All Chapters of The Forbidden Gaze: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

Ava POV “Ava! Get over here!”The sound of my name being called makes my stomach tighten with fear. My grip on the mop stiffens, causing the bucket beside me to wobble.I don’t get noticed much in this place, and when I do, it’s rarely a good thing. Did I already make a mistake?Quickly, I put down my cleaning supplies and rush toward the Mistress Elara. The camp is alive with movement today. Women hurry back and forth, carefully applying makeup and styling their hair in elaborate ways. They decorate their bodies with golden patterns, weave beads and flowers into their locks, and spritz themselves with the richest, most fragrant oils.I navigate through their towering, shimmering figures, trying not to draw attention to myself. But some still glare at me as I pass. I recognize the way their lips twist and their eyes squint in disapproval. I used to cry over their rejection, but now, I pretend not to care.“Yes, Mistress Elara?” I speak softly, keeping my gaze directed at the ground.

Ava POV The first thing I see when I open my eyes is the sun—my one true companion on this strange planet. It rises faithfully each day, and I’ve lost count of how many mornings I’ve spent staring at it, wondering if Earth is somewhere beyond its reach. This sun is different from the one I knew back home; it blazes fiercely but carries a quiet warmth that seeps into my skin. It listens as I whisper my longing, as I shed silent tears, asking the same question over and over. Will I ever return home?I push away my thoughts and slip into a loose, oversized dress. It once had an elastic waistband, but time has stretched it beyond repair. The fabric, now a patchwork of uneven stitching and faded colors, hangs shapelessly over me. I don’t care how it looks. It’s light and airy, perfect for the heat.Pulling my long black hair into a simple braid, I let it drape down my back. A quick glance into the water-filled basin shows me a reflection that feels foreign. Back on Earth, people said I wa

Ava POV I spend the entire day going through my usual chores. Cleaning the kitchen is always a nightmare because the cooks are constantly experimenting with food. This time, even the walls are splattered with sticky batter. My stomach growls loudly as I wipe up the mess with my rag and wring it out into a bucket. I’m starving, but I can't eat until the work is done. The Mistress Elara calls it “motivation.” Sometimes, when I get fed up with the rules, I sneak a bite when no one’s looking. So far, I haven’t been caught, but I dread the day I get found out. When it happens, the Mistress Elara will make me sing like a bird. I sneak a drink of water to calm my growling stomach, imagining the dreadful day when I’m finally caught. The cool water feels so good going down my throat that I close my eyes and sigh with relief. "Ava!" I jump and almost choke on the water. Of course, this happens right now, when I’m feeling bold. Of course, I get caught eating when I least expect it

I hesitate, unsure of how much to reveal. But something about Elsie's kind face makes me trust her."He told me to meet his eyes," I say, my voice barely above a whisper. "He said I have to obey him."Elsie says nothing but keeps looking at me with keen eyes. I decide to take the risk and show her the note. Perhaps she might just be of help."Be careful, Ava. You're playing with fire," Elsie reads aloud, her eyes widening."Do you have any idea who must have left the note for me?" I ask."No," she answers.Elsie's expression turns grave. "Ava, you have to be careful. General Kaelen is not a man to be trifled with. He's powerful, and he's ruthless."I nod, feeling a chill run down my spine. I know that Elsie is right. I have to be careful, or I'll end up getting hurt.But as I look at Elsie, I realize that she's not just warning me about General Kaelen. She's warning me about something more.Something that could change everything."Ava, there's something you need to know," Elsie says,

I hesitate, unsure of how much to reveal. But something about Elsie's kind face makes me trust her."He told me to meet his eyes," I say, my voice barely above a whisper. "He said I have to obey him."Elsie says nothing but keeps looking at me with keen eyes. I decide to take the risk and show her the note. Perhaps she might just be of help."Be careful, Ava. You're playing with fire," Elsie reads aloud, her eyes widening."Do you have any idea who must have left the note for me?" I ask."No," she answers.Elsie's expression turns grave. "Ava, you have to be careful. General Kaelen is not a man to be trifled with. He's powerful, and he's ruthless."I nod, feeling a chill run down my spine. I know that Elsie is right. I have to be careful, or I'll end up getting hurt.But as I look at Elsie, I realize that she's not just warning me about General Kaelen. She's warning me about something more.Something that could change everything."Ava, there's something you need to know," Elsie says,