Chapter 2

The little beam of light escaping from the broken ceiling above them flashed on the iron axe. The light from the axe shone brightly at the scared man's face, his life flashing harshly before his face.

A scream escaped his lips and his blood splattered on his shirt, his face, and the rest spilled to the ground. He watched his fingers jump in different directions. Hot tears burned his cheeks and he looked maliciously at who had done that to him.

"I don't like repeating myself. This is just a rehearsal. Next time, Ambrose, your manhood comes off and I will make sure it dangs above you so that your eyes can feast on it." The ruthless butcher spat with an expressionless face and a wicked small smirk.

"Who sent you?" A cold voice surfaced from the shadows, sending chills down Ambrose's spine. It was the voice of the man he had always dreaded. His voice was rough and unforgiving, just like his dark heart.

"Please, I promise to leave and never show my face to you. Please, spare me. I have a kid and I was just trying to protect him from harm's way." The man begged with tears spilling from the corner of his eyes. His life depended on it.

A dark, ugly chuckle echoed in the room as he stepped out of his hiding place. He wore a mask that cloaked his vicious looks. He was known to be a walking demon who preyed on those who crossed his path or tried to defile him.

He turned to the butcher and another two of the man's fingers came flying, followed by an excruciating cry.

"You should know that I don't like asking questions twice."

"Master Asher, please, he will kill me if I say a word." Beads of sweat accompanied by tears rolled down his face. His body was visibly shaking and his heart pounded hard against his chest.

Asher brandished the sword in his hands by wiping it with a clean scarf.

"And you think I wouldn't?" His voice echoed.

"Give me a name, Ambrose." He was beginning to get impatient. He hated anything that would waste his precious time.

"I don't know who sent me. Believe me, please. I was only given an instruction to carry out or else, they would kill my son. That's what they said. He was wearing a dark cloak and his voice was deep."

"Are you trying to lie to me?"

"Master, please---" Before he could finish his statement, his head went flying across the room in one swing.

"Find out who sent him." Those were his final words before he disappeared into the darkness.

*******

Drained in community affairs, Asher sighed and relaxed back in his seat. He stared coldly at the paperwork that lay untouched and unattended on the table. That was his punishment for his latest tyrannical act. He had burned down a small village because they called him a demon and mocked his mask.

His expression turned sour at that memory. He began to regret ever sparing their lives and only destroying their homes.

A knock came to his door, dragging him out of his hostile thoughts.

"Come in,"

The door was opened and Killian, his guard, walked in.

"What is it?" Asher asked, eyes locked on him. Killian flashed him a disapproving look and slid a paper to him.

"The paper was signed, master," Killian reported and handed a paper to him. Asher stared at the paper with disdain.

"Who would be so willing and unfortunate to rush into their death?" His eyes were stuck on the female's signature. He thought as to why anyone would want to sign a death wish but he couldn't find any valid reason.

"Take it away, Killian. This is not necessary." Asher huffed and shifted a little in his seat.

"I don't want a wife," He squinted his eyes when Killian still stood, not moving an inch from his position.

The guard sighed while shaking his head.

"You and I know that the all-father orchestrated this. You even signed on it---"

"And that was because I didn't think there would be anyone stupid enough to sign the damn papers." His tone was unbothered, his eyes glued to the paper. He sighed and pushed the paper aside.

"Speaking of papers, when do I get out of all this?"

"Until you finish them, master."

Asher clicked his tongue, frustrated. He preferred being in the field, killing beasts. Other than sitting around trying to attend to the same people who called him names.

There was only one thing that could put him in a better mood.

"Send for Elina." He stood up and walked out of the room while Killian trailed behind him. As soon as they got to the master's room, he sent the guard there to get Elina. While the master got ready for his activity, Killian stood at the door.

When he saw Elina coming, he turned his eyes somewhere else.

"Hello, guard." She greeted him with a smirk.

"Pass by peacefully, slave." He retorted.

Elina's brows furrowed as she frowned her face. That was the 'title' she hated the most.

"At least I don't get to stand here for hours."

"Lucky you." He rolled his eyes and hissed.

"I bet you can't wait to mate with the master. I also bet you didn't know he now has a wife. At least, I only get to see your ugly face outside the walls of their matrimonial home from now on." He said, to spite the proud sex slave.

"You and I know that you're bluffing and nothing of such has happened. Have fun protecting us." She hissed and opened the door. Killian in his inner fury stormed out of the door. He and Elina hated each other and could never eat from the same plate or pass a place without the stench of hatred brewing between the two of them.

"Strip." The master spoke after he had sipped from his wine glass. He still held some fury against his father, his kingdom, and certainly, his new wife. He had never met her before but he was already beginning to loathe her. Her presence would make his life miserable.

Elina, without hesitation, stripped herself of the clothes she had on. She always felt happy whenever the master sent for her. She always dreamt of being with the master as his wife. She wanted to satisfy him in all ramifications.

"Hope you're taking those drugs, Elina." His voice sounded deep and husky.

"Yes, master. I am." She replied.

"Get on the bed." He commanded and she did as she was told. She lay on the bed and spread her legs. She did just as the master always wanted. She strived to be perfect. She felt she was enough and that he didn't need any wife. A wife would only come between them and destroy what they have.

She was tempted to ask him but she died the thought when she felt him inside of her.

She felt he loved her and that was why he kept sending for her.

'I am enough.' She said to herself. 'That stupid ex-boyfriend of mine was just joking.'