Charlotte woke up with a startled scream and tear-filled eyes, a recurring nightmare haunting her once again. Elara, her friend from the establishment, often referred to these as night terrors. However, Charlotte found no solace in the distinction of terminology; the fear gripping her was all too real.
As she tried to sit up, panic surged through her body. The unfamiliar room offered a slight improvement from the dreary cell she had endured before. Still, the presence of a man leaning casually against the door sent shivers down her spine. Arms crossed, he observed her with a penetrating gaze that matched his enigmatic aura.
"Where am I?" Charlotte managed to croak out, her voice betraying her fear.
"It's rude to question someone in their own home, especially when they've been kind enough to offer you shelter," the man replied calmly, his tone implying authority.
The memories flooded back to Charlotte—the purchase by the red-haired man, the abrupt change in ownership, and now, finding herself in this unfamiliar mansion.
"Did you just read my mind?" Charlotte's astonishment was evident in her voice.
"I did," came the simple response, followed by a directive to breathe. The man's words seemed to have a hypnotic effect, guiding her to calmness with each inhale and exhale.
Just then, Louis, the butler, entered the room, breaking the tense atmosphere. He glanced between his master and the visibly shaken Charlotte.
"Master Lucas, dinner has been served," Louis announced, attempting to shift the focus away from the earlier tension.
"Send it to my room, and brief the girl on her duties," Lucas instructed, his voice carrying an air of command. "She will be responsible for cleaning."