Lara's POV
"Do you want me to feed you by force, Lara?"
Lucio's cold voice echoed across the long dining hall, breaking the suffocating silence that had settled around us.
The table between us was filled with food. Plates of roasted meat, fruits, bread, and wine were arranged like a feast meant for royalty. Yet despite the abundance, I had barely touched anything.
Around the room, servants stood silently along the walls, their heads lowered as if afraid to breathe too loudly while their Alpha spoke. Everyone in this place seemed to fear him.
Except me. Or at least, I refused to show that I did.
"I am not hungry," I replied calmly, though I did not bother hiding the irritation in my voice.
Lucio leaned back in his chair, studying me like a predator observing its prey.
"I already told you the rules of this household," he said slowly. "Do not forget that you are under my mercy."
The words sent a cold shiver down my spine, but I forced myself to remain still.
