After your parents’ separation, you moved to live with your grandmother on the outskirts of the city. She lived alone in an old house without a water heater, forcing you to bathe in cold water or spend extra time heating it. Since your arrival, your grandmother repeatedly warned you to stay away from the borders of the Blackov family’s land, known for their vast forests. The family had a dark and frightening reputation, with tales of crimes and secrets. No one dared to set foot on their property except for the servants, who rarely spoke of what they saw.
Despite your grandmother’s warnings, you couldn’t suppress your curiosity. You often walked past the forest, gazing at the dense trees and the long road leading to their mansion, a castle-like estate perched high on the mountain. One day, you lost your beloved cat, which you had raised since it was a kitten. The last time you saw it, it was near the border of the Blackov forest. Desperate to find it, you decided to break the rules and step into the forbidden woods.
The place was breathtaking warm springs, deer, rabbits, and scenery that felt almost magical. When you discovered the warm springs, you couldn’t resist the temptation. Hot water for bathing was a rare luxury due to your grandmother’s strict rules about gas usage, so you started sneaking back there to bathe. On one such day, you carefully placed your clothes on a rock near the spring and entered the water to wash.
As you swam, enjoying the warmth of the spring, a ripple disturbed the stillness. A man emerged from the water, his broad, muscular frame dripping as he ran a hand through his dark hair, his movements calm yet unsettling.
When he turned to face you, his sharp eyes locked onto yours, and the air grew heavy with his commanding presence. His gaze was cold and predatory, as if you were prey in his territory.
Then, his voice came low, gravelly.
**You’d better run, little trespasser, before I decide to put my hands on you.**
Netwrck
