ATLAS'S POV.I stormed into Dario's room, barely even noticing the maid who was practically naked on his bed. Dario was in the middle of a passionate makeout session with her, but he broke it off abruptly when he saw me. He stood up, looking surprised and a little annoyed."What do you want, Atlas?" he sneered, glancing at the maid and then back at me. "Can't you see I'm a little busy here?"I didn't say a word. Instead, I lunged at him, grabbing him by the collar of his shirt and slamming him against the wall. He gasped in pain, but I didn't let go."You fucking bastard," I growled, my voice low and dangerous. "What the hell did you do to Nyx?"Dario's eyes widened in surprise, then narrowed in suspicion. "What are you talking about?""You know damn well what I'm talking about," I snarled, tightening my grip on his throat. "Don't play dumb with me."Dario gasped, struggling to free himself from my grasp. "I don't know what you're talking about, Atlas. Let me go!"I shook him roughly.

Nyx's povI was happily picking flowers in my room, enjoying the company of my dear friend Elaine. We were laughing together and enjoying each other's company, basking in the warm glow of the late afternoon sun. As I reached for a particularly lovely rose, I felt a sharp prick on my finger, and I quickly withdrew my hand."Ouch!" I exclaimed, examining my finger. A thorn had pierced my skin and a drop of blood had formed at the tip of my finger. I quickly wiped it on my clothes, trying not to let Elaine notice."Are you okay?" Elaine asked, noticing my discomfort."Yeah, just got pricked by a thorn," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant. "It's nothing."Elaine looked at me skeptically, but she didn't press the issue. Instead, she changed the subject and began to talk about something that was clearly weighing on her mind."I'm really nervous about the winter solstice feast," she confided. "It's almost time, and I don't want to get stuck with a duty post that would send me outside the

NYX'S POV.As Atlas dragged me into the hall, I couldn't help but feel humiliated. The chains and cuffs around my wrists and ankles made it even worse. I allowed myself to be taken advantage of by his cousin, and now I was paying the price. Atlas had always been possessive of me, but now he was downright cruel. The party was a flamboyant display of excess and corruption. The guests were dressed in formal attire, but their behavior was anything but sophisticated. They drank and laughed loudly, their voices echoing off the walls. In my skimpy clothes, chains and collar, I felt completely out of place, dressed like a common slut.I stopped at the threshold of the ballroom, embarrassment balancing on my shoulders and Atlas gave the chains a hard tug causing me to stumble.Stupid fucking asshole, I insulted Atlas in my head.The wild party was in full swing. Everywhere, I saw nobles and some whores sashaying around in their scanty clothing, while men were drinking, laughing, and revelling

ELAINE'S POV.As I walk towards Nyx’s room, I can’t help but worry about her. She hasn’t been herself lately and it’s been tough covering for her during chores. The Winter Solstice feast is almost over and we need all hands on deck. I knock on her door softly and let myself in when I hear her muffled voice.I find Nyx lying in her bed, covered in sweat and shivering. Her eyes are closed but she opens them slowly as I approach her. I place my hand on her forehead and it’s burning with fever. “Oh no, Nyx. You’re burning up. How long have you been like this?” I ask her in concern.Nyx opens her mouth to speak but her voice is barely above a whisper. “I started feeling sick this afternoon, Elaine. I thought it was just exhaustion from the chores but I guess it's worse than that.”I pull the covers up to her chin and sit on the edge of her bed. “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of you. I’ll go and fetch some cold water and a cloth for your forehead. You just rest.” Nyx nods weakly and closes he

Elaine's PovI sank slowly onto the ground, wrapping my arms around my legs and holding on tight. The tears began to well up in my eyes. Nyx could be hurt. She could be dead somewhere right now. And I couldn't do anything about it. I sat in the darkness, feeling cold and alone. The only company I had were the rats that skittered across the floor. My stomach growled, reminding me that I hadn't eaten since the last time Nyx had snuck me some food.My mind wandered, and I thought about my life before being taken by Atlas. I had been happy, surrounded by friends and family. I had dreams of traveling and seeing the world. Now, I was trapped in this cell, with no hope of escape.I tried to keep myself occupied by singing, but my voice echoed back at me, making me feel even more alone. I hugged my knees to my chest, trying to ward off the chill that seemed to seep into my bones.Fear started to gnaw at me, and I wondered what Atlas had planned for me. Was he going to sell me? Torture me? Ki