the hem of her clothes, "how long does it take... for a human... to recover?"
"Recover what?"
"Blood," she said softly.
Elias's lips curved into a playful, knowing smile. He closed his book, stood up, and slowly walked toward her.
"Why do you ask, Emma?" He moved closer to her, and that icy aura made her tremble instinctively, yet unlike before, she didn't want to run away.
"Are you concerned about your health," he lowered his head, his voice hoarse, "or are you worried that... I might be hungry tonight?"
"I just..."
"Or perhaps," he interrupted her, his burning gaze locked on hers, "you've begun to... anticipate it?"
Emma's face instantly turned crimson. He had read her mind, and she felt mortified with embarrassment. "No! I just... I just don't want you to... to get angry because my 'supply' is insufficient."
"Angry?" Elias was amused by her logic, "Emma, what do you think you are? A blood bag for Sanguine Solutions?"
He raised his hand, lightly touching the already healed mark on her neck with his fingertip.
Emma shuddered, but didn't back away.
"A... happy, healthy, willing soul mate," he whispered, his voice enticing, "her blood is the finest 'vintage'. Why would I forcibly take from you before you've recovered?"
His tolerance made Emma feel incredulous.
"Then why..." she asked, puzzled, "why keep me locked up here?"
"Locked up?" Elias frowned slightly, as if he didn't like that word.
He stepped back, examining her "docility" over the past few days. "You've been behaving well these past days, Emma. Very quiet. Even... a bit more human-like."
He suddenly made a decision. "Put on your coat."
Emma was stunned: "What?"
"Weren't you complaining that this place is like a prison?" He picked up his coat, "I'll take you out. Get some fresh air."
Emma could hardly believe her ears.
…………
Half an hour later, Emma found herself standing in an emptied high-end department store.
"Master, tonight from seven to nine, Building A of the mall has been cleared." Julian stood respectfully to the side.
Elias ignored him and said to Emma: "Go ahead. Those worn-out clothes of yours need to be replaced. Buy whatever you want."
Emma felt somewhat at a loss. She looked at the dresses priced at what would cost her a year's tuition, then glanced at the cold "warden" beside her.
She carefully picked up a deep blue cashmere scarf.
"I..."
"Take it," Elias said impatiently.
In the next hour, Emma experienced a surreal "shopping" trip. She was surrounded by several nervous store clerks, while Elias sat on a sofa not far away, casually flipping through a financial magazine, as if this was the most ordinary evening.
He accompanied her the entire time, never leaving her side. But anything her gaze lingered on for more than three seconds would be immediately wrapped up and packaged.
On the return journey, Emma sat hugging a pile of expensive shopping bags, feeling like she was in a dream.
"What... what exactly do you want?" she finally couldn't help asking, "You keep me locked up, then buy me all these things. What are you planning to do with me?"
The light inside the Bentley was dim, and Elias's face was hidden in shadow.
"I thought I had made myself clear," his voice was calm, "I want your 'submission.'"
"So I'm going to be locked up by you for the rest of my life?"
Elias seemed to smile. "A lifetime? Emma, you overestimate my patience. Do you think I want to keep you under control for decades? How would that be different from watching over a troublesome pet?"
He turned his head, golden eyes gleaming in the darkness.
"What I want is a companion. A symbiotic partner."
"When you truly understand—not because of Leo, not because of the contract, but when you truly accept your 'fate' from the depths of your soul, accept that you belong to me—"
He paused, his voice carrying a seductive promise:
"At that time, Emma, this city, even this world, can be your playground. As long as..."
"As long as I never leave you," Emma finished for him.
"Clever," Elias leaned back against the chair, appreciating her at his leisure.
Emma fell silent. She turned to look at the lights flashing past outside the window, and for the first time, she saw a glimpse of possible freedom within this "cage."
