The next morning, I wake up to the sound of birds chirping outside my window. The sun is shining brightly through the crack in the curtains, casting a warm glow across my bed. I stretch and yawn, trying to wake myself up properly. As I climb out of bed, I can't help but feel a strange mix of exhaustion and anticipation for the day ahead. I'm still a slave, yes, but Alden seems to have taken a liking to me. Perhaps there's a chance for me to earn my freedom, or at least a better life, here.I dress in the plain servant's clothes that have been laid out for me, trying to ignore the rough, coarse fabric against my skin. As I'm tying my apron around my waist, I hear footsteps approaching from down the hallway. Alden walks in, looking as regal and commanding as ever. "Duna," he says with a nod, "Come to my room, now" . I have something important to discuss with you." His voice is calm and collected, but there's an undercurrent of authority that makes my heart race. I swallow hard, trying to compose myself as I follow him to his room. Once inside, he motions for me to sit down on the floor where my other bed was."I've been thinking," he begins, "about what your life was like before you came here." He pauses, as if debating whether or not to continue. "I know it wasn't easy for you, and I understand that you're probably still adjusting." I look up at him, surprised by the level of empathy in his voice. "I want you to know that I am not unfeeling, and I do care about your well-being." I sit not responding, feeling a bit relief wash over me. He continues, "I've decided that I want you to stay with me in my room." His words confuse me; I was expecting a punishment, not a reward. "This way, I can keep an eye on you." "But why?" I ask, my voice small. Alden looks at me with a mixture of pity and amusement. "Because, Duna, I want to make sure that you're happy here. And I want you to know that you can always come to me with your problems, your fears, your hopes. I may not be able to give you everything you want, but I will do my best to make sure that you have a good life." He pauses, searching my face for a reaction. "And I think," he continues, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his lips, "that you would make a very fine pet." My eyes widen in fear at that last word. What does he mean by that? "No, no, no," he says, holding up his hands in a placating gesture. "I don't mean that you'll be locked up or anything like that.
It's just... well, I want you to know that I'm here for you, and that you'll always have a place by my side, I want you to know that I care about you, and that you can always come to me if you need anything. And as for the perks of being my pet... well, there are plenty of them. For starters, you won't have to worry about making your own food. All of your meals will be prepared for you, and you won't have to spend your days toiling in the kitchen. You'll also have access to the finest clothes and jewelry that money can buy, and I'll see to it that you're always well-groomed and well-cared for. In return, all I ask is that you remain loyal to me and do your best to make me happy. "I-I'll do anything master." I mutter with my eyes still locking on the floor my voice still shaky. He chuckles, his voice warm and comforting. "Oh, don't worry, Duna. You'll be well taken care of. You'll have everything you need. I just want you to know that you can always come to me if you're feeling down or if you need anything. You're my little pet now, and I won't let anything bad happen to you." He pets me gently on the head, and I keep staring at the floor below me not looking up at him, unsure how I should feel about my new stats as a "pet"

"Yes, Master" I meekly respond, my voice barely above a whisper. I feel a weight settling in my chest as I realize that Alden holds all the power in our relationship, and I am completely at his mercy."Now wait, here while cook prepares our meals" I nod, not daring to speak out of turn. Alden's room is lavishly furnished, with a large bed adorned in rich fabrics and soft pillows, a dressing table covered in various trinkets and knickknacks, and a large window that overlooks the expansive gardens of the estate. The walls are painted in soothing pastel colors, and the air carries the scent of freshly cut flowers. Despite the luxury that surrounds me, I can't help but feel uneasy. Alden's words echo in my head, "pet," "happy," "care." I don't know what he expects of me, but I know that I must tread carefully. As I sit on the floor, idly fidgeting with the hem of my dress, Alden finishes eating and tosses the remains of his meal into a small wooden bin beside the bed. He leans back against the pillows, eyes fixed on me. "You know, Duna," he begins, "you remind me of someone I once knew. A slave girl who was sold to my father many years ago. She was clever and quick-witted, just like you." His voice trails off, and he seems to be lost in thought. I swallow hard, wondering what this could mean for me. Is he going to treat me the same way he treated her? "Is that bad?" I mutter back to him, unable to contain my fear. Alden chuckles softly, a dark amusement playing at the corners of his lips. "Oh, no, my dear pet," he says, reaching out to stroke my hair. "It's not bad at all. In fact, it's quite the opposite. I think you'll make a wonderful addition to my collection." His words send a shiver down my spine, and I can't help but feel a sense of dread washing over me. What does he mean by "collection"? And why does he keep referring to me as a pet? I get up, and walk towards the door. "Where do you think you're going?" Alden asks, his voice sharp and commanding. I freeze, my hand still on the door handle. "M-make us breakfast?" I stutter back my response turning into a question. Alden smirks, standing up from his bed. then pulls me by my slave collar close to his face "I told you already, that's not your job anymore. "His voice is colder than ice, and his breath smells of wine and expensive food. He lets go of my collar, and I take a step back, feeling suddenly small and vulnerable. "You're my pet now, Duna. Your job is to make me happy." "So... what do I do then?" I mutter back feeling a strong sense of fear and unease in my stomach. "You will do whatever I tell you to do, when I tell you to do it. You will be here when I want you to be here, and you will be gone when I want you to be gone." His words hang in the air like a thick, suffocating fog. "You will be at my side, always, and you will make sure that I never want for anything." His eyes bore into mine, searching for any sign of rebellion or resistance. Finding none, he turns away dismissively and heads back to his bed, indicating that I should return to my spot on the floor. I sit back down and wait. The morning drags on in silence, broken only by the occasional sound of Alden moving around the room or the distant noise of servants going about their chores. The tension in the air is palpable, and I can feel Alden's eyes on me every time I move. I try to keep my head down and remain as inconspicuous as possible, hoping that he'll forget I'm here. But as the hours pass, I can't help but feel increasingly trapped and helpless.

"Make sure you're back here when I wake up." He says, already beginning to drift off to sleep. I swallow hard, trying to decide what to do. Do I risk disobeying him and trying to escape? Or do I stay here, where at least I have a chance of surviving? Reluctantly, I decide to stay. There's nowhere else for me to go, and I don't want to risk the consequences of defying Alden. Well if he's going to sleep I'll sleep too, it's not like i have anything better to do. I think to myself as i curl up on the floor, trying to find a comfortable position. Despite my best efforts, sleep eludes me. The weight of Alden's words press down on me like an invisible force, and I can't help but feel trapped. I close my eyes, trying to block out the world around me, but images of my old life, of my family, of freedom, dance through my head, taunting me with the reminder of what I've lost. And as the darkness begins to creep in at the edges of my vision, I can't help but wonder if there's any way to escape this nightmare.

As I lay there, my eyes drift shut and my breathing slows, the weight of Alden's words begin to lift. Images of my old life flash before my eyes: my family, my home, the laughter of my friends. For a brief moment, I feel a sense of peace, of belonging, that I haven't felt in weeks. But as quickly as it comes, it's gone, replaced by the harsh reality of my situation. I am Alden's pet now, and there is no escape from that. I force myself to sit up, stretching my stiff limbs and yawning loudly. The room is still, and I can hear Alden's steady breathing from the bed. Carefully, I make my way over to the bedside, trying not to disturb him. I glance at the small wooden box by the bed, wondering what could possibly be inside. As I reach for it, my hand hesitates in mid-air, the weight of the decision almost too much to bear. Do I risk it? Or do I play it safe and wait for another opportunity? My curiosity gets the better of me, and I slide the wooden box across the floor, careful not to make too much noise. As I lift the lid, I'm greeted by a collection of small trinkets and baubles, nothing out of the ordinary. But as I dig deeper, my heart starts to race. There, hidden beneath a layer of jewelry, I find a small, worn-out diary, its leather cover bearing the initials "A.M." My fingers tremble as I flip through the pages, and I'm immediately transported to another world, another time. The entries are dated back to when Alden was just a boy, and they tell a story of a mother who loved her son unconditionally, despite his cruelty and manipulation. As I read on, I can't help but feel a sense of sadness and anger towards Alden. How could he turn against the one person who loved him the most? The answer is simple: he was born into a world where power and control were everything, and he had no choice but to embrace it. As I continue to read through the diary, I learn about Alden's first slave, a girl named Lily. She was given to him as a gift when he turned thirteen, and from the start, he treated her brutally. There are pages upon pages of entries detailing his cruel games and punishments, as well as his twisted attempts to control and manipulate her. It's clear that Alden's hatred for Lily was born out of fear and insecurity, for she represented everything that he was not: kind, loving, and free. The final entry in the diary is dated just a few days before Alden's fourteenth birthday. In it, Lily writes about how she had finally found a way to escape from Alden's clutches. She had been planning it for months, and tonight would be the night. Her heart raced with a mixture of fear and determination as she crept out of the manor, making her way through the darkened gardens. She knew that once she was free, she would never return to that life of slavery and abuse. Just then, the door creaks open, and a figure steps inside, casting a shadow across the page. My heart pounds in my chest as I recognize the woman's features; it's Alden's mother, Lady Thorn. Her icy blue eyes narrow as she takes in the scene before her, Alden sleeping soundly and me, hunched over the diary. I quickly stuff the book back under its cover, trying to act as if I was just tidying the room. Lady Thorn's gaze flickers between us, her expression unreadable. "I trust you've been taking care of my son, Duna?" she asks, her voice cool and distant. "Y-yes, Umm" I pause unsure of how I should address her. My heart is racing, my palms are sweaty, and I can feel the weight of the diary pressing against my side. Lady Thorn's expression remains impassive, almost as if she's seeing right through me. "I mean, Alden's been very kind to take me in," I stammer, trying to keep my voice steady. "I'm just grateful for the opportunity to serve him." Her eyes narrow slightly at my response, and I can feel the tension in the room growing. "I've been reading through some of his things," I continue, gesturing vaguely to the diary, "and I've learned so much about him and his family. "Lady Thorn steps forward, her expression unreadable. "Yes, Alden's father and I have always been very strict with our children," she says, her voice low and cold. "We believe in discipline, and we expect our slaves to obey without question." She pauses, looking me up and down. "You seem to be handling things quite well, Duna. Alden has mentioned that you're a quick learner. That's good." Her tone is neither praise nor criticism, but it sends a shiver down my spine nonetheless. "Now," she says, turning to leave the room, "I suggest you get some rest. You'll have a busy day tomorrow." I nod keeping my head as low as possible. As soon as she's gone, I let out a shaky breath, feeling a mixture of relief and fear wash over me. Alden's words from earlier echo in my mind: "You will do whatever I tell you to do, when I tell you to do it. You will be here when I want you to be here, and you will be gone when I want you to be gone." The diary had given me a glimpse into Alden's past, but it had also made it clear that he was a dangerous and unpredictable master. I knew that if I was going to survive, I had to be careful, not just with my actions, but with my words and my thoughts as well. 

I crawl over to my "bed" pull the small covers over me it's not even big enough to fully cover me I shiver looking up at my masters sheets wishing I could could have the same level of warmth. I close my eyes and drift off to sleep. But even as I sleep, I am haunted by the memories of Lily, of the things Alden had done to her, and of the escape that had been so cruelly snatched away. I can't help but wonder if there's any way to free myself from this nightmare, or if I'm doomed to spend the rest of my days as Alden's slave. The diary had given me a glimmer of hope, but it had also shown me the depths of Alden's depravity. And as the night wears on, I can't help but feel that the shadows are closing in, that danger lurks around every corner, and that escape may be farther away than I ever imagined. The next day, Lady Thorn arrives early, her expression stern and unforgiving. "You will accompany me to the market today, Duna," she says, her voice like ice. "I have errands that need running, and I expect you to be on your best behavior." I nod, swallowing hard, Alden jumps awake "What are you doing in here?" "Umm Lady Thorn wants me to accompany her to the market today" I reply quietly not meeting Alden's gaze. Alden's eyes widen in surprise "You what?" He shouts angrily as Lady Thorn clears her throat from the doorway. "I-I'm sorry I didn't mean to I'll stay here I won't go I'll just clean or something" I stutter out, tears welling up in my eyes. Alden glares at me for a moment before turning back to Lady Thorn "I'm sorry mother, I must've misheard her. Of course she can go with you today." He says, his voice dripping with sarcasm. Lady Thorn raises an eyebrow at him, but says nothing as she turns and leaves the room. Alden's glare remains fixed on me for a few more moments before he finally lets out a sigh and gets up, shaking his head. "Come on then," he says, grabbing my arm roughly and dragging me out of the room. "You'd better not let me down today, Duna." The rest of the day passes in a blur of crowded streets, loud vendors, and Lady Thorn's cold, unyielding gaze. "So, son how is your slave?" She askes him as we continue shopping "She's been doing quite well mother" He replies "I'm thinking of giving her a small reward once we get back" He says with a smirk. Lady Thorn raises an eyebrow at him "And what might that reward be?" She asks. Alden smirks even wider "Oh you know, mother, just a little something extra for a job well done." His mother presses further "And what will that reward be? "Lady Thorn eyes narrow, clearly sensing something amiss. "Alden, I think it's time for you to come clean about what you're planning for your slave," she says, her voice cold and hard. "I know you too well, my son. And I won't stand for you treating another living being the way you treated Lily." Alden's face pales, and he quickly looks away, unable to meet his mother's steely gaze. "Mother, I... I was just playing with her," he stammers, his voice barely above a whisper. "I wouldn't really hurt her." Lady Thorn lets out a long sigh, shaking her head. "Alden, you have always been a troubled boy," she says, her voice filled with sadness and disappointment. "But this... this goes beyond anything I could have ever imagined. You must learn to control your impulses, my son. Because if you don't, you will only bring ruin upon yourself and those around you." "How old are you duna?" Lady thorn askes me as we walk through the market place "Eleven mistress" I reply meekly. Lady Thorn pauses for a moment, considering my words. "Eleven," she repeats, almost to herself. "Too young to understand the ways of the world, much less the cruelty that exists within it. "Son, that makes her the same age as you." She looks back at Alden, her eyes full of warning. "Do remember that you brought this slave without my permission if you're not going to take care of her, I'll take her from you, do you understand young man?" Alden's face turns beet red, and he looks away, unable to meet his mother's gaze. "Yes, mother," he mutters. "I understand." "Now alden, has duna been obeying your orders?" his mother askes I keep walking with them both keeping my head down, now wishing I hadn't had to come along. "Yes, mother. She's been very obedient." Alden's words are laced with venom, and I can feel his hatred for me burning like a brand on my skin. "Good," Lady Thorn says, nodding. "Because I expect her to remain that way. And if I ever hear of you mistreating her again, Alden... well, let's just say that you won't like the consequences." "Now duna, we are passing by a lot of venders since you've done such a good job working and haven't caused any trouble I'll buy you something, what would you like?" Lady Thorn asks me as we walk by a vendor selling small trinkets and baubles. I swallow hard, not wanting to make any wrong decisions. "Umm... I-I don't know..." I stammer, looking around at the various items for sale. "I've never had any money before..." "Don't worry about the price dear, I can afford anything you can see from the venders. I think back to my time in my master's room, when I was freezing, I start to think if I want a pillow or a blanket "It's really cold in master's room and the blanket, It's nice but it doesn't keep me warm" I mutter pushing my fingers together despite her offer I'm still scared to openly ask her for it. "Ah, yes," Lady Thorn says, nodding understandingly. "I see. Well, then, I think a warm blanket would be just the thing. You can have this one." She gestures to a particularly soft-looking blanket, its deep red color contrasting starkly against the cold winter air. The vendor nods, wrapping it up in brown paper and handing it over to Lady Thorn. She turns to me, holding out the package. "Here you go, dear. I hope this helps keep you warm at night." Tears prick at my eyes as I take the blanket from her, overcome with gratitude and a sense of relief. "Thank you, mistress," I whisper, my voice barely audible over the sounds of the bustling marketplace. "It means a lot to me." Lady Thorn smiles gently, her expression softening. "You're welcome, Duna. You've earned it." "See son look at how grateful she is, you'd think we were doing her a favor by taking her in. We are her family now, and it's our responsibility to take care of her. Do you understand?" Lady Thorn askes Alden as we walk away from the vendor. Alden's face is still flushed with anger, but he nods, reluctantly. "Yes, mother." "Good, because I expect you to treat her with the same care and respect that you would any other member of our family. Do I make myself clear?" Alden's eyes meet hers, and for a moment, I see a flicker of understanding in his gaze. But it's gone in an instant, replaced by the cold, calculating stare that I've come to know all too well. "Yes, mother," he repeats, his voice devoid of emotion. "I understand." We continue our journey through the marketplace, Lady Thorn shopping for groceries and other household items while Alden and I trail behind her, silent and tense. I can't help but feel a sense of unease about our situation, knowing that despite Lady Thorn's kindness, there's still a long road ahead of me if I ever hope to truly escape the darkness that surrounds me. We speed the whole day shopping returning to the castle as the sun sets. "Well, Duna," Lady Thorn says as we enter the castle, her voice tired but calm, "I think that's everything for now. You did a wonderful job today. Why don't you go back to your quarters and get some rest?" I nod gratefully, following her down a long, winding hallway. "Good night, Duna," she says, stopping at a door with a brass handle. "You've earned it." She gives me a small, reassuring pat on the shoulder before disappearing down the hallway, leaving me alone in the dimly lit corridor. With a heavy heart, I push open the door and step inside, collapsing onto the hard bed. The blanket Lady Thorn gave me feels impossibly warm and soft against my skin, and for a moment, I feel a twinge of guilt for not being more grateful for it earlier. But as I drift off to sleep, I can't help but wonder how long this charade will last, and what will happen when Lady Thorn isn't around to protect me from Alden's wrath. The shadows loom large in my mind, casting their ominous shadows across the room, and I'm left with the haunting feeling that no matter how hard I try to escape, I am doomed to remain a slave to my masters' twisted whims for the rest of my life. I am soon awoken by alden's voice "What are you doing in my bed?" I freeze, my heart pounding in my chest. I hadn't realized that I had fallen asleep in his bed, but now there's no mistaking it. Alden stands before me, his expression a mix of anger and arousal. I force myself to remain still, to not show any fear or defiance. "I-I'm sorry, Master. I must have gotten confused. I thought this was my bed. "He steps closer, . "No, Duna. This is my bed. You're bed is there as he points to floor" And with that, he grabs me roughly by the arm and drags me out his bed pushing me on the floor near the food of the bed my old blanket still there.

"Now get out of my sight." His voice is cold and empty, like he's talking to a piece of furniture rather than a living, breathing person. I scramble to my feet, my cheeks burning with shame, and hurry back to my own bed. I place my new covers and prepare to sleep. "Master, why are you so mad at me did I do something wrong, I don't understand. " I ask him as I try to make sense of his actions. He turns around, his eyes narrowing in anger. "You're always asking questions, aren't you? Do you know how annoying that is?" He sneers at me, making me flinch. "You're just a stupid slave, Duna. You should know your place and keep your mouth shut. Understand?" I nod, tears stinging my eyes. I know I shouldn't be surprised by his cruelty anymore, but it still hurts. I crawl back into bed, pulling the blanket up to my chin, trying to ignore the coldness seeping into my bones.