chapter 10

Sierra pov..

I felt an intense pain tear through me, a sensation so sharp it ripped a scream from my throat. The agony took over, leaving me dazed and lost. This couldn't be real. It couldn't be happening. Of all people, he was the one who had taken my innocence.

Tears streamed down my face as I felt him inside me, violating me in the way I had feared. Every movement brought more pain, more despair. How could I feel anything but disgust for someone I barely knew, someone I had no connection with?

His lips moved closer to my face, and I turned away, rejecting even the thought of his touch. He had destroyed my life, crushed my hopes, and now I was left to endure this nightmare.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he finished and stood up. I scrambled to gather my clothes, wrapping them around myself as quickly as possible, trying to put distance between us. His gaze followed me, and as he walked toward me, I recoiled, fear gripping me again.

He dressed, his face showing a flicker of regret. "I'm sorry it had to happen like this. I couldn't control myself. I apologize," he said, his voice sounding hollow and meaningless. I looked away, tears blurring my vision, feeling like I was about to break into pieces.

He walked away, leaving me trembling and in shock. I stood there, unable to understand if this was real or just a nightmare. I glanced down and saw blood on my leg—a cruel reminder of the innocence he had stolen.

Hours passed, time slipping away as I sat there. Slowly, anger began to rise within me, burning through my fear. He would pay for this.

Gathering every bit of strength I had left, I tried to stand, but my body was too weak. I collapsed to the ground, crying out in pain, feeling completely drained.

Through my tears, I saw his hand reaching out to help me.

"My love, where are you going? You need to rest. Let me get you something to eat," he said softly, reaching for my hand.

I yanked my hand away, fury building up inside me. Without thinking, I slapped him hard across the face. I didn't care about anything anymore—not my innocence, not the consequences.

"How could you?" I screamed, tears streaming down my face. "Why did you do this to me?"

His calm eyes met mine, but instead of regret, there was only a quiet composure. He stepped closer, reaching out like he wanted to comfort me, but I backed away, refusing to let him touch me.

"I hate you," I choked out, my voice thick with emotion. "I hate that I'm even alive in this world."

I fell to my knees, sobbing uncontrollably. The pain was too much to bear.

"Love," he whispered, reaching out again.

"Don't touch me!" I yelled, pushing his hands away. I could feel the shift in him—his mood darkening, growing dangerous.

He grabbed my arm, pulling me close with force. I could see the anger in his eyes now, burning hot.

"You are my wife," he said, his voice cold. "And I don't understand why you're angry over the love we shared. You should be grateful—you belong to me now."

I stared at him, searching for any sign of remorse, but there was none. If I stayed here, my life would only sink deeper into this nightmare.

I shut my eyes, focusing on the ground as he let go of me and walked away.

"I'll get you something to eat. Take a bath and wait for me," he said, his tone dismissive.

As he left, I looked at him with nothing but hatred. He was a monster. I gathered my strength and headed toward the bathroom. I needed to wash away everything that had happened.

Each step was heavy, but I made it to the shower, letting the water run over me as I closed my eyes, hoping it would somehow cleanse me of this nightmare.

As I stood there, I noticed an iron rod near the small window. It caught my eye, almost calling to me.

I shut off the water, drying myself quickly, and grabbed the rod. It was heavy in my hands, but it gave me a sense of power.

Just then, I heard the door click open. He was back. I hurried to dress, hiding the iron behind my back just as he walked in.

"Oh, you're done bathing. Shame, I thought I'd be back in time to join you," he said with a smile, unaware of the weapon I held behind me.

"Come, I picked some fruit. You must be hungry," he offered, turning to leave. But then, he looked back at me. "Are you alright?"

I nodded, forcing a smile, trying to hide my intentions.

He chuckled softly and walked out of the bathroom. "Let's eat, then we can rest together."

As he turned his back to me, anger surged inside me. Without thinking, I raised the rod and struck him hard on the head. He crumpled to the floor, motionless.

I stood there, frozen, trying to process what I had just done. Panic hit me, and I quickly searched for the key to the front door. My heart raced as I unlocked it and ran out, desperate to escape.

I fled into the night, running toward the village, terrified of what he might do if he found me. As I reached the village gate, I banged on it, but no one answered. Darkness closed in around me, and I felt completely alone.

Tears filled my eyes, and I realized that if he woke up, my life would be over.

Then, I remembered—the small gate that led to the forest. If I could find it, I could make it back to the village, back to my mother.

I searched frantically until I spotted the gate. Relief flooded me, but it was short-lived. From behind me, I heard a distant scream.

"He's awake," I whispered, terror gripping me.

I ran as fast as I could toward the gate, into the forest. But before I could go any further, dizziness overwhelmed me, and I collapsed, falling into darkness.