Book 3: Chapter 9

The gravity of her decision pressed down on Esmeralda like a physical weight. She had crossed a line she never imagined she would, submitting to Santiago's terms in exchange for protection. But the reality of being his, his plaything, gnawed at her, despite the calm facade she tried to maintain.

Santiago gave her a long, assessing look before his tone shifted, all traces of the predatory glint gone, replaced with cold, calculated intent.

“You’ll need to rest now, Esme,” he said, standing tall, his commanding presence reminding her of just how much control he held. “But tonight, we move forward with my plan. You’re going to have to go back home.”

Esmeralda’s stomach twisted, her eyes widening in disbelief. "Go back? What do you mean, Santiago? Didn’t we just seal a deal?" Panic laced her voice as she instinctively took a step back.

Santiago remained unfazed, his expression hardening with the seriousness of his words. "Yes, we did. But unless you want Diego to