fiance chapter 19

Sophia knew this was all a dream, yet a strange feeling of being trapped lingered. Should she ask the Duke for help? The thought arose, but instinct took over. She had a sudden, inexplicable certainty that he mustn’t know she was inhabiting this body. If he finds out, I’ll be trapped forever. She had to escape this body and wake up as soon as possible. Glancing at the Duke, she saw him staring blankly ahead, seemingly deeply disappointed. 

Could he have orchestrated all of this? Sophie’s body, like an empty doll, her endless climb up the stairs—it all felt deliberately arranged by him. A shiver ran down her spine. I have to wake up. How do I wake up from a dream? She vaguely recalled reading somewhere about moving one’s fingers. 

Focusing, Sophia tried to wiggle her fingers. Anxiety gripped her; he couldn’t find out. Her racing heart pumped blood through her body, and slowly, she felt her nerves reconnecting. The pale, porcelain-like body began to regain its natural color. Just a little more, just a little bit more. Sweat beaded on her forehead. Just a little more and I can wake up. Finally, with immense effort, a finger twitched. Sophia inwardly cheered, attempting to move it again. Just then, her hand was roughly seized.

“[Sophie.]”

The Duke spoke her name, using the affectionate nickname for the first time in the dream; he had consistently called her Sophia until now. Sophia felt as though her body had been pierced, as if he had recognized her soul within. Warmth gradually crept into his cold face. His glacial eyes, fixed on Sophia in his embrace, began to thaw. The transformation of his impassive expression into one of joy felt strangely unsettling.

“[My bride, my Sophie. You’ve finally returned.]”

He showered her with kisses, his previous insults about her laziness and greed forgotten, replaced with an instantaneous tenderness. His hot lips pressed against her smooth skin. Sophia’s heart pounded faster than ever before. The tight grip on her body was painful. He held her as if he would never let her go again. Fear seized her. Sophia wanted, needed, to break free, but her body refused to obey. She felt the urge to bite his arm, to kick his legs, to do something. As if reading her silent struggle, the corners of his mouth curled upwards.

“[It’s no use, Sophie. This isn’t your body. Don’t you remember? Your body fell into the fiery hell of Halas long ago.]” He spoke with a chilling pride. “[I don’t mind if you hurt me, but I won’t forgive you for hurting your body, even if it’s by your own hand. And so, your body burned. You said you’d never come to me, but that wasn’t possible. I knew this would happen eventually. Sophie, welcome back.]”

He kissed the back of her hand, the same hand she had struggled to move. Beneath his seemingly transparent gaze, Sophia saw something dark and viscous, something horrifying. Let me go, she pleaded silently. The Duke chuckled, as if he had heard her.

“[Sophie, you’ll never leave here.]”

He lowered his head and kissed her. The sensation was terrifyingly vivid. The feeling of soft flesh within her lips connecting with his. Nausea welled up inside her, a shiver running down her spine. His serpent-like tongue parted her unresisting lips and entered her mouth. Her malleable body softened in his grasp. He explored every corner of her mouth, from the sensitive skin of her palate to the root of her tongue. He intertwined their tongues, nibbling and savoring her lips. Though she had never kissed a man before, Sophia felt as if she had always known this sensation. She tried to lift her head to breathe, but could only helplessly part her lips. His strong hands grasped her br*asts. The thin fabric of her nightgown offered little barrier, her body melting into his touch.