Page 10 of Once A Villain

I squeeze my eyes shut, fighting back the sob that’s clawing its way up my throat. “I don’t have a choice,” I manage to croak.

“What do you mean?”

“He’s forcing me to marry him,” I whisper, the words sounding surreal.

“Fuck, Rory. Are you serious?” Jamie’s eyes widen in disbelief as I nod, swiping at the tears streaking my cheeks. “How?”

“Dad gave him a Death Bond. I don’t even know what the hell that is.”

“Fuck, shit.”

“Why? What does that mean?” My heart races, each beat echoing the dread building inside me.

“It means your dad asked him to do something fucking shady, and Axe’s price was you.”

“But why?! I don’t mean anything to him or even know him! What could he want with me?”

“Fuck if I know,” Jamie mutters. “Axe is a ghost. He does whatever the hell he wants. Everyone in the Sovereign knows not to fuck with him. Your dad was a fucking idiot for making that deal.” The reality of the situation finally sinks in.

I rest my head on his chest, but the nausea hits hard. I leap out of bed and barely make it to the bathroom before losing my stomach.

The drive homeis a chaotic blur. I barely manage a quick shower before yanking on my rehearsal gear. The Pavilion looms ahead, and I dash inside, slipping into my dressing room unnoticed.

The Sirens’ laughter echoes from the studio, sharp and grating against my nerves. Overwhelmed, I stumble to the sink and vomit again, the hangover and stress combining into a vicious wave.

Taking a deep breath, I pull myself together before stepping out of the dressing room. As soon as I enter the studio, everything goes quiet.

“I don’t want to talk about it,” I snap, glaring at their curious faces.

They exchange looks but stay quiet. Taking my place at the mirrored wall, I stretch, forcing myself to focus.

The music starts, and I slip into the choreography almost on autopilot, my heart not in it. After an hour, Dom storms into the studio, his voice cutting through the haze of my disorientation.

“Move to the stage in fifteen! We’re running the show from the top!”

Dominic is an Associate, someone who works for a Sovereign but doesn’t belong to the Sovereign. A Sovereign pays him well to keep his mouth shut. He’s respected for his talent as both a manager and choreographer.

Bradley follows close behind, and my stomach knots as his gaze locks onto mine. His presence is unsettling. He’s the Sovereign in charge of the Pavilion, and an absolute asshole. The Pavilion is more than just a venue for Siren shows; it’s a hub for underground gambling, drugs, and other illicit activities.

He treats the Sirens like his personal sex dolls and takes whatever he wants. While Servants are not allowed to saynoto a Sovereign, my father, being a Commander, keeps most unwanted attention away.

However, Bradley’s eyes are always searching for a chance to exploit his power.

His voice is sharp and unforgiving as it slices through the room. “You missed practice yesterday, Rory.”

I stammer an apology, my pulse quickening. “I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”

“Damn right it won’t.” He closes the distance between us. “You’re my main attraction, Rory. Don’t make me regret that.”

I don’t have the energy for his shit. My fingers curl into fists, but I bite back the urge to argue.

“Understood,” I say in a steady voice despite my nerves.

With one final glare, Bradley strides out.

Grabbing a bottle, I gulp down the cool liquid, trying to shake off the lingering haze. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for the routine ahead.

I’m Victoria Valentine, Lead Siren. I can fucking do this. I can pretend like my life isn’t falling apart around me.

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