Kenneth's eyes gleamed with triumph as he leaned in, his lips curling into a predatory smile. "You've lost. Stop fighting. I can smell your fear. There's nothing to be afraid of," he whispered, his breath tickling her ear causing her skin to crawl. "You're mine now."
Kasia's heart thundered in her chest, a mix of fear and defiance coursing through her veins. "I'll never be yours," she hissed, struggling against his iron grip. "I…"
Kasia's words were cut short as Kenneth's teeth sank into her neck. The pain was immediate and searing, unlike anything Kasia had ever experienced. She cried out in pain and Kenneth held her closer to him.
'This can't be happening,' Kasia thought as she struggled to free herself from him. 'I can't let him do this to me.'
The force of his bite burned like liquid fire, spreading from the point of contact throughout her entire body. It felt awful, wrong, the need to purge her stomach was strong. Kasia's vision began to blur as the pain was becoming unbearable.
"Let go of me!" she gasped, her voice barely a whisper.
Kenneth stepped back; his eyes gleaming with satisfaction as he took in Kasia's trembling form. Blood trickled from the fresh mark on her neck, a stark contrast against her skin. His smirk changed to a frown. "I'm sorry. I was too rough."
Kasia's hand flew to her neck, fingers pressing against the throbbing wound. Her breath came in ragged gasps, but her hazel eyes blazed. "You're sorry? What kind of sick game are you playing now?"
Kenneth tilted his head, studying her with an unsettling intensity. His frown turned into smile. If Kasia didn't know any better, she would have assumed he actually did care about her. Kasia would have preferred him angry, the sickening sweet smile on his face was unnerving.
"No games. This isn't how I want it to be," he said. Kenneth took a step closer, and Kasia instinctively pressed herself further against the counter. "I want you to choose me, Kasia. Willingly."
"You're delusional," Kasia spat. "I'd rather die than- "
Kenneth's finger pressed against her lips, silencing her. "Shh," he murmured. "You don't mean that. Not really. You just don't understand yet."
"You're insane if you think I'd ever choose you," she snarled, her voice quivering from rage.
Kenneth's lips curled into a smirk. He leaned in, close enough that she could feel his breath on her cheek. "Oh, I've got time to change your mind."
A slow, deliberate clap shattered the tension between them. Kasia's head snapped toward the sound, her body instinctively preparing for another fight. Kenneth's eyes narrowed, his focus shifting to the person behind them.
Nadia stood in the kitchen doorway, her dark hair cascading over one shoulder, her lips curved in a mocking smile. The sight of her mentor sent a confusing whirlwind of emotions through Kasia- relief, betrayal, fear.
"Quite the little drama you two have going on," Nadia drawled, her voice dripping with amusement. She leaned against the door frame.
"Nadia," Kasia managed, her voice hoarse. "What…what are you doing here?"
"Oh, I wouldn't miss this for the world," Nadia said, her smile never reaching her eyes. "It's not every day you get to see a mighty Rogue King playing house."
Kenneth's jaw clenched, a low growl rumbling in his chest. Kasia felt the vibration through the mark on her neck, sending an involuntary shiver down her spine.
"Watch your tongue, Nadia," Kenneth snarled, his fingers flexing at his sides.
'This is wrong,' Kasia thought, her gaze darting between her former mentor and her captor. 'They shouldn't know each other like this.'
"Or what?" Nadia's voice was light, almost playful, but Kasia knew that tone. This was the voice Nadia used when she had the upper hand and she knew it. "Are you going to bark at me, Kenneth? Or have you forgotten your place?"
"I'm warning you," Kenneth growled.
Nadia stepped closer, utterly unbothered by Kenneth's threatening posture. "Or you'll do what?" she asked with her hands on her hips. "You're in my territory now, rogue mutt. That means you play by my rules."
"Don't push me, hunter," he growled, but there was a hint of uncertainty in his voice that hadn't been there before.
"As long as you do what I say I won't have to," Nadia stated. Her gaze shifted, her eyes locking onto Kasia with an intensity that would have made Kasia flinch in the past, but Kasia held her gaze. Nadia scoffed and turned her attention back to Kenneth.
"Don't worry, Rogue King," Nadia said, emphasizing his title with disdain. "I don't care what you do with this traitor. But for now, she's mine to deal with until I get what I need from her."
"Nadia," Kasia started. "What's going on? Why are you- "
"Quiet, traitor," Nadia snapped. Her lips curled into a sneer as she regarded Kasia. "You always were too soft, too questioning. I had such high hopes for you, Kasia. But it seems you're determined to throw it all away for what? Some misplaced sense of morality?"
"If saving the only remaining family I had left made me soft, so be it. I don't regret anything," Kasia retorted. "At least I see how you took advantage of Lana and I."
Nadia scoffed. "Understand? You don't even know the half of it."
"That's rich coming from a mindless puppet," Kasia countered.
"I don't have time to argue with you. Come along, traitor. Or would you prefer I leash you like the dog you are now?" Nadia responded as she pulled out a choke collar and chain.
'She's out of her mind if she thinks she can put that on me,' Kasia thought. She straightened her spine, ignoring the protest of her battered body. "That won't be necessary," she said, her voice low but steady. "I won't give you the satisfaction. Lead the way, Nadia."
"Good girl," Nadia said with a smirk. Kasia bit her lip to keep from retorting.
As Kasia moved to follow Nadia, a sudden intrusion pierced her mind. Kenneth's voice invaded her thoughts.
'Remember, Kasia,' he said. 'Remember what I told you. It wasn't my kind that killed your parents.'