In Magician's Embrace [BOOK 1 of Price Family Saga]

48. Chapter (The Battles Of Resolves)

Days passed, and Lynette felt as though she had been ensnared in captivity for an eternity. The sombre walls of her confinement seemed to draw nearer, stifling any flicker of hope. Gareth, her captor, attended to her needs diligently, providing her with warmer attire to shield her from the biting cold that permeated the hayloft. The fabric was coarse against her skin, a stark contrast to the softness of the attire she had grown accustomed to at the Price's estate. She yearned for her maid dresses, as anything would be an improvement over her current clothes—or better said, rags.

Gareth also dutifully emptied the bucket that served her as a chamber pot, ensuring that her modesty was preserved even in her seclusion, a testament to his contrasting nature. Yet, with each visit, she observed a hunger in his eyes, a lingering intensity that sent shivers down her spine. It was unmistakable that he desired her, but he restrained himself, seemingly awaiting the command that would allow him to indulge in his primal instincts at long last. His inner struggle manifested in the clenching of his fists and the subtle twitching and moistening of his lips, while Lynette increasingly realised she had become an object of temptation, a delicate prize that he longed to claim.

Usually, when darkness draped the hayloft, Lynette's senses heightened. The slightest rustle of the wind outside made her heart skip a beat, fearing it was Gareth approaching to satisfy his sinister desires at last. Her mind conjured vivid nightmares, tormenting her with visions of Gareth's meagre hands constricting around her delicate neck. The nights became a perpetual and agonising cycle of terror and sleeplessness.

Throughout the day, Lynette endeavoured to maintain her composure, avoiding any actions that might arouse Gareth's ire. She refrained from directly challenging him, although her curiosity smouldered beneath the surface, as she longed to comprehend the reasons for her captivity and the duration she would endure it. Unable to endure the uncertainty any longer, one day she summoned the courage to speak up.

"How long does your master intend to keep me here?" She inquired, her voice laced with a mixture of desperation and defiance.

Gareth's expression flickered with surprise, a momentary lapse in his composed facade. "What master?" He replied, feigning innocence.

"Do not deceive me," Lynette retorted firmly, meeting his gaze with unwavering determination. "I am well aware that you do not confine me of your own accord. There must be someone pulling the strings."

A hint of a smile graced Gareth's lips, yet he maintained his silence. Instead, he posed his own inquiry, seeking to redirect the conversation. "And when might you reveal the location of the small, misplaced chest?" he asked, his voice carrying a subtle undertone of menace.

"I know nought of any chest," Lynette replied, her voice steady and resolute. "Are you certain you hold the correct individual captive? Your efforts may be in vain."

Her words struck a chord within Gareth, sowing seeds of doubt. His piercing gaze wavered for a moment, his confidence momentarily shaken. Sensing his vulnerability, Lynette pressed on, hoping to exploit any crack in his facade.

"I do solemnly swear that I possess no knowledge of your chest. I am utterly unaware of any such matter. If you should choose to release me from this confinement, I give you my word that I shall never divulge a word of my captivity to another soul."

Without uttering a word, Gareth abruptly collected the tray of empty plates and departed, leaving Lynette to ponder her circumstances once again. It had become a monotonous routine, day after day, with no progress in unravelling the mysteries surrounding her predicament. She fervently prayed that someone, anyone, would discover her at this juncture. But above all, she yearned for Arden's presence. Thoughts of him consumed her every waking moment, and in the stillness of the night, tears streamed down her face in a surge of helplessness.