Chapter Eighty Three - The Visit - Maya's POV

The warmth of Damian's hand seeps into mine, steadying me, even though my mind is a mess. My pulse is quick, my breath uneven. The weight of everything settles on me, threatening to drown me where I stand. I try to focus on what he said, on the way his voice sounds so reassuring. He believes in what he's done and what's built. And yet, I can't help but still feel like an outsider looking in. My entire world is not like I thought it was and it hasn't been for weeks. The more I find out, the more I feel like a fish out of water. The mansion looms in front of us. It's beautiful, but it represents a world I never asked to be part of me. A world where loyalty and betrayal blur together, where prophecies dictate fate, and where death is spoken of like a mere transaction. At any moment, Damian and I could die. My free hand clenches at my side as I stare at the intricate carvings on the massive front door. It's the first time I've noticed them there, but my mind has been in a weird spot since arriving. 'I don't know how to do this," I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. 'I don't know how to just accept what all of this is and fall for you." Damian squeezes my hand gently, pulling me back just enough so that I finally look at him. His golden eyes search mine, and for a brief moment, the intensity of his gaze makes it hard to breathe. He's so breathtaking. 'We'll train and go day by day. What's meant to be always has a way of working out. You don't need to fall in love with me instantly, but you are my mate, Maya," he says, grinning. 'It'll come, even if it is different for me and you. For now, I just need you to trust me, even if the rest of the world feels uncertain." The sincerity in his voice tugs at something deep inside me, something that wants to believe him. But trust isn't that easy. Not when my world has been flipped upside in a matter of weeks and any time I think I'm getting the hang of it, it ends up changing again. I exhale slowly, shaking my head. 'You don't know how badly I want to, but every time I think I'm falling into a rhythm, something happens. It's another secret or another threat." He steps closer. 'Then don't. You don't have to figure it all out. Remember? One day at a time until we get it." I let out a shaky breath. 'And if I can't? If I break under all of this?" His grip tightens on my hand. 'Then I will be there to ensure you know I'm here." Something inside me cracks at that. Not entirely breaking, but enough to let him in just a little more. Enough to let me believe, if only for a moment, that maybe I don't have to face this alone. I nod. 'Okay." It's not a promise. It's not absolute trust. But it's a start. And right now, that's all I have to give. We turn to walk inside, but hear someone coming down the driveway. I turn, looking over my shoulder to see an approaching car. The sleek black car rolls to a stop in front of the steps, its tires crunching against the gravel. My breath catches in my throat as the back doors open in sync. First, my father steps out, then my brother, who looks far less composed. His sharp eyes scan the estate with a mix of distaste and curiosity. I feel Damian tense beside me, as if this visit is unexpected. We aren't even dressed for company as I'm still dressed in my pajamas and so is he. My father adjusts his suit jacket, his sharp gaze landing on me first, then Damian. 'Maya," he says, his voice even and steady. 'I see you have settled in with your husband." Settled in? My mind reels at how casually he says it, as if I have just moved into a summer house and not been thrown to the wolves literally. 'What are you doing here?" My brother scoffs. 'You act like we wouldn't come for you. Dad explained everything to me and I have come with him to get you back." My head tilts to the side, unsure of what I've just heard. I slowly look down at our joined hands and then back up at my brother. 'Wait, what?" Damian shifts his stance to stand in front of me. 'If you're really here to take her back, then you are wasting your time. The deal is done and she is with me." My father sighs, his gaze shifting between Damian and me before turning to my brother. 'Calm down, Garik." Garik scoffs, crossing his arms over his chest. 'Calm down? Dad, we came here to bring her back. She doesn't belong in a place like this. Just look at this place. Not only that, they had dogs running loose around in the woods. They don't take care of anything." 'What exactly did Dad tell you?" I ask, my voice even despite the raging storm of emotions I feel. Garik exhales. 'Look, he got involved in some things and needed to pay off some debts." 'Yes, debts owed to me and some associates, which have been fully resolved." Garik shoots him a look. 'Nobody asked you. Now, Maya come with us. I'll pay Damian for keeping you here." Damian only laughs. 'Like I need the money. How about you get back in your car and leave. She is staying with me." Garik's expression falters. He had looked so sure and now that has faded to shock. 'We are offering you a way to come home and have the life you always wanted." 'Wanted?" I narrow my gaze in their direction, trying to understand their train of thought. 'Do you really think I wanted to be married to some rich man who helped Dad in his business? Pop out heirs? I expected that, but now that I've been away, I know that isn't what I want." Damian fully shields me from them as he moves to the right. 'She knows exactly where she stands and belongs." Though I can't see my father, I know he's looking this way. 'You may believe you're where you belong now, Maya, but I hope for your sake, you don't end up dead." The next thing I know, car doors are slamming and it starts up again. I finally step around Damian as they pull out and head back down the driveway. Damian turns around, his eyes searching my face. 'Are you okay?" 'I don't know if I am or if I'm relieved they left."