I was hungry

KALILA POV

"I'll take it from here," Ares said, dismissing the others with a wave of his hand. The sound of retreating footsteps faded away, and soon after, another set of footsteps approached the cage.

Ares grasped the bars tightly and spoke slowly, his voice low and menacing, "I know you're awake, Dahlia."

I lay still, trying not to betray any movement that would confirm his suspicion. But inwardly, I was trembling with fear. Maybe I hadn't thought this through enough. Ares was not only wicked and heartless, but he was also smart, and I was afraid I had underestimated him. I heard the sound of a lock snapping, and the cage door creaked open as Ares stepped inside.

He didn't say anything for a moment, and I wondered if he was staring down at me, waiting for me to make a move. I didn't dare open my eyes, not even for a second. Suddenly, his warm fingers brushed my hair aside, and I couldn't help but squirm at his touch.

In an instant, I knew I had made a mistake. A huge hand grasped