Bound To The Medvedi

e

ong. "I'll lose my balance if you keep dragging me like this." Elise led us to a narrow passage hidden behind a false panel in the garden wall, a shadowy corridor that snaked toward the main building. Papa called it the illusion wall, he named it after the illusion mirror in Harry Potter when we were an actual family. Even the guards didn't know about it. The air grew colder as we moved closer to the main building, and within minutes, we were stepping into its beauty. The marble floors glinted under dim lighting as we crept toward the office. My steps faltered as memories of the last time I was here came rushing. I hadn't stepped foot here since I was ten. Elise guided me through the main building and I was almost certain she'd never been to the main building before-something I'd definitely have to question her about later. "What if he has visitors?" I whispered, a last-ditch effort to convince her. Something about this felt wrong-off in a way I couldn't quite name. My heart pounded against my ribcage, each beat screaming at me to get out. "What if he's alone?" she countered. I bit back another protest. Papa might have loved us in some distant, twisted way, but disobedience was something he wouldn't tolerate. Especially not this. We have rules to follow; being in the main building was offense number one, offense number two will be walking into this room without his permission. My silence was all the encouragement Elise needed. She shoved me forward, enough to get me through the doorway while she stayed hidden. This girl will definitely be the reason why my head will be on a platter. The room stilled. Every eye turned to me. My stomach dropped. Shit. He has visitors. Every gaze in the room landed on me and it choked me, I was not a fan of attention, most especially this type of attention. Three men In well tailored suits stared at me, confusion glamouring their eyes, my parents' had a worry etched expression, fear masked underneath their face and a subtle anger simmered through them. My throat tightened, but there was no going back. Not now. I squared my shoulders and cleared my throat, forcing my voice to remain steady. "My apologies, Mr. Moretti." I dipped into a small curtsy, the tension in the air pressing against my back. "Good evening, everyone. I'm sorry to interrupt your meeting." Mama's hand flew to her pearl necklace in a bid to keep herself calm. Her lips stretched into a smile, but the strain showed in the corners of her eyes. "Good evening, Mrs. Greta," I added, turning to her. "You look absolutely stunning tonight. Special occasion?" Mama's smile softened, genuine warmth slipping through her façade. "Oh, Leni, you flatter me. Whatever brings you here?" The glare from Papa was sharp enough to leave me bleeding. His silence screamed what his words couldn't: Leave. Now. I straightened, my gaze flitting across the room. "I was passing by and thought to discuss some legal matters with your husband," I said, the lie slipping easily from my lips. "But I see he's occupied. I'll wait outside the study." As I glanced around, my eyes caught on a man seated near the far end of the table. His gray and slightly green eyes locked on mine, unreadable but definitely not unwavering, and I felt a strange tug in my chest. His jawline looked like it had been carved with preciseness, sharp and captivating. He's definitely the inspiration for mewing in boys on social media. I swallowed hard, clearing my throat again to dispel the spell he seemed to radiate "My apologies once more," I murmured. Before I could retreat, Mama stepped forward, her heels clicking softly against the polished floor. "I will keep you company while you wait, my dear." She looped her arm through mine, her grip gentle but firm, guiding me out of the room before I could protest. My mother wa