Chapter Text
Ever since her capture and confinement in the castle, Ronin's mind had been consumed with thoughts of survival. Escape was out of the plate, so to stay alive, she needed a plan, and her best chance lay in getting close to the members of the family. It was a crazy idea - everyone in the castle would warn against it, advising her to stay far away from the Dimitrescus. But what did she have to lose? In this place, the only certainty was death.
Determined, Ronin decided to keep her enemies close. The next step was to figure out who among them she could approach.
Lady Dimitrescu herself was out of the question. There was no way Ronin could get near her without drawing the kind of attention that would likely be fatal.
Bela, the eldest daughter, seemed like a promising option at first. Gaining her favor would certainly offer the protection Ronin needed. But Bela was cold and detached, barely acknowledging the staff unless they made a great error - an error that usually ended in severe punishment or - death. The risk was too great, and the effort too demanding.
Ronin considered Daniela next. The youngest daughter was different. She enjoyed the company of the staff, often engaging in idle chatter, playful antics, and even flirting. Daniela was the easiest to approach, the most eager for companionship. But her favor was as fickle as it was easy to gain. Ronin needed consistency, not the whimsy of a capricious daughter who could lose interest at any moment.
After days of careful observation, Ronin turned her attention to Cassandra. The most dangerous of the three (the maids' claim) Cassandra was feared by everyone in the castle. Her presence alone struck terror into those around her. Ronin was no exception; she was terrified. But Cassandra was her last resort - more accessible than Bela, less unpredictable than Daniela. Perfectly in the middle.
The idea of getting close to Cassandra Dimitrescu was madness. But sanity wouldn't keep Ronin alive either. The only thing she had left to lose was her life, and that could be taken at any moment anyway. So, she moved on to the next step of her plan: finding a way to get Cassandra's attention without getting herself killed.
Ronin had been shadowing Cassandra, observing her closely. The opportunity came days later.
One afternoon, while Ronin was cleaning the main hall, Cassandra lounged on a couch, waiting for her tea. A maid entered, carrying a tray, but stumbled on her way, spilling the tea. The fine teacup and teapot shattered on the carpet. Ronin winced, feeling a pang of sympathy for the maid.
"Clumsy girl..." Cassandra drawled, her voice dripping with menace. "Do you know how expensive that was?"
The maid, trembling, stammered an apology. Cassandra's tone turned sharp as she ordered the maid to clean up the mess. Fear gripped Ronin - she knew Cassandra wouldn’t be lenient.
It was now or never. Seizing her chance, Ronin grabbed a fine vase and hurled it in Cassandra’s direction. It shattered inches from her, the sound of breaking porcelain echoing through the hall. Even the maid flinched. Cassandra, however, merely looked up, her golden eyes locking onto Ronin with a dangerous calm.
"You missed," Cassandra hissed, rising from the couch, unhurried. Ronin didn’t wait for what would come next; she ran, her feet flying across the castle’s corridors. She had a destination in mind, one she had meticulously planned: Cassandra's chambers.
Cassandra was close behind, her long strides closing the distance effortlessly. Ronin burst into the room, but before she could close the door behind her, Cassandra was upon her. With a swift movement, Cassandra gripped Ronin’s shoulder and slammed her onto the bed, caging her in with a smirk on her face.
"Well, well... looks like the little lamb has found her way into my den," Cassandra purred, her voice low and filled with amusement. She leaned in closer, her breath cold against Ronin's face. "Did you really think you could escape me?"
Ronin, still reeling from the impact, met Cassandra’s gaze without a struggle. Her heart raced, but her voice remained calm as she replied, "No. I’m exactly where I wanted to be..." She arched her back, pressing herself against Cassandra, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Beneath you."
Cassandra's eyes narrowed, intrigued by Ronin’s audacity. Amusement flickered in her gaze and she barely suppressed a chuckle.
"Oh, you certainly have a death wish, don't you?"
"I wanted to get your attention," Ronin replied, her voice steady despite the circumstances. Most would avoid Cassandra at all costs, but there she was, deliberately provoking such dangerous woman.
"And it worked." Ronin leaned back into the soft mattress, maintaining eye contact. She wasn't dead - yet. There was still a chance she could make it out alive. "Are you looking for a pet, perhaps?" she offered, her tone confident. Inside, though, fear gnawed at her, but she knew that showing it would do her no favor. She decided to be straightforward and get to the point.
Cassandra arched an eyebrow at the suggestion, amusement dancing in her golden eyes. "A pet, you say?" She chuckled softly. "I've never had a human... pet before... But you..."
Her fingers glided over Ronin’s cheek, tracing delicate circles on her skin before drifting toward her lips. With deliberate slowness, Cassandra’s finger caressed Ronin’s lower lip, parting it slightly. "Perhaps..." she mused, her voice trailing off as if pondering the idea. "Perhaps I could find some use for someone like you..."
She withdrew her hand from Ronin’s lips, but her piercing gaze never wavered.
Ronin mentally exhaled with relief at Cassandra’s response. The idea of being Cassandra’s pet, as terrifying as it seemed, meant she only had one of the castle’s ladies to worry about.
"However," Cassandra continued, her tone shifting, "naughty pets must be disciplined. And you, throwing my mother's antique vases at me... that won’t go without consequences."
In an instant, Cassandra’s demeanor darkened. She grabbed Ronin by the arm, flipping her onto her stomach with swift, practiced ease. Her hand closesed around Ronin’s neck, pinning her down against the plush mattress.
"Stay still," Cassandra growled into Ronin’s ear, the threat in her voice unmistakable. Any disobedience would surely bring far worse consequences than what Cassandra had in store at the moment.
Satisfied that Ronin didn't resist, Cassandra released her hold. She retrieved a whip, her fingers trailing along its length as a wicked smile curved her lips.
Before beginning, she teared Ronin’s shirt apart, exposing the skin of her back. "Count for me, will you? I tend to lose track."
A shiver ran through Ronin's body, a wave of panic surging within her, but she forced herself to remain silent.
Cassandra rose the whip above her head, and the leather strands sliced through the air with a sharp crack before striking Ronin’s exposed flesh.
Ronin screamed, the sound tearing her throat as her hands clenched the sheets tightly. In the blinding pain, she forgot to count, too consumed by the shock of the impact.
"Which one was it, again?" Cassandra's voice dripped with mockery, her grin widening as she delivered another precise strike with the whip.
"One," Ronin managed to mumble, her voice strained. The pain was searing, her skin raw and broken.
"There it is," Cassandra purred, pleased.
But there was no time for Ronin to recover; Cassandra striked again, and Ronin's screams filled the room, a music to Cassandra's ears, feeding her cruel satisfaction.
It took ten agonizing lashes of Cassandra's whip before she finally paused, allowing Ronin a moment to catch her breath.
Cassandra held the whip loosely in her hand, her golden eyes sweeping over Ronin's bloodied back with a cold, calculating gaze. She seemed to be debating whether her work was done or if it required a few more finishing touches.
After a tense moment, she tossed the whip aside, deciding she was satisfied — for now. Her fingers glided over Ronin’s back, the touch surprisingly gentle, before tangling in her hair. The grip tightened and she yanked Ronin’s head back.
"Now..." Cassandra purred into Ronin's ear, "let's see how you taste."
Before Ronin could fully comprehend what was happening, Cassandra's sharp fangs sank into her neck, piercing the skin and drawing more blood.
Panic surged through Ronin as she writhed on the bed, trying desperately to escape Cassandra’s bite. Her body twisted and flailed in a frantic attempt to break free.
But her struggle only seemed to fuel Cassandra’s hunger. With a guttural growl, Cassandra bit down harder, her teeth sinking deeper into Ronin's flesh. She pressed Ronin firmly into the mattress, ensuring there was no escape from her grip.
Ronin's mind raced, the horrifying realization settling in - this was it. She was going to die there. The life she fought so hard to preserve was slipping away with every drop of blood Cassandra eagerly drained from her.
Her vision began to blur, the room fading as her strength waned. Ronin’s thoughts grew hazy, her consciousness slipping away as the darkness closed in.
●●●●
But it wasn’t the end - just the beginning. Ronin awoke several hours later, her entire body aching with a soreness that felt like fire coursing through her veins. Yet she was alive. She silently thanked whatever god had spared her.
As she stirred, Ronin noticed the bandages carefully wrapped around her back and on her neck. Cassandra had patched her up. How considerate.
She blinked her eyes open, adjusting to the dim light of the room. The dark furniture and hunting trophies on the walls were unmistakable. This wasn’t the maids' quarters; it was Cassandra’s room. She was still in Cassandra's bed, cocooned in soft blankets.
The situation was surreal. After such harsh treatment, it was strange to be taken care of. But it seemed Cassandra had a penchant for keeping her toys in good condition — at least until the next playtime.
Despite the pain, Ronin knew she had duties to attend to. Lady Dimitrescu would not take kindly to hearing that she missed her shift. Wincing, she forced herself out of Cassandra’s warm bed and left the room to prepare for the day.
Ronin needed to change clothes, make herself presentable, and eat something. She was starving. Fortunately, most of the maids were already out on their duties or still asleep, sparing her a barrage of questions.
Tears welled in her eyes as she struggled to pull on a new shirt, every movement sending a wave of pain through her torned back. But there were no days off in Castle Dimitrescu; she had to push through.
Once dressed in black, hoping to hide any bloodstains, she descended to the kitchen to grab some breakfast. The moment she entered, curious eyes followed her every move. It felt as if they all knew about her insane plan.
"You're alive!" one of the maids exclaimed, rushing over as soon as Ronin sat down.
Ronin was startled by the girl’s enthusiasm; she hadn’t made any friends here, so she was shocked to see someone so relieved she wasn’t dead.
"I thought she killed you," the maid continued, clearly referring to Cassandra. "Thank you," she added quickly, her blue eyes shining with gratitude as she grabbed Ronin's hand and squeezed it.
Ronin stared at her, confused, though she forced a polite smile, unsure of how to respond.
"Do you remember? You saved me. When I dropped the tray," the maid explained, her words finally clicking in Ronin's memory. Of course — this was the girl Cassandra was about to punish before Ronin intervened.
"Yes. I... remember," Ronin replied, nodding.
"I'm glad I got away," the girl admitted, still clutching Ronin's hand. "But I was scared for you. Why would you do that?"
If only the poor girl knew the real reason. But Ronin wasn’t about to reveal her true motives.
"I..." Ronin hesitated, searching for the right words. "I was tired of them terrorizing everyone," she finally said, hoping the answer would suffice. "It worked. Somehow..." she added, wincing as the pain in her back flared up again.
"Thank you so much," the girl said once more, her sincerity making Ronin feel a pang of guilt. She hadn’t planned on being anyone’s hero; her intentions had been far from noble. If it weren’t for her plan, she would have let the girl suffer, even die, without a second thought.
"If you ever need anything, just say the word. I owe you a big favor," the young maid added before leaving Ronin to finish her breakfast in peace.
Ronin watched her go, guilt swirling in her chest. At least she made an ally. Even more than one.
●●●●
The prospect of working while her entire body was in pain wasn’t appealing, but Ronin had no choice. She had duties to fulfill. Cassandra might have agreed to take her as a pet, but she hadn’t said anything about excusing her from her regular tasks. So, Ronin had to continue as usual.
Each movement sent a burning pain through her back. It was going to be one hell of a day, and she found herself already longing for it to end.
But that was the least of her problems. Not long after she began her duties, Cassandra found her again.
The vampire appeared out of nowhere, materializing right in front of Ronin and nearly making her jump.
A pout played on Cassandra’s lips. "Leaving without even saying goodbye? How rude," she drawled, faking offense.
Ronin was caught off guard by the remark. Was Cassandra upset because she had left her room that morning?
"I... apologize, my lady," Ronin stammered, lowering her gaze and bowing her head. "I had... duties to attend to." She tried to explain herself, hoping Cassandra wasn’t planning another punishment.
Cassandra stepped closer, and her hand shot out, fingers wrapping firmly around Ronin's jaw. She tilted Ronin's head up, forcing their eyes to meet.
"Your duties?" Cassandra’s voice was tinged with amusement. "You seem to forget, pet. You have a new duty now. Me."
Her grip tightened slightly, her eyes narrowing to emphasize the point.
Ronin’s heart pounded in her chest as Cassandra's fingers held her chin. She tried to hold the woman’s intense gaze, even though fear gripped her.
"Of course, my lady. I apologize for my mistake," Ronin replied, her voice trembling slightly despite her efforts to steady it. She was terrified - who wouldn’t be? But she had to keep her cool, or at least try.
"Do you require anything from me, Lady Cassandra?" she added, hoping that showing attention to Cassandra’s needs might ease the woman’s irritation.
Cassandra’s grip loosened slightly, a smirk curling her lips as she watched Ronin struggle to maintain her composure.
"Good girl," she purred, clearly satisfied. "As a matter of fact, I do."
She leaned in closer, her breath ghosting against Ronin’s face. "I want you to accompany me to my chambers. Now."
Without waiting for a response, Cassandra released Ronin’s jaw, her hand trailing down to grasp her wrist firmly. She started leading Ronin down the corridor toward her private quarters.
Ronin had no choice but to follow, her cleaning duties now a distant thought. As they walked, a few other maids watched the scene unfold, their curious eyes tracking the two women.
But Ronin had far more pressing concerns than the gossips that were sure to follow.
When they entered Cassandra's chambers, the flickering candlelight cast shadows across the stone walls, creating a moody and intimate atmosphere. Cassandra released Ronin’s wrist, gesturing her towards the plush seating area near the warm glow of the fireplace.
"Sit," Cassandra commanded, her voice firm.
Ronin obeyed, lowering herself onto the soft cushions while Cassandra moved to a small, ornately carved table. She poured two glasses of a dark liquid, its rich, almost syrupy consistency gleaming in the dim light. She handed one of the glasses to Ronin, her golden eyes glinting as they locked onto Ronin’s face.
"Drink," she instructed, raising her own glass slightly and watching with a keen interest.
Ronin hesitated, bringing the glass to her face and inhaling the scent of the liquid. It was strong, with earthy undertones that reminded her of wine, but with something heavier beneath. The smell alone unsettled her, making her wonder if this was the famed wine Cassandra’s family was known for.
She dared not ask. Ronin knew better than to question Cassandra Dimitrescu.
With a nervous glance at Cassandra, Ronin pressed the glass to her lips and took a small sip. The taste hit her immediately - rich, metallic, and far stronger than any wine she'd ever had. It was as though iron was coating her tongue. Her first instinct was to spit it out, but she fought the impulse, forcing herself to swallow. The liquid burned slightly as it slid down her throat, making her cough in response.
Cassandra’s eyes never left her, a smirk playing on her lips as she watched Ronin’s reaction.
"Do you know what you’re drinking, pet?" Cassandra asked, her voice low as she stepped closer, her gaze unyielding.
Ronin didn’t answer, the dread in her chest growing.
Cassandra’s smile widened. "It’s a special blend. A mix of fine wine and... blood."
Ronin’s eyes widened, and her face drained of color. Blood. She had just consumed blood. Her stomach churned with revulsion, but she struggled to maintain her composure, placing the glass on the table with trembling hand.
Cassandra took another sip from her own glass, clearly enjoying the liquid’s potency before placing it down. She stepped closer to Ronin, her fingers trailing through a lock of the girl’s hair, almost absentmindedly playing with it.
"Now, onto why I summoned you here," Cassandra purred, her fingers still tangled in Ronin’s hair. "Your behavior in the future..."
Ronin's breath caught in her throat as Cassandra’s playful demeanor shifted, the edge of authority creeping into her voice.
"I don’t appreciate disobedience, and I won’t tolerate it." Cassandra’s tone hardened, and her fingers tightened their hold ever so slightly. "You are to follow my commands without question. If you behave well, you’ll be rewarded. But if you disobey…"
Her eyes darkened. "You’ve already experienced what happens. And trust me, pet, I can be far more creative."
Ronin looked up into Cassandra's eyes, the golden hue of her irises almost mesmerizing.
"Of course. I understand," she replied, trying to maintain a steady voice. It seemed simple enough: follow orders to avoid the whip. Yet Ronin couldn't shake the feeling that Cassandra's tasks might not be as simple as they appeared. Where would the fun be in that, after all?
Cassandra smirked, her hand trailing down from Ronin's hair to her collarbone, her fingers lingering for a moment longer.
"Good," she purred. "I expect you to continue to be a good pet." She pulled back, allowing Ronin to breathe again, though her gaze remained intense.
Relief washed over Ronin as Cassandra stepped away, creating much-needed space between them.
"I wanted to ask..." Ronin began tentatively. "Am I supposed to work my shifts normally?"
Any change in the castle’s order needed to be addressed; Lady Dimitrescu wouldn’t take kindly to one of her maids neglecting her duties.
Cassandra considered the question for a moment, her eyes narrowing slightly as she weighed her response. "I don't see why not," she finally replied. "But remember, your duties to me come first. If I require your assistance, you will drop everything and come to me. Is that clear?" Her tone was stern, her gaze steady on Ronin.
It clarified the situation, and Ronin nodded, swallowing the knot of anxiety forming in her throat. "It is clear, my lady."
"Good. You may leave now," Cassandra dismissed Ronin with a wave of her hand.
Ronin quickly stood up, bowing before heading toward the door. She had no intention of lingering any longer than necessary.
"Goodbye, my lady," Ronin said as she paused at the door, remembering Cassandra’s earlier complaint about her previous hasty exit.
As Ronin stepped through the door, she felt the weight of the world lift just slightly. Leaving Cassandra's chambers calmed her racing heart and raging anxiety, but uncertainty still gnawed at her. She couldn't help but wonder how her days as Cassandra's personal pet might look like…