Vierva stands nervously at the entrance of the grand mansion, her heart pounding in her chest as she takes in the opulent surroundings. The double doors are tall and imposing, made of a dark, polished wood that seems to absorb the light. Above them, a large crest is carved into the stone, depicting a phoenix rising from the ashes. It's a symbol of rebirth and renewal, but to Vierva, it feels more like a dark omen.
She glances nervously at Dante, her green eyes wide and uncertain. She's not used to such grandeur, having lived a life of simplicity and hardship. The richness of her surroundings makes her feel small and out of place. She fidgets with the chain around her neck, the metal cold against her skin.
What happens now? she wonders silently, a flicker of fear passing through her mind. What does he want with me?
She knows she should be grateful to be saved from a life of servitude and abuse, but instead, she feels a sense of unease and apprehension. She doesn't know Dante, doesn't understand his intentions. For all she knows, he could be just as cruel as the masters she left behind.
As if sensing her thoughts, Dante looks at her, his pale blue eyes narrowing slightly. There's a darkness in them that makes Vierva's heart skip a beat. She quickly lowers her gaze, staring down at the polished marble floor beneath her feet.
Don't show weakness, she tells herself, remembering the lessons drilled into her by the Darkh family. Don't give him a reason to hurt you.
She takes a deep breath, trying to calm her racing thoughts and pounding heart. She stands up straight, her shoulders back, and waits for Dante to lead the way into the house. No matter what happens, she's determined to face it with the same quiet dignity and resilience she's always had.
Dante pushes open the heavy wooden doors, revealing a grand foyer that takes Vierva's breath away. The space is vast and airy, with a sweeping staircase curling up to a second-floor balcony that overlooks the entrance hall. The floor is a gleaming marble, polished to a mirror sheen, and the walls are adorned with priceless works of art and ornate tapestries.
As Dante holds the door open for her, Vierva hesitates for a moment, her eyes wide as she takes in the opulence surrounding her. She's never seen such a grand and beautiful space before, and it leaves her feeling small and out of place.
This is where I belong now? she wonders silently, a mix of awe and trepidation swirling in her mind.
Dante watches her closely, his pale blue eyes following her as she takes a tentative step forward, then another. He can see the way her gaze darts around the room, taking in every detail, from the crystal chandelier hanging above to the intricate moldings on the ceiling.
She's like a deer in headlights, he thinks to himself, a small smile playing at the corner of his mouth. Beautiful and fragile, ready to bolt at the slightest provocation.
He steps inside, the door closing behind him with a soft click that echoes in the silent room. The sound seems to startle Vierva, and she takes a small, almost imperceptible step back, her eyes widening slightly.
Easy, Dante thinks to himself, his voice softening as he speaks. "Welcome to your new home, Vierva. I hope you'll find it to your liking."
He gestures for her to follow him deeper into the house, his long strides carrying him towards the sweeping staircase. As he walks, he watches her from the corner of his eye, noting the way she keeps a careful distance between them, her arms wrapped protectively around herself.
She's wary of me, he realizes, a flicker of something dark and possessive passing through his mind. Good. She should be.
Because he knows that he can be dangerous, can be cruel, when he wants to be. And he wants to be cruel with Vierva, wants to break her down and rebuild her in his image. But he also wants her to come to him willingly, wants her to choose to be his of her own free will.