---- "When you’ve served your purpose, dont worryIll set you free.


    I dont intend to keep you as my ve forever," I told him.


    For a second, we both fell silent.


    No one trusted anyone.


    We all had our own ns.


    Aknock at the door signaled that the innkeeper had arrived with our things.


    "Cover yourself with the nket," I instructed, heading to the entrance.


    Tlet the innkeeper in, followed by two servants and a woman who began setting food on the table while the men filled the wooden tub with buckets of hot water.


    "In the morning, bring breakfast and a basin of clean water.


    Knock, leave it in the hallway, and dont wait for me to answer.


    Unless I call for you, dont disturb us," I ordered, tossing him another coin.


    If Electra had anything in excess, it was money.


    I walked toward the steaming water and dipped my hand in, pouring healing magic into it.


    "That food is yours, and so is the hot water.


    Bathe and clean yourself up.


    The wounds will sting, but bear with itits for healing.


    I’lle for you tomorrow.


    Dont leave this room, and take your breakfast from the hallway." "Mine? I...


    [can bathe...


    with hot water?" he asked in disbelief, staring at the table and swallowing discreetly.


    ---- "My...


    dy...


    I can...


    bathe with water from the stables and just eat the scraps..." he struggled to sit up.


    "No.


    Its for you.


    Take it or leave itI dont care.


    See youter," I said, turning my back and opening the small balcony door.


    The night breeze made me sigh.


    Being near that ve was suffocating he radiated such dense, dark energy, even for me.


    I transformed into mist, pretending to leave, but instead, I remained hidden in the shadows outside, watching him.


    ---- This ve must have been special to her.


    All the more reason to hide him well.


    "Fucking witch," I panted, sweating profusely, feeling filthy all overbut there was still onest step.


    I stretched out my other hand, cing it over an unscarred patch of skin on his chest.


    I was going to carve Electras ownership seal onto him, just in case I needed to control him in the future.


    I felt his body shudder.


    He was afraidand I didnt me him.


    If they had marked him the first time like an animal..


    "This isnt the same.


    Its only temporary, and I" Im not that cruel"just hold still for a second." My palm glowed red against his chest for a brief moment.


    I didnt even ce that many restrictionsjust two very important ones.


    Keeping his mouth shut about my secrets, and killing him instantly if necessary