Chapter 9: She Boy She Knew Is Long Gone

The night was thick with the smell of rain on the pavement as Mara stepped out of the Blackwood estate gates, wrapping her arms around herself tightly. Damon had ordered a car for her, sleek and black, with windows so dark that it felt less like a ride and more like a moving prison.

Inside the car, she sat quietly, watching the city blur by as if it no longer belonged to her. Her phone buzzed with messages from her best friend, but she ignored them. Each notification reminded her just how far her life had become since Damon reappeared.

When the car stopped, she was startled to see they weren’t at her apartment but in front of a grand hall, glowing with lights and music that spilled out into the streets. She thought he gave her a free little movement.

“What is this place?” she whispered to the driver.

“Mr. Blackwood’s orders. He told you already Madam , you should have know. You’re to attend.”

“ w…what ? He told me? He only said one of his men will come to pick me, he didn’t talk about an event. I thought I’m going…”

“Don master said There was no option to say no.” He said.

“But I’m not wearing an event dress”

Inside the grand hall, everything sparkled with luxury. Men wore sharp suits, while women dazzled in elegant gowns. The atmosphere buzzed with hushed conversations, quick glances, and a palpable sense of power that Mara had only heard about in stories. She noticed Damon right away—tall and composed, his sleek black suit stood out against the warm light of the chandeliers. The crowd instinctively moved aside, treating him like a king among them.

But his gaze was fixed on her.

Mara’s stomach twisted. The music changed to something slower, darker. Damon extended his hand, and though her instincts screamed to run, she found herself walking toward him.

“Dance with me,” he said, his voice a low command.

“how do you expect me to dance, you told me one of your men will come pick me up but you didn’t tell me I wiIl come meet you at a event. I don’t belong here, Damon. she replied, shaking her head.”

His grip on her hand was firm, brooking no refusal. “You belong where I say you do. And for that if I tell you, you will refuse to come.” Damon said.

“But I’m not dressing the way other women are dressed.”

“ it’s doesn’t matter I like the simple gown you wore, it made you more beautiful already.”

As the orchestra played a powerful tune, he drew her into the center of the dance floor. The way he moved was smooth and confident, as if he had imagined this moment countless times before.

“Why bring me here? she asked quietly, her voice trembling.

“To show them,” Damon replied, his lips brushing near her ear. “That you’re mine.”

Her breath caught, and her heart pounded so loud she wondered if he could hear it. She glanced around and noticed how everyone was watching them. Some looked on with curiosity, while others watched with barely concealed anger. She could hear the hushed whispers, with names mentioned in a way that hinted at secrets and subtle threats disguised as polite conversation.

One man in particular stood out. He leaned casually against a pillar, his gray eyes sharp and unblinking as he watched Damon and Mara dance. He didn’t bother to hide his scrutiny—it was as though he was measuring her, memorizing her.

Mara stiffened. “ I feel like someone is watching us," she whispered.

“I know.” Damon replied, gently placing his hand on the small of her back. “That’s why you mustn’t falter.”

As the song came to an end, Damon led her away from the dance floor, giving her hand a gentle but firm squeeze. He leaned in close and whispered something to her that sent a shiver down her spine.

“Every shadow in this room has teeth, Mara. And tonight, they know where to bite.”

Mara glanced back at the man with the gray eyes, feeling a knot in her stomach. She didn’t know who he was, but she could feel it—he was going to matter.

Too much.