Beneath His Shadows

Elena's first night in Xavier's mansion was nothing like she had imagined.

It was late when Xavier finally led her through the massive doors. The interior was sleek, minimalist—cold and imposing. The walls were adorned with abstract art, the floors polished marble. Everything about the place screamed power and control.

But it didn't feel like a home.

"Stay here," Xavier said, his voice as cold as the walls around them.

Elena blinked. "What?"

"This is your room," he clarified, gesturing to a large door. "If you need anything, you'll ask."

Her eyes flicked to him. "Is this some kind of prison?"

Xavier's eyes flickered, a brief moment of hesitation before the mask of indifference returned. "It's your sanctuary for now."

He stepped back, but before he turned to leave, he paused. "And don't get any ideas about running."

Elena's heart skipped.

He didn't say anything else. The door closed behind him, and she was alone.

---

The Room

Elena stepped inside. The room was even more lavish than she had expected. A king-sized bed with black silk sheets, a massive wardrobe, and a private bathroom with a deep soaking tub.

She couldn't help but be stunned. Everything about this place screamed wealth.

But it didn't feel comforting. It felt like a cage.

She walked over to the window, pulling back the heavy curtains. The mansion was perched on a hill, and beyond the glass, she could see the sprawling city lights below. She could hear the distant hum of the world, but up here, it was just silence.

For the first time in hours, she allowed herself to breathe.

She couldn't stay here forever. She had to find a way out.

---

The Breakfast

The next morning, she was woken early.

A knock at her door had her sitting up in bed, groggy.

When she opened it, a maid stood there with a tray.

"Good morning, Miss Elena. Breakfast."

Elena blinked. "I didn't—"

The maid smiled faintly. "Mr. Kane requested that you be served in your room today."

Elena frowned, glancing at the tray of food in front of her. There were eggs, toast, fruit, and a glass of orange juice. Everything was perfect. Too perfect.

She sat down at the small table in the corner of the room, her stomach twisting with unease.

As she ate, her mind wandered to the events of the night before. Xavier's words. His cold demeanor.

Why was he doing this?

---

A Visit From Xavier

Hours later, a knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.

"Enter," she said.

The door swung open to reveal Xavier himself.

Elena stood up, her heart racing. "What do you want?" she asked, keeping her voice steady despite the flutter of anxiety in her chest.

Xavier didn't immediately answer. He just stood there, studying her. His eyes were intense, dark—and she saw something in them. Something… unfamiliar.

"I've had my men secure the perimeter," he said finally, his voice low and calculated. "You won't be leaving unless I say so."

Elena's hands clenched into fists. "I'm not a prisoner."

His gaze hardened. "Then stop acting like one."

Elena's breath caught.

She tried to move past him, but he stepped forward, blocking her path. His presence was overwhelming, his body radiating power.

"Let me go," she demanded, her voice sharper now.

Xavier didn't budge. "I told you, you're not going anywhere."

"You can't keep me here forever," she shot back, the frustration and fear mounting. "I don't belong in your world, Xavier."

For a brief moment, his eyes softened, just barely. Then, he stepped back.

"Maybe you don't," he said quietly, his voice more vulnerable than she had ever heard it. "But for now, you're here. And you'll stay here."

Xavier turned, leaving the room without another word.

Elena's chest tightened. She felt a mix of emotions—anger, confusion, something she didn't quite understand.

She knew one thing, though: she wasn't safe here.

---