chapter 52: freedom and respect

My nights were filled with nightmares of my brother and my days with blissful ignorance until my Master would inevitably come. Malachai had gone from some distant figure of authority to someone who I could and would obey without question. He had found pleasure in breaking me, and in doing so, gained my loyalty.

I was trying to keep my spirits up but as the months dragged on I found it more and more difficult. I knew my brother was in the same castle as me but I hadn't been able to see him once since the capture. I don't know how long it had been since I'd seen his smiling face, I had almost given up hope.

I no longer kept track of the days, until I heard a loud crash outside, followed by what sounded like hundreds of feet thundering up the dungeon steps. I knew my they were coming, the heavens were sending us the answer to our prayers. The Heaven's Guerrilla's had come to rescue Arthur and me.

A wave of disbelief and terror washed over me, freedom would come if they succeeded, and with it, the death of the bond I had built with Malachai. I stood up, I had to tell him how I truly felt, I had to thank him.

Running out of the dungeon, I heard Malachai's voice calling me, I looked up to see him standing on the throne, smiling. We both knew this had to end but it could wait, he looked at me and said, "My little pet, you are free. Go be with your brother."

That same night, Malachai knelt before her and kissed my feet, whispering:

"Do not forget me, Lily, not even for a second."

For a moment, there was a hint of sadness in my voice as i kissed his forehead and said:

"I will never forget, my lord. Never."

Malachai pov:

As I watched her walk away, I felt a deep pride and satisfaction bubble up within me. This lady had truly become my pet – the only one I would ever need. With a heavy heart, I slowly closed the castle door behind me, knowing I would never see her again.

Malachai pov end:

Tears rolled down my cheeks as I ran towards the freedom that was mine. I knew I could never forget the month I spent with Malachai, his tenderness, his domination, his unyielding love and devotion.

As I reached the top of the stairs, I realized I was finally free, but I would never forget who the true master of my heart was.

was trying to keep my spirits up but as the months dragged on I found it more and more difficult. I knew my brother was in the same castle as me but I hadn't been able to see him once since the capture. I don't know how long it had been since I'd seen his smiling face, I had almost given up hope.

I hugged my brother tightly, relieved he was safe. A Hero had emerged, even if it wasn't me.

Though we were free from the darkness, I still couldn't forget the taint of Malachai's touch. I knew he was evil, but I had to admit, I held some respect for him now. Malachai had broken me in ways I never thought possible. Though I had been saved, I felt like I was still his pet.

Things changed after the Heaven's Guerrillas stormed the castle for our rescue. I knew that my time with Malachai was coming to an end and I felt a pang of sadness in my heart.

Arthur was overjoyed to be freed from the dungeon and immediately set out for revenge. I knew that the only thing keeping him from attacking Malachai was my own sheltered presence.

As we were being escorted away, I saw Malachai's sister, Olivia, in the corner of my vision. She was looking at me with a scowl of disapproval. I had no doubt that in her eyes I was still the captive slave I'd become for her brother.

But despite Olivia's icy glare, I knew I would always give thanks to my captor, dark king Malachai, for the two months I'd spent in the comfort of his chambers. I had developed an intimate respect for him that no one could ever take away.