09| A beast like Hades Carrington.

Davina’s POV

Was I going to die? Right here and right now, by the hands of my mate?

I stopped struggling and closed my eyes as the world around me faded with every passing second. My breath grew shallow and I knew I was going to die. 

But was that… a bad thing? At least the pain and suffering would finally come to an end. But then, “I will find you, Sebastian. I promise”. For a split moment, I saw him and my chest tightened in pain as I thought about the promise I made to Sebastian, my younger brother. A promise I won't be able to fulfill.

Just as I was slipping into unconsciousness, his hand loosened and he let go of my neck. My legs gave way and I fell to the ground, coughing and trying to gasp for air. My throat burned and tears threatened to fall but I held them back, refusing to cry yet I couldn't help as my body shook in fear as a thought flashed through my head– he would have killed me if he hadn't stopped a second sooner.

I felt his presence close to me and a finger lifted my chin, bringing my head up. He was close, his hot breath fanned my face and he uttered only one word that had me widening my eyes.

"Strip."

What?!

I blinked, I didn't know what to do. He was just about to kill me a second ago and now– now, he wanted me to strip?

“Don't make me say it twice.” He pulled me closer, using the grip on my chin. I  gulped, knowing his lips were just inches apart from mine. I quickly nodded my head but his fingers tightened on my chin.

“Words” He stated dryly but I was as stiff as a statue at our close proximity, his scent clouded my scenes and I held in my breath, trying to think straight. 

“Y..yes king” I whispered shakily and he lets go of my chin, standing up yet I felt his gaze intensify as he stared at me, watching. I felt so insecure, felt so ashamed but I didn't dare say anything even if I wanted to so I did what he asked of me.

I managed to stand up and I drew in a shaky breath, my fingers gripping the hem of the dress as I slowly began to peel it off in front of him. The fabric slipped away, leaving me in just my underwear. I hastily gathered the dress in my hands, desperate to keep it from touching the floor.

The air grew colder, the intensity of his gaze settling over me like a heavy weight. Though my eyes couldn’t see it, I could feel it—every inch of me being explored by his eyes.

I wanted to stop there but he didn't say a word, he only stood a few meters from me. Did he want me to strip completely naked? my breath got caught in my throat and the thought of bolting through the door and being far from him crossed my mind but I inwardly knew that I couldn't escape a beast like Hades Carrington.

The mere rumors I’d heard about Hades were enough to make my blood run cold. They said he killed without a trace of emotion. Once, a rogue had snuck into his chambers, intending to assassinate him. But instead of killing the intruder outright, Hades imprisoned him in the dungeon, torturing him to the brink of death—only to heal him and start the process all over again. When Hades finally grew bored, he ended the rogue’s life with chilling indifference.

So I shook the thought from my head and was about to undress but my hands froze before I could.

A growl? I wasn’t sure if I was imagining it, but I could’ve sworn I heard a low growl just as my hands moved to remove my underwear.

"Don't take that off," he said, his voice rough, as if he was barely holding himself together. I immediately stopped, my face heating up in embarrassment.

Oh, I bit my bottom lip, standing there as a faint shiver ran through me under the weight of his intense gaze. He said nothing, just watching, and the silence between us grew heavier with each passing second.

Suddenly, a knock broke through the stillness and I heard him walk the door, opening it.

 “Did you bring what I asked?” 

“Y-yes my king. I–” Emmanuel tried to speak and Hades cut him off, his voice carrying a dangerous tone.

“I will deal with you later. Send me a female servant” The door closed, and before I could react, he yanked the dress from my hand and pushed something to me.

Another dress?

I held the dress and realized that he must have asked Emmanuel to bring another dress through mind-link. I didn't understand what he wanted me to do with the dress so I just held it close.

"Do you plan to stand there naked all night? Or are you waiting for me to dress you myself? Because if that’s what you want—" Hades said with a sarcastic tone but I didn't let him finish his words. I quickly pulled the cloth over myself, my hands trembling slightly as I tugged it into place. 

There was another knock on the door, but this time Hades called the person in.

“Your Majesty” It was a feminine voice this time around, it wasn't Stella or Marie. A new person I hadn't met.

“Take her back to her room but before that… get her something to eat” Hades commanded and I could hear him leave the room, his pace fast, not even sparing a glance at me.

“This way, Miss,” She said and I immediately shook my head.

“Please don't call me miss. I'm… a servant here” She laughed and as we walked to the door, I noticed her steps were deliberately slow as if to match my pace.

“I doubt that you are an ordinary servant. The King isn't one to pay attention to anyone, especially not to a servant”.

I didn't reply since she was half right. I am his mate but he only saw me as his servant. He bought me at the auction house so I was rightfully his– it didn't matter what relationship we had since he could do whatever he wanted with me.

“My name is Eva” She suddenly stopped and I bumped into her, “Oh, I'm so sorry. Are you okay?”.

Cracking a small smile, I nodded my head. “I am fine, thank you and my name is Davina”.

“I love your name! It sounds really powerful” Eva gushed and I felt her hands on mine, directing me to sit. I could hear her footsteps fading and soon after she came back and instantly a savoring aroma filled my nose.

“Eat, the royal chef made it especially delicious after I told him that the king ordered him to do it” She laughed at her lie and I hesitated for a moment, not sure if I should really eat. I couldn't remember the last time I ate something good.

“It's okay, eat. He won't know” She tried to convince me, thinking that was the reason I didn't want to eat. After a slight moment of hesitation, the growling of my stomach became louder,  I stretched out my hand and Eva gave me a spoon and then I began to eat. For the first time in five years, I finally ate until I felt truly full.

***

"Go to bed," Eva said gently, pulling a blanket over me. I gripped the edge, not wanting her to think she had to take care of me, but she only smiled and tucked me in.

"Thank you," I murmured, feeling an unfamiliar warmth at the kindness.

"It's nothing! We're practically friends now." Her voice held a hint of happiness, and my heart stirred at the word friends. When was the last time anyone had called me that?

"Get some rest. I'll be back in the morning," Eva said softly before slipping out of the room. The door clicked shut, leaving me alone in silence. I lay there, my heart pounding, a single thought racing through my mind—How was I going to escape the Lycan King?