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8. RESISTING

Alaric's words scare me. What will he do with me then, if not kill me to fulfill such a sacrifice?

He leans one hand at a time against the wall behind me, cornering me. My eyes blink a few times, my heart racing. Being this close to his body feels strange, simply because I don't know what he might do next. His eyes are an intense shade of red, and the muscles in his arms are tense.

"Have you ever fallen in love, my young one?" His voice is gentle, almost a whisper, but it carries a weight that resonates within me. I fall silent for a moment, questioning if I've ever truly fallen in love.

Despite always having men pursue me, I've never allowed myself to feel a passion that becomes fleeting.

"Passion is a heavy word, don't you think? Something that, while addicting, can be the death of some." I respond, trying to maintain a steady voice despite the tension in the air. He moves even closer, his warm body against mine, creating an uncomfortable proximity.

"But what if I told you that passion can also be a stage for intense and forbidden feelings?" His right hand gently traces my face as if following an invisible path. A spark of desire seems to dance in his eyes.

"What would you do if you were falling in love?" Alaric questions, staring deeply into my eyes.

I try to look away, but his firm fingers lift my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze. A sarcastic laugh escapes my lips as my gaze challenges his.

"Falling in love, Alaric? Is that what you call seduction now? Do you believe that your beauty and charm can make someone like me fall in love?"

He smiles confidently, his eyes roaming my face with an intensity that makes my heart beat faster, against my will.

"My dear, do not underestimate the attraction between us. You can resist all you want, but in the end, you will succumb to what your heart desires."

Alaric has an overwhelming presence, and despite my efforts to resist, I feel my body reacting to his magnetism. A sensual energy surrounds each word he speaks, and it's hard to ignore the fascination he exudes. Yet, behind the seduction, a fierceness keeps me alert. Danger is part of the charm, but I won't admit it aloud.

"Your seduction game may work on others, Alaric, but I'm not easily won over. I won't fall into this trap of forbidden passions." I respond firmly, though my resistance is tested with each passing second in his presence.

A wry smile appears on his lips as he seems to analyze my response. Staring at Alaric feels like looking at paradise; his facial features are striking, and his lips are inviting.

"And love? Have you ever loved someone? Wished to be loved?" Alaric says, getting closer, and pressing my body against his. He gently touches his thumb to my lips, tracing a slow path.

Alaric moves his left hand, fitting it around my waist, his fingers firm. My gaze locks onto his, and my instinct kicks in, attempting to push him away from me by pushing against his chest.

"Do you think this conversation will change my mind about you? Make me fall in love with you and, consequently, love you?" My voice sounds nervous, a bit strained. "I'm not weak to that extent and won't fall in love with you."

He remains motionless for a moment, his penetrating gaze fixed on mine.

"The heart is a tricky thing, Nyra. It can change in a beat." A suggestive smile appears on his lips as if challenging my resistance.

"But mine won't change; it won't beat for you, Alaric Blackwood." My words carry a tone of irony that reverberates through the room.

"I'm not trying to change you, just showing you that not everything is black and white. Sometimes, the gray is much more interesting." His response is accompanied by a meaningful look as if there's more between us than I can comprehend.

Alaric slowly steps back, analyzing me, his gaze wandering over my entire body before locking onto my face again.

"Are you sure his heart won't beat for me? I wouldn't say something like that so soon, my dear." He smiles, exuding a somewhat understandable confidence.

He can have any woman he desires; Alaric possesses a seductive voice, a huskiness that makes every word uttered appealing. His body is magnificent; the muscles in his arms are tempting, urging him to be touched. But when his honey-colored eyes turn red, fear takes over the allure.

That was the feeling I had when I first saw him, but now I just want to stay away from him and all his seductive power. I'm not here against my will to be his trophy. If he wants a woman, he can find one among the many who must crawl to him.

I approach him determined, raising a finger in his direction.

"Your ways disgust me. You won't get anything from me like this. If you desire my love so much, try to earn it. But I can't guarantee it will happen."

The low sound of his laughter reaches my ears, making me pause before him, lowering my finger. I don't understand why he finds it amusing.

Alaric circles his fingers around my wrist, quickly turning me away from him, and our bodies collide. His lips trail along my neck, inhaling my scent. I shiver as I feel his breath near my ear.

"Do not doubt what I'm capable of, my dear. I always get what I want, and with you, it will be no different."

I close my eyes, swallowing hard, trying to push him away with my body. It's completely inevitable; Alaric holds me firmly, gripping my wrist even tighter, causing discomfort.

"If you won't kill me, then what will you do? What's my purpose alive?" My voice sounds hoarse amid my attempt to escape.

Alaric remains still for a moment as if contemplating the question. His fingers tighten my wrist a bit more, causing a twinge of pain.

"Stop fighting against me, Nyra. You have more use alive than dead. There's more between us than you imagine, and I intend to explore each one." He whispers the words, sending a shiver down my spine.

I pull my wrist rudely; he releases it immediately, letting out a slight laugh near my ear, low enough to echo in my mind.

"Your boldness only makes me want to see you falling in love with me even more, my dear. I admire you for not being so easy." Alaric whispers in my ear, making me tense, and soon I feel the warmth of his body retreating from mine.

I turn just in time to see him opening the door, stopping beside it, and looking down, with his left hand in his pocket.

"Allow yourself, my dear. The choice is in your hands." Alaric's voice sounds firm and seductive, leaving me with doubt about what he truly wants from me.

I take a deep breath, and walk determinedly through the door, saying nothing to Alaric. I won't give in, much less reveal how much his last words affected me. I walk down the hallway until I reach my room; my head is in an internal war with myself.

Alaric wants to leave my future in my hands, and that is even more disturbing than if he simply imposed his will on me. I feel like an object, but I refuse to be controlled by him.

Entering my room, I close the door behind me, seeking a moment of privacy. I lean against the wall, resting my hand on my forehead. My breathing is fast, and Alaric's words reverberate in my mind.

"Stop fighting against me, Nyra. You have more use alive than dead..."

What did he mean by that? What is the true meaning behind his seductive and threatening words? Is there something more between us, as he suggested?

I shake my head, trying to push away these thoughts. I can't let myself be swayed by Alaric's tricks. He is dangerous, and I need to keep my guard up.

"I will resist. I won't allow myself to fall in love with him, let alone love him. I am stronger than that." I whisper to myself as if repeating these words could strengthen my determination.

"I will still find out what you want with me, Alaric Blackwood." I take a deep breath, staring at the moon lost amid the rain.

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