Page 44 of Once A Villain

I cling to the lies, desperate for them to be true.

But the more I say them, the emptier they feel.

I’m even more broken than I thought.

So much more broken.

My alarm jolts me awake, and I groan, burying my face in the pillow. I slept like shit, my mind plagued by nightmares of the masked man, Axe, my father, my mother. I’ve barely slept since the wedding; the events haunting my every moment.

Today are the auditions; Bradley insists the Sirens maintain peak physical shape. Only the best performers are chosen. His standards are ruthless since he expects nothing short of perfection.

These auditions also allow other Servants a chance to join the elite team. The competition is fierce, with slim chances of making the cut. Any flaw or imperfection is grounds for dismissal. It’s a harsh world, dictated by Bradley’s rigid rules and relentless scrutiny.

I drag myself out of bed, shower, and dress in black leather dance shorts and a matching sports bra. My makeup is flawless—smoky eyes, red lips—and my platinum hair falls in glossy waves. I want to look as fierce as possible, sending a message that my position as the lead Siren is not up for debate.

With my bag in hand, I head to the kitchen, greeted by the aroma of coffee. Griffen is sitting at the counter with a cup. He looks up and does a double-take, his gaze lingering on me.

“Glad to see you’re still in one piece,” he says, sipping his coffee. “I figured you’d be in the basement.”

“Yeah, no thanks to you,” I shoot back, pouring my own coffee and leaning against the counter.

“I told you I wouldn’t let him kill you. What else did you expect?”

“Maybe you could’ve saved me from the whole mess,” I snap, glaring at him.

He shrugs with a slight smirk. “You look like a walking wet dream.”

“Thanks, but I was aiming for ‘I’m a fucking badass’.” He chuckles and takes another sip of his coffee. “It’s Siren audition day,” I explain, rolling my eyes. “We need to look hot and prove we’re the best.”

“You’ve nailed the hot part, but I’m not so sure about the rest.” He laughs at my scowl.

Footsteps echo behind me—heavy, intense. Axe.

He strolls into the kitchen in nothing but sweatpants, his body slick with sweat, muscles rippling. I hate myself for staring, but it’s impossible not to. He looks like he was built to destroy—every tattoo, scar, sharp line screaming danger.

He doesn’t say a word, just stares at me, unblinking, and my cheeks go hot. I tear my eyes away, pissed at how obvious I am, pissed at the flash of him in my head—gripping my hair, fucking my throat.

Griffen clears his throat, slides off the stool, and heads for the door.

“I’m out,” he says, grabbing his keys. “Good luck at your auditions, doll.” With a grin, he exits, leaving me alone with Axe.

Axe moves to the counter, filling a mug with coffee. His proximity stirs a nervous energy in me, and I fidget. His scent—a mix of sweat and cologne—drifts around me. It’s maddening, and I reluctantly breathe him in.

“What’s with the outfit?” he asks, his voice low and gruff.

“Siren auditions,” I reply, trying to stay calm. “I need to leave soon, or I’ll be late.”

He leans against the counter, sipping his coffee, his gaze fixed on me. I shift nervously, bracing myself for the question I’m hesitant to ask.

“Axe...I can’t wear the collar,” I say, forcing the words out. “Bradley won’t let me perform with it. Please, take it off.”

He places his cup down and approaches me.

“Why would I do that?” he asks casually, his finger tracing the edge of the collar. I draw a sharp breath, trying to ignore the shiver his touch sends through me. “It looks good on you,” he murmurs, his lips dangerously close to mine. “I don’t think I’ll ever take it off. That way, everyone knows you’re mine.”

“Bradley won’t let me perform with it. He’ll see it and kick me out. Please, Axe.” I hate how desperate I sound, but I need this.

Bradley would never let a Siren have a visible marking. We are supposed to be the ultimate fantasy, and any hint of a relationship is against his rules.

---