Chapter Five - A Game of Cat and Mouse

Kathryn's POV

In my past life, I had been nothing more than a desperate woman begging for his attention. I’d willingly humbled myself, hoping to become his concubine just to stay by his side. He had barely looked at me then, his heart set on someone else, his touch distant and cold.

But now?

He called me his empress.

It didn’t make sense. This Marcus was nothing like the man I had known.

Where was the cold emperor who treated me like I was invisible? The one who dismissed me without a second thought? This Marcus was possessive, commanding, and unapologetically protective.

And it unsettled me.

I paced the room, the pieces of this strange puzzle refusing to fit together. Could my reincarnation have changed his behavior? Or was this some cruel trick by the moon goddess?

It didn’t matter. I couldn’t stay here any longer. I looked outside, noticing the few guards on patrol. If I timed it right, I could slip away unnoticed.

Without wasting time, I grabbed a simple cloak and threw it over my shoulders, carrying a few needed materials into a small satchel. I cracked open the door, peering into the empty hallway before stepping out.

My heart pounded as I moved quickly but quietly through the corridors, avoiding the few servants still lingering.

When I reached the outer gardens, I felt a bit hopeful. The gates weren’t far. Freedom was within reach.

But as I stepped into the shadows of the garden, a hand shot out, gripping my wrist like an iron vice.

“Going somewhere?”

My heart sank. I recognised tha voice anywhere.

I turned to find Marcus standing there, his eyes gleaming in the moonlight, his expression a mix of amusement and tiredness. He was dressed in a simple black tunic, but his presence was anything but ordinary.

“Let me go,” I hissed, trying to wrench my arm free.

He didn’t budge, he kept grip firm but not painful. “You’re brave, I’ll give you that,” he said, his tone laced with mockery. “But did you really think you could get past me?”

“Why do you care?” I snapped, glaring at him. “I know you don't want me. The illegitimate daughter. I don't want you too. Now we're even. Isn’t that right? No need to pretend!”

His expression darkened, the amusement vanishing. “I’m not pretending, Kathryn.”

“Then what the hell are you doing?” I demanded, my voice rising. “Why won’t you let me go?”

“Because you’re mine,” he said simply, his voice quiet but resolute.

The words sent a shiver through me, and for a moment, I couldn’t find a response.

“You can hate me all you want,” he continued, his tone low. “You can fight, run, scream, and curse my name. But I will not let you go. Not in this life.”

The finality in his words struck me like a blow.

“You can’t force me,” I whispered, hate burning through my veins.

“I don’t need to force you,” he replied, his lips curving into a small, almost sad smile. “You’ll come to see the truth in time.”

He closed the distance between us in a heartbeat, his towering frame casting a shadow over me. A smirk planted on his face as he leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper.

“Don’t make me resort to a kidnap, pumpkin.” My ear flared red as he bit them gently. What the hell was he doing? This wasn't the cold, indifferent Alpha from my past life.

Without another word, he released my wrist and gestured toward the manor. “Go back to your room. You won’t escape me, Kathryn. Not tonight. Not ever.”

I hesitated, my pride warring with my common sense, but eventually, I turned and walked back toward the house. My steps were slow, heavy with frustration and confusion.

Once I got inside my room, I locked the door and sank onto the bed, burying my face in my hands.

Why does he care now?

The question haunted me as sleep eluded me. Marcus’s words echoed in my mind, a promise and a challenge all at once.

Maybe I have been reincarnated to a different world?