Thalia ran until her lungs burned, collapsing in the empty hallway as if the silence itself weighed on her. She stared into space, dazed.
What have I done?
Her mind spiraled. She pressed a hand to her lips, remembering the heat of his mouth against hers. Shame—or something far more dangerous—washed through her. With a defeated sigh, she dragged herself to bed and forced her eyes shut.
The Next Morning
At the dining table, Lily served Vicious his breakfast.
He glanced toward the empty chair. "Where is Thalia?"
"Uh… she's in the backyard," Lily replied cautiously. "Doing something with the garden."
Vicious scoffed. "Tell her to come serve me herself. She cooks it—she serves it."
Lily hurried to the backyard.
"Thalia," she whispered nervously, "Master wants you to bring his food."
Thalia didn't even turn. "Tell him I'm busy. If he wants to eat, let him eat. If he wants to starve, let him starve."
"Thalia—please—"
"No," Thalia snapped. "And if he asks, tell him you begged me but I refused."
Lily, helpless, returned inside and repeated every word.
Vicious' hand slammed against the table with such force that the utensils rattled.
"Arrogant," he muttered, eyes darkening. "It seems I've been too lenient with her."
"Please, don't be angry," Lily pleaded. "She's just—ignorant."
He ignored the food completely, sitting still as stone, waiting.
Eventually, Thalia walked in, wiping her hands on her apron as though nothing were wrong.
He looked up slowly. "Where were you? I sent for you."
She crossed her arms. "I cooked the food. Lily served it. What difference does it make?"
His jaw clenched. "It makes a difference because Lily is not you—and you are not Lily."
She gave a mocking little laugh. "Then why haven't you eaten? What do you want? For me to spoon-feed you?"
She rolled her eyes. "Are you avoiding me because of the kiss?"
The room went silent.
"I am not avoiding you," she continued coldly. "And nothing happened between us. Nothing will ever happen again. That was a mistake. And honestly—" she wrinkled her nose in disgust— "you're repulsive."
She turned to walk away.
Vicious grabbed her arm in a flash. "What did you just say?"
"You heard me."
"Watch your mouth."
"Or what?" she shot back. "If you don't want to starve, then eat. Otherwise, who knows? Maybe hunger will put you in a hospital bed."
His eyes narrowed at her defiance.
"Your tongue is too sharp," he said in a chillingly calm voice. "You speak as if you're untouchable."
"I've seen your type," she spat. "You think money and pride make you a god. But I've already seen you inside and out, Vicious. You don't scare me."
A dark smirk curled his lips. "Clearly, you've recovered too well."
Before she could react, he yanked her toward the storage room. She struggled, kicking, but his grip was iron.
Without another word, he threw her inside and locked the door.
"You'll learn your place," he said through the wood, then walked away.
Hours passed.
Thalia shoved at the walls, searching for another exit. In the struggle, she tripped, slamming her head against a wooden crate. Warm liquid trickled down her temple. She touched it
Blood.
Her vision blurred. She staggered again, hitting her leg. More blood. Dizzy and weak, she sank to the floor and drifted into sleep.
Late evening.
Vicious walked past the hallway—and froze.
Thalia.
He had locked her up. And forgotten.
He threw the door open.
Blood.
His heart dropped. "Thalia!" He rushed to her, shaking her gently. "Wake up."
Her eyes fluttered open for barely a second before she shoved him and bolted toward the kitchen.
She grabbed a knife from the counter, pressing it against her stomach.
"Stay back!" she cried, hysterical. "I'd rather die than live like this! I'm not your slave!"
"Thalia—put it down," Vicious ordered, stepping forward slowly.
"DON'T COME CLOSER!" she screamed, tears spilling. "I swear I'll do it!"
Her hands trembled violently. The blade glinted dangerously.
Vicious' breath hitched. For the first time ever—he looked scared.
"Thalia, listen to me," Lily said quietly, "Your life is not yours to throw away. You didn't create it you don't get to destroy it."
"That's something from the Bible," she muttered bitterly. "Don't preach to me."
She tried to steady the knife.
He moved fast.
She staggered forward, the blade slipping from her grip as she fell
Her head smacked against the tile.
She went limp.
"THALIA!"
Vicious dropped to his knees, lifting her head gently, blood staining his hands. Panic surged through him like lightning. He dials the doctor's number
"Doctor! I need you here" he roared. "NOW!"
Lily came running as the household rushed into chaos. Thalia was lifted and carried to her bedroom. Minutes later, the doctors burst in with equipment.
Vicious stood at the side of the bed, fists clenched.
"Do whatever it takes," he ordered. His voice was soft but deadly.
Lily pressed a hand to her chest silently.
Will she be okay?
She has to be.