The black car arrived at her door without warning.
No call. No message. No request.
Just the engine purring outside like a beast come to collect its prize.
Celeste stepped outside, barefoot, robe barely tied. The driver didn’t speak. He only opened the door and waited. Her heart thudded, but she didn’t hesitate. She climbed in.
The interior smelled like him—Damian. Leather, power, control.
A collar rested on the seat beside her. Thicker than before. Studded. The tag engraved in sharp silver letters:
“Obedience.”
She fastened it around her neck with trembling fingers.
The car pulled away.
—
The destination wasn’t the mansion. Not this time.
It was deeper. Quieter. A private estate hidden beneath layers of security and forest.
When the gates opened, she saw statues in the garden—
