My head is on fire, it's as if someone banged on it repeatedly with a bundle of bricks. I press into my temples with my fingers trying to drill away the pain, willing it to magically to disappear. Tears begin to prick my eyes as I realize how foolish I am for my wishful thinking. The pain is becoming unbearable; rolling over to my back I realize that I'm submerged in darkness and all alone. There is not a trace of light and the ground is cold and rough. I soon realize that I'm lying on cement, remembering that I passed out in the midst of a panic attack. With a deep sigh, I sit up and pull my knees into my chest and wrap my arms tightly around them. At least this way I know that I'm still in one piece and alive, for now.

I can hear him before I see him. All of a sudden a side light flickers to life and a soft glow illuminates the room. I see him staring at me intently, trying to get a read on me. I make it my mission to look as impassive as possible. I don't want him to know that I'm terrified out of my mind that my nerves are eating my stomach raw. Breaking his gaze, I look down towards my shoes and I realize that I'm now barefoot. I can't help but think how odd it is that I'm missing my shoes. I don't remember taking them off. My eyes wander towards my clothes and I realize that my clothes are tattered and partially burned off.

My eyes shoot up incredulously and I can't help but ask, "Did you do this to my clothes?"

At least he has the decency to look somewhat sheepish and hands me a set of clothes that I now realize he is holding.

"You should change." He says huskily, while his eyes rake down my body examining my now ruined clothes.

"Turn around, please." I request and to my surprise he obliges. At least you know that he can act like a gentleman. I can't help but agree with her snide remark.

Once I look at what he handed me I can't help but feel confused by his outfit choice. It's a solid black long-sleeved jumpsuit paired with knee high boots. I can't help but note with dissatisfaction that it's training gear. What does this man plan to do with me? I can't help but question with great disdain. He wants to know what you're capable of. That way he can successfully kill you. It's all a game to him anyways. I sincerely hope my subconscious isn't right, I thought he was different. I realize that I want him to be different.

"You can turn around now, I'm decent." I say while I finish braiding my hair down the center of my back. He hands me a hair tie and allows his eyes to roam over my body greedily. I can't help but flush under his gaze and feel extremely self-conscious. This jumpsuit is extremely form fitting and puts every single curve I have on display. I fold my arms over my chest in an effort to retain some modesty while also attempting to keep my emotions in check. I do not need a repeat of what happened earlier.

He walks closer to me so close that the only thing keeping us apart is the iron clad bars. I can feel the heat radiating off of him. I also can't help but smell him, he smells of fresh linen, burnt wood and something else I cannot place. It's mouthwatering. Taking a step back from him to gain control my sudden erratic train of thoughts, I feel the urgency to lower my head and wait to be addressed. He seems to take great pride in this and his posture immediately straightens and his eyes harden dramatically.

I begin to notice that I'm starting to feel rather strange. My stomach feels as though it's tied in a giant knot. My palms begin to get a bit sweaty and I have no control over the trembling that begins to take over my body. I have no idea why my body is acting like this way but I sincerely hope that it stops and quickly. I would hate for him to see the reaction he gives me. The last thing I want is for him to conclude that I am weak and able to be controlled.

Straightening my spine, I glare at him with determination. I figure if I'm going to die no matter what, then the least I could do is manage to die with my dignity still intact. I also realize that I want him to at fear me. If he fears me then he might find use for me and not decide to kill me. He'll come to realize that I'm not a weak little girl and I can be useful. Keep dreaming, sister. I really hate my subconscious and her comments. For I know that I have greater power than even he could probably even begin to comprehend. He knows who I am and that there are not others like me but he does not know what I am capable of. This little fact gives me an instant ego boost. I like knowing that I have the upper hand in this scenario and I like the fact that he knows it even more. We stare at each other for what feels like hours but has only been a mere five minutes. He turns his head to the side, breaking our trance.

"I know what you are and I want to help you. I cannot free you but I can help you learn control." He finally says, turning his gaze back on to me.

"What's the point? They're going to kill me anyways. I'm basically dead." I reply, rolling my eyes. I can't help but notice his face hardens.

"I won't let them hurt you. I give you my word. We will figure this out."

"I'd like to see you try."

"Then it's a good thing you'll have front row seats." he replies with a smirk. Suddenly, he grabs my head and looks straight into my eyes and continues, "They will not hurt you. I have the power to fix this and I promise you that I will."

"Thank you, your highness." I say and manage to bow as gracefully as I possibly can while he still has a firm grip on the sides of my face. He lets go of my face and reaches for my arms, pulling me up and closer to him. In an instant, I'm in his arms with my face pressed against his chest. I can hear the faint sounds of his heartbeat and I feel his warmth on my cheek. I pull back suddenly when I realize that the cage bars managed to disappear and I look up at him anxiously as I realize that there's more to him than meets the eye.

"Call me Christian." He says with a smile.

AN: Sorry I've been MIA this past weekend. I wanted to update but I had quite an eventful weekend that left me feeling drained but I'm back with vengeance. I hope you all enjoy the new update, I had so much fun writing it. I kept squirming in my seat in a fit of excitement, especially with what's to come! I'm also wondering if I should start a pinterest or maybe get a instagram? Is that something you all would even be interested in? Hope to hear from you all soon :)

XOXO, Gabriella