STELLA
I woke up early—Mali. It wasn’t even morning yet. The rain outside was heavy, and the coldness of the bed I lay on was biting against my skin. I almost drifted back to sleep when a memory from earlier surfaced, forcing me to open my eyes.
God fucking damn it.
Why can’t I get that out of my mind?
I placed my hand on my lips. They felt numb from Nullus’s kisses. Isaac. Argh. Damn it, it’s not his kisses that affect me—it’s the words that come out of his mouth. His words are wicked, just like the way he kisses.
The way he kissed matched what he wanted—terrifying. His kisses were deliciously terrifying.
And I don’t know if that’s a good thing.
I’m supposed to hate him… right?
I rolled over. Now, I see him beside me, sleeping soundly as if he couldn’t possibly commit any wrongdoing.
His expression is calm when he sleeps.
I closed my eyes again. I fell asleep, though I don’t know how long for.
When I woke up again, I found myself sitting alone. It had been days. Isaac wouldn’t even meet my gaze anymore. He was either absent or locked away in a room, working his magic.
I searched the mansion, looking for his servants—but I couldn’t find them. Not a single trace.
I don’t even know what’s happening outside anymore.
"They’re avoiding me," I whispered to myself, then sat on the sofa, folding my hands over my knees.
Did I do something wrong this time? Did I come off as shallow? Damn. I’m not special. I’m just like everyone else.
How disappointing.
Or maybe he’s already bored? Likely. A strong possibility.
But what happens to me now?
I was stopped in my thoughts when I heard my father’s voice outside the grand doors.
The day never stops.
I always hear them out there.
"You can go home," I heard the voice behind me. I turned, and there he was, still fabulous, but darker—his appearance had shifted. He looked just like when I first saw him.
He looked dangerous. Cold. Calculated.
I shook my head. "I don’t think so."
"You served your purpose," he said, walking closer to the door. "You can go home now."
I froze.
Oh, yeah. I was just a toy.
Damn, I was played, wasn’t I?
That’s probably why he hasn’t cared about me these past six days.
Our eyes locked.
His gaze hadn’t changed—except he had returned to his usual demeanor.
And the fear began to build in my chest again. I saw his ring glowing—green.
We held the gaze for a long moment.
And yes, the fear fully consumed me.
I am, indeed, fucking scared.
For everyone.
It felt like I was being pulled back to the present moment. It felt like I woke up. I don’t know why I’m waking up like this. Maybe because I was tricked by Isaac?
Tricked by his other self?
My gaze slowly shifted downward to the floor. I bowed slightly as a sign of respect.
I saw Diana and the other servants doing the same. Even the beasts he created do this.
"I comply," I whispered softly, then stood slowly. Without a blink, I moved toward the grand door, unlocked it, and opened it wide.
I stared at my father’s face.
"You’ve lost weight, ‘pa," I said softly while he, along with his armed companions, pointed their guns at me.
"Stella."
I smiled faintly. "I want a cat."
And that’s exactly what I got when I returned home.
It happened quickly.
I wasn’t sent back to service in Metro Manila. My father flew me far away. The surroundings and environment are different here. The people are unlike those in Metro. They live peacefully, without the terror that Nullus brings.
And I know what’s happening in Metro now. Everything is chaos again since I’ve returned.
Maybe my father expected me to go back to service—or perhaps everyone who knows me does. But I can’t go back. After everything, can I?
I would really die if I tried again.
I know he’ll make sure I die after he’s bored of me.
Quietly, I fed the cat as the small candle flame flickered in the center of the room.
There’s no electricity here because of the chaos in Metro. The power lines are down, and it seems the entire Philippines is in darkness every night.
This is the loneliest place I’ve ever been.
THE morning came, and I just stared at the vast field in front of me. It’s beautiful, and I must admit…I want to thank my father.
After we arrived, I didn’t speak much. I would only answer when asked because I’m tense.
Yes, the fear is back in my chest.
I’m scared again. But not for myself.
I’m scared for my family.
What happened to me in the weeks I spent under Nullus’s care?
I entered the house I’m staying in. The surroundings were quiet, and birds chirped outside. On the sofa sat my current companion—the cat—because I’m alone.
After making coffee, I sat back down on the sofa. My phone and three power banks had been charged in town earlier. I hadn’t used my phone since arriving here—probably two or three weeks ago. I can’t even remember.
At least there’s signal here. In Metro, there’s none. The power lines are destroyed.
I swallowed hard as I scrolled through social media.
There were videos—chaos. Monsters. People. Running. Crying children.
I turned off my phone and buried my face in my hands, hugging my knees tightly.
I’m scared.
I’m scared he might find me here.
No, not because he might take me again. It’s because he might truly kill me now.
He’s done playing. He’s back to…his old ways.
I froze when my phone rang. A call from my father.
I answered it, hitting the green button. "Hello?" I whispered softly, placing it on speaker.
"He’s looking for you, child," my father said, making me gulp.
I ended the call and hunched into the corner of the sofa.
He’ll kill me. Most likely.
Just like the civilians he’s killed before, I have no difference.
"Damn it," I cursed, pressing my forehead. "Why did I ever fall for it?"
Maybe because of his outward appearance?
Fuck, I don’t even know.
And so I sat like that for hours.
Until the darkness fell.
And all I could hear was my own breathing.
Why am I doing this to myself?
God, I’m such a fucking liar.
Maybe I’m disappointed. I prioritized the strange feelings I had—a fleeting attraction. Did I really like Nullus? Maybe I did. Maybe I enjoyed the fake persona he showed me because I was happy to be deceived.
This must be his revenge against my father.
I jolted awake and stared into the darkness as the coldness seeped into my body.
Cold.
The air was cold.
I couldn’t move because—
"Are you hiding in the dark?"
—his voice.
My heart raced—out of fear.
There are many people in this province. Many—small children here. Pregnant women, elderly—maybe I still care about my country.
I didn’t speak. I slowly sat up, still tucked into the corner of the sofa.
Suddenly, a small light appeared in the darkness. A candle flared up on the floor, and I could see Nullus before me. I couldn’t look up because of the fear of what he might do.
A hand brushed against my cheek, gently lifting my face.
Our eyes met. Maybe my fear was clear, causing his brows to furrow slightly.
"Are you alright?" he asked calmly.
He’s deceivingly calm.
I didn’t answer. I simply nodded, my tail tucked low.
"I understand," he said softly, then laughed quietly. There was a trace of emotion in his vacant stare. He dropped his hand, and I instinctively bowed my head—yes, to show respect.
What does he want from me?
What does he desire?
He already said I served my purpose.
"I came to kill you?" I asked quietly.
"I came to see you."
"You ruined Metro Manila again." It wasn’t a question.
"It’s a hobby. You know that. What I don’t understand is, do you enjoy being… like this?" he asked softly. I felt him sit beside me, but I still didn’t look at him.
The candlelight died out.
"You have a cat—"
"Please—"
"I won’t kill it," he said, making me calm again.
Soon, he spoke again.
"Are you scared?" he asked with a quiet laugh. "You don’t need to be."
I didn’t respond.
"Did I make an impression again? The impression that I might snap at any minute?"
I didn’t answer again.
"If I wanted you dead, you’d be dead by now."
Silence.
"I told you, say whatever you want, and I’ll follow."
I lifted my gaze in the darkness.
"What are you, a fucking dog?" I asked, quickly regretting it. I don’t know why I get comfortable whenever he shows that side of himself.
I’m so easily manipulated. So foolish.
"I am your dog," he replied. "I am more than willing to wear you as my collar."
"Enough—"
"I can’t even stay away from you for a few days. I’m your fucking dog. Tell me to bark and I will."
I looked toward him. "Be straight with me, Isaac. What do you want?"
"I want a collar."
"You’re not a dog."
"Then I’m a fucking slave, Stella. Open that small mind of yours."
I pulled a lighter from my pocket and lit the candle, casting a small glow around us once more.
I almost swore when he grabbed my legs and pulled me onto the sofa. He hovered over me, and I could see the relaxed expression on his face in the candlelight.
"Do you want me?" he asked, staring into my face. "I know you know the answer if you ask me that. This is how I worship, Stella."
I stared at his face, speechless. "Why are you acting like this all of a sudden? We just kissed—what, three? Four? Five times?"
This changed after he kissed me for the first and second times.
"Are there side effects to your kind’s kisses?" I wondered aloud. "Maybe that’s it? Normal people’s kisses don’t mesh with yours?"
"Stella," he called softly.
"Then kneel before me. Kiss my feet and worship my path," I snapped. "Your outbursts are out of character."
"And your comfort, also out of character," he retorted as he closed the distance between our lips.
Ah… fuck. Here we go again.
I gasped as his hand slipped under my shirt, tracing my skin carefully, gently leaving marks.
I clutched at his neck. I gasp whenever he intensifies his touch. This kiss is different—needy, wet, sloppy. It leaves traces of saliva between us whenever he pulls back slightly to look at me.
Eventually, he stopped and rested his head against my chest.
"I can finally sleep now," he murmured, pressing deeper into my neck. "Please let me sleep."
"Y-Yeah… I won’t leave."
"I’m tired."
"Then sleep."
"Yes, love."
I closed my eyes, and I fell asleep quickly.
And I dreamed.
In my dream, I heard noises. Soft noises. Like a hum? A hum mixed with faint beeping sounds? Ah, I couldn’t quite place it. It sounded like something… beeping.
And my nose… Ah, I could smell disinfectant and alcohol.
Slowly, I opened my eyes. It was bright. Something heavy pressed down on me, and I knew it was Isaac.
But…
I lifted my palm in the air and examined the back of my hand.
It felt strange.
Like I shouldn’t be here. In this place.
****