Page 46 of Doomed

16

BIANCA

The brush glides across the canvas, each stroke deliberate and precise. Red bleeds into black, creating a swirling vortex that mirrors the chaos in my mind. Two days until I willingly walk into an event that may change my life forever. Until Knox Blackwood hunts me like prey and takes what he wants. He could do anything to me; anything. There is no ‘out clause’ once it begins. I will literally be fodder for his every depraved desire.

I dip my brush into more crimson, trying to focus solely on the painting rather than the knot of anxiety and anticipation twisting in my stomach. The gallery is quiet this morning—just me and my thoughts, exactly how I prefer to work.

The door chimes, and I glance up to see Elliot enter. His usual polished demeanor seems frayed around the edges—tie slightly askew, forehead creased with worry lines.

“Good morning,” I say, returning to my canvas.

Elliot approaches slowly, hands shoved in his pockets. “Bianca, we need to talk.”

Something in his tone makes me set down my brush. “What’s wrong?”

“I heard you accepted an invitation to the Hollow’s Hunt.” His voice is carefully neutral, but his eyes are sharp with concern.

My blood runs cold. “How do you know about that?”

Elliot sighs, running a hand through his perfectly styled hair. “I’ve participated for years. It’s... an exclusive event.”

The paintbrush slips from my fingers, clattering to the floor. “You? But?—”

“That’s not important right now.” He steps closer, lowering his voice. “What matters is whether you understand what you’ve agreed to. The Hunt isn’t just some elaborate game or social event, Bianca.”

I cross my arms defensively. “Knox explained it to me.”

Elliot’s laugh is hollow. “Did he? And what exactly did Knox Blackwood tell you about being ‘prey’ in the Hollow’s Hunt? I doubt he explained in detail based on the fact that you are here painting like it’s just another day.”

“Enough,” I say, but uncertainty creeps into my voice. “Five women, fifteen hunters. We get a head start, they try to catch us.”

“And did he explain what happens when you’re caught?” Elliot presses, his eyes never leaving mine.

My silence is answer enough.

“Bianca,” he says softly, “do you truly know what you’ve gotten yourself into?”

I swallow hard, looking down at the paint-splattered floor. “He told me what happens if I’m caught. He was... explicit.”

“And what did he say?” Elliot’s voice is tight, almost clinical.

My fingers twist around the hem of my smock. “He said if he catches me, he’ll...” I pause, struggling to maintain my composure. “He’ll fuck me.” The words come out barely above a whisper.

Elliot’s eyebrows shoot up, genuine surprise flashing across his face. “And you’re okay with that?” He studies me intently, as if seeing me for the first time. “I wouldn’t have expected you to agree to something like this, Bianca.”

Heat crawls up my neck and spreads across my cheeks. I can feel them burning. Knox stirs emotions in me that I don’t fully understand myself. Why did I sign those papers? Why does the thought of Knox hunting me down send equal parts terror and excitement coursing through my veins?

“I don’t know if I’m okay with it,” I admit, unable to meet Elliot’s gaze. “There’s something about him that makes me...” I trail off, not sure how to explain the pull Knox has on me—how he simultaneously infuriates and fascinates me.

My cheeks grow hotter as Elliot continues to watch me, his expression unreadable. The silence stretches between us, heavy with unspoken questions that weigh me down so intensely that it feels like I may drown in them.

“Knox Blackwood is dangerous,” Elliot finally says. “More dangerous than you realize.”

“You’re part of this?” I can’t hide my shock. The thought of Elliot, who wears his high-collar shirts and ties, participating in a primal hunt doesn’t align with the gallery owner I thought I knew. “I can’t imagine you chasing women.”

Elliot adjusts his cuffs. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me, Bianca.” His voice drops lower. “I’m part of Purgatory’s inner sanctum. Participation is... expected of those in my position.”

I take a step back, seeing him through new eyes. How many other aspects of my life in Ravenwood Hollow are connected to this underground world I’ve stumbled into?