Erasmi's anger

Ava shivered as she entered the small, dimly lit room, casting a worried glance back at Nora, but she had already disappeared down the hallway.

Once inside, Erasmi closed the door behind her with a decisive click, the sound echoing ominously in the confined space.

"Where did the question come from, Ava?" Erasmi asked quietly, his voice laced with an unsettling calm.

"I..." Ava gulped, her gaze shifting away, unable to find an answer that wouldn't betray her fears.

"Is that why you've been avoiding me, Ava?" His tone was sharper now, the undercurrent of accusation clear.

Ava trembled as Erasmi stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. He paused, observing her reaction with a predatory stillness.

Stepping back slightly, he cocked his head and sent a glittering look her way. "Ava, do you remember the original agreement we made when we decided to get married?"