Seeing that Lin Shu was no longer resisting, Leah let go of her hands.
Because she had gripped so hard, Lin Shu’s wrists were bruised, circled by red marks from where the handcuffs had rubbed against her skin.
“I’m sorry.” Leah lowered her head, cupping Lin Shu’s wrists with a pained expression. “I was too emotional — I was afraid you were really leaving. I’m sorry, I won’t do this again…”
She carefully pressed her lips to the bruises. Her golden hair fell as she bowed her head, brushing against the surface of Lin Shu’s arms.
Lin Shu watched her in silence and pulled her hands back.
‘If I had actually run far and then been caught, would I have been treated even more roughly?’
Lin Shu didn’t know, but she was well aware that this was not her home.
The cold wind from outside poured into the room, eroding Lin Shu’s body heat.
‘I wonder if that guard escaped.’
But after this, Leah would certainly be more vigilant. Escaping the same way again wouldn’t work.
‘What should I do…?’
Leah looked up, her crimson eyes meeting Lin Shu’s gaze.
Seeing the lifeless look in Lin Shu’s eyes, Leah reached out and gently cupped her face. “Lin Shu, I told you, didn’t I? Seraphina didn’t even come to save you herself. You aren’t important to her at all.”
“I know you’re sad. It’s okay; those feelings are temporary.”
“In my heart, you are the only one…”
Lin Shu instinctively wanted to avoid Leah’s hand, but she stopped immediately. Reason told her that if she kept resisting, she might provoke Leah just like last time.
‘Seraphina isn’t coming anymore.’
At that thought, a sharp pain pierced Lin Shu’s heart, making it almost impossible to breathe.
But she couldn’t just remain imprisoned like this, living as a caged bird for the rest of her life, completely dependent on Leah’s whims to survive.
‘I can only rely on myself now.’
Since Leah promised to give her space to move, it was at least a concession. For her, more space meant more opportunities to escape.
Lin Shu spoke slowly, “You said it. You won’t keep me locked up anymore.”
A spark of light lit up in Leah’s eyes. “Are you willing to stay by my side peacefully?”
“Also, if you catch that Drago Guard, you aren’t allowed to kill him. Release him. And tell him that I’m staying.”
Leah immediately broke into a joyful smile and hugged Lin Shu tightly. “Fine! I promise you.”
She turned and ran out of the room, giving orders to the maids waiting outside.
Lin Shu walked step by step to a corner of the room and sank into a chair.
Whether it was because the alcohol hadn’t fully worn off or the impact of the escape and capture, Lin Shu felt her body lose most of its strength. She was exceptionally exhausted.
She pulled over the small food cart still in the room and tore off a small piece of roasted meat. Lin Shu took a bite. The cold meat was incredibly greasy, but it was better than the choking black bread.
*chew, chew, chew*
‘Now is not the time to be sad. I need to preserve my energy, get Leah to lower her guard, and then find a chance to get out.’
Lin Shu turned her head and looked into the mirror on the dressing table. The reflection showed her own image; her lips were bloodless, and a golden collar around her neck was particularly prominent.
The collar was made of metal, carved with intricate patterns. After turning it slightly with her hand, Lin Shu discovered a keyhole on the back.
‘It looks like… I won’t be able to take this off on my own.’
Without being able to use her abilities, she had no power. She was no different from an ordinary human.
‘Wait, if Seraphina doesn’t need me anymore, why hasn’t she dissolved our familiar contract?’
‘Could it be to leave me a final means of protection for when I escape?’
Lin Shu’s heart felt as if it were weighed down by a massive boulder.
Soon, Leah returned to the room with a maid. “Lin Shu, I’ve arranged everything according to your request. That Drago Guard has been released.”
Lin Shu saw the maid holding a section of chain shackles about 1 meter long, and her heart sank.
“Wait…” Lin Shu instinctively pulled her feet back.
But the maid acted nimbly, quickly crouching down to lock the iron chain around her ankle.
‘Didn’t she say she wouldn’t lock me up?’
Lin Shu suddenly looked up and glared at Leah. “Is this the ‘space to move’ you talked about?”
“This doesn’t hinder your activities. You can walk freely within the manor,” Leah said.
The chain had a certain length, allowing Lin Shu to move her legs slightly, but there wasn’t much room to stretch. However, as soon as she moved, it made a metallic clanking sound, making it impossible not to draw attention.
Unable to bear it any longer, Lin Shu questioned her, “Isn’t liking someone supposed to be about mutual respect? I’ve already agreed to stay. What is this?”
“I really do like you! I’m only doing this because I’m so afraid. I have to make sure you won’t actually leave!” Leah said, her voice carrying a hint of grievance.
Leah suddenly leaned down and pressed her lips against Lin Shu’s forehead.
Lin Shu’s body trembled.
‘She wants to change my contract.’
But the mark on her forehead didn’t change in the slightest, exposing Lin Shu’s true heart.
“I knew it,” Leah laughed disappointedly. “It’s okay. I’ll wait for you to truly change your mind.”
“Once you truly understand my feelings, I will unlock your ankle shackles.”
“What about the collar?” Lin Shu asked, pointing at her neck.
“Why would I take off the collar?” Leah countered. “I think you look beautiful wearing it. Besides, I’ll protect you from now on. You won’t need to use those abilities anymore.”
Lin Shu’s heart gradually sank.
‘Even if I pretend to obey Leah and let her change the contract, will I still be unable to use my abilities?’
“Anyway, let me take you to have a bath to relax,” Leah said, standing up.
She walked to a door on one side of the room. Turning around, she saw Lin Shu hadn’t followed and asked in confusion, “Why are you standing there? Come over.”
Lin Shu didn’t move. “That’s your bathroom.”
“You’ll wash here.”
“Isn’t that for your exclusive use?”
“I said I’d be good to you, and I keep my word.” Leah walked over, took Lin Shu’s hand, and pulled her along.
Lin Shu stumbled twice, the iron chain on her ankle letting out a series of *clank, clank, clank* sounds.
‘Forget it. Since she’s willing, I might as well use it.’
Lin Shu followed Leah into the bathroom.
In the bathroom, huge mirrors were embedded in three of the walls, and an exquisite white porcelain bathtub sat against a wall. Lin Shu walked to the bathtub and turned the hot water valve.
Water slowly poured into the tub, and a hazy mist began to rise.
Lin Shu turned around and found that Leah was still standing at the door, leaning against the doorframe. The two stood in silence for a while.
“Are you staying here to watch me?” Lin Shu broke the silence. She moved her foot, and the chain on her ankle clanked. “With this on and the manor full of Vampires, I can’t run away. Don’t worry.”
“I’m not worried,” Leah denied loudly.
“Then are you afraid I’ll break your bathroom?”
“No!” Leah immediately denied again.
‘What on earth does she want to do?’
Leah’s lips moved, and after hesitating for a moment, a blush crept onto her face. “Can’t I watch? She’s seen it all, so why can’t I?”