A practiced knock dragged Iris out of sleep. She groaned, rubbing at her eyes. For a moment she thought she was back in the dorms—maybe someone had set something on fire again? But there was no alarm blaring. Another knock, firmer this time, reminded her where she really was.

  “I’ll get her up, Alice. You’re excused.” Lilith’s voice floated through the door, muffled but unmistakable. The handle turned, and the door creaked open.

  Iris sighed, blinking against the morning light. Lilith stepped inside the air grew heavy. Making it clear that this room did not belong to Iris she was just here because Lilith willed it.

  “Oh, good—you’re awake. I was starting to think you’d sleep all day.” Lilith’s tone was breezy, but her eyes were sharp as she crossed to the closet and began rummaging through it as though she owned it.

  “I wasn’t ready to get up,” Iris muttered, reaching for her phone on the nightstand. Ray’s goodnight text still lingered on the screen, softening her face for a moment.

  “Did you forget we have class today?” Lilith asked, plucking clothes from hangers with decisive fingers. “Which reminds me—I’ll need a copy of your schedule.”

  That caught Iris off guard she had assumed Lilith already had that memorized. “Why would you need that?”

  Lilith’s hand stilled. She turned her head just enough for Iris to see the edge of her smile—soft, patient but something commanding and cold underneath. “So I know where you are during the day. Unless you were planning to disobey me? It’s a very simple request.”

  The air seemed to thicken. Iris set her phone down carefully, not wanting to push any harder. “No. I wasn’t. I think I still have a copy in my backpack… I’ll give it to you.”

  Lilith’s smile brightened instantly. She laid the chosen outfit across the bed, a casual set of shorts and a crop top. “Good girl. Now, get dressed. We’ll have breakfast before we leave.”

  Iris slid off the bed and eyed the clothes. Casual enough—nothing to complain about. But when she picked them up, she could feel Lilith’s gaze sweeping over her, studying her again like she was an insect under a magnifying glass.

  “You have pajamas in your dresser, darling,” Lilith said lightly. “No need to sleep in dresses. If you make it a habit, I’ll come in here and change you myself.”

  Heat rushed to Iris’s face. “That won’t be necessary,” she muttered. She glanced up at Lilith, still standing close. “Are you… staying in here while I change?”

  Lilith tilted her head. “Do you have a problem with that, pet?”

  The word felt like a collar tightening around her throat. A reminder that she was property and she had no right to complain. Iris swallowed. “I… I need the bathroom. I’ll change in there.”

  She snatched up the clothes and her phone, slipping past before Lilith could object. Behind her, Lilith chuckled and sat on the bed.

  “I didn’t realize you were so shy,” she called after her, amused. “I’ll be waiting.”

  Iris closed the door without responding. Relief washed over her—Lilith hadn’t tried to stop her. Still, she could feel those cold blue eyes on her even through the wall. Watching her. Better not to give her the satisfaction of seeing anything else.

  The buzz of her phone jolted her. She tugged her shorts on quickly and checked the screen. Ray. A soft smile pulled at her lips. Thank god she hadn’t left her phone unattended—who knew what Lilith might have done with it. The thought of her going through it made her uneasy.

  She glanced at the door, flushed the toilet for cover, then turned on the sink. The phone was seconds from ringing out when she snatched it up

  “Good morning, Ray,” she whispered, keeping her voice low. The running water masked her words- or at least she prayed it did. Sneaking around wasn’t new, but with Lilith in the next room, her chest tightened.

  “Good morning, Iris,” Ray teased in the same hushed tone. “Why are you whispering?”

  “Oh… I’m at the library. Woke up early—I’ve got a lot of homework.” She lowered herself onto the closed toilet lid. This had to be quick. Lilith will get suspicious.

  “Look at you, up early and productive,” Ray said warmly. “I’m proud of my best friend.”

  Her smile wavered. “If only it were for something I cared about.” A sigh slipped out, then she hurried on. “Anyway, did you need something? I don’t have much time.”

  “Pfft, I don’t only call when I need something.” Ray’s voice grew bright again, carefree. His tone only heightened her anxiety; she’ll have to wrap this up soon. “But yes, I wanted to know if you’re coming over after work tomorrow. Snacks and horror movies? Bestie time?”

  The thought made her grin. She had the free time—if Lilith let her go. “I’ll have to ask,” she said without thinking.

  “Ask?” Ray repeated.

  “My job,” Iris blurted quickly. “They’ve had me on overtime.” The lie tasted bitter. Eventually, she’d have to explain quitting—but how could she? Hey, surprise, I live with a woman who bought me and calls me her pet. Yeah, that wouldn’t go over well.

  A sharp knock on the door made her jump. “We won’t have time for breakfast if you don’t hurry,” Lilith called, her voice carrying a faint edge of irritation.

  Ray perked up immediately. “Is that a girl? Are you hanging out with girls now? Is she pretty?” He’d been bugging her to date someone for over a year, and Iris knew if she didn’t cut him off now, she’d get caught.

  “It’s nothing. A classmate. Group project,” Iris rushed to explain. “I’ve got to go. Love you, bye.” She ended the call before he could pry further and shoved her phone into her back pocket. After shutting off the faucet, she took a deep breath, smoothed her expression, and opened the bathroom door.

  “Sorry…I had to use the bathroom.” Iris’s excuse was already loaded. She closed the door and turned to walk toward the door at the far end of her room, but Lilith was already blocking the way.

  “You sure were in there a long time,” Lilith murmured, stepping forward until Iris’s back pressed against the door. Her smile was almost playful, though her eyes were far from it. “Flushing, running the faucet… making all that noise. Almost like you were trying to cover something up.”

  Iris swallowed hard. “I—I just hate germs…And I’m on my period so I took a little longer cleaning up.” She kept her gaze to the floor.

  Lilith tilted her head, clearly amused by the answer. One hand drifted lazily against the wall beside Iris’s shoulder, trapping her without touching. “You don’t smell like you're on your period.” Her voice was calm, matter-of-fact; it made Iris’s stomach twist. The air between them grew heavier. “You’re a good liar; I’ll give you that…but your pulse gives you away.”

  The comment reminded Iris that she was not human. She couldn’t fool her as easily as her uncle. Lilith saw through her.

  “Pet…” Lilith’s voice lowered in mock warmth. “if you want to tell me something, you should just say it. Don’t make me guess. Secrets between us would be… unhealthy.”

  She leaned in close enough for Iris to feel her breath against her ear. Hot. Almost burning. “Who were you talking to?”

  Iris flinched but stayed silent.

  That was when Lilith’s smile sharpened, her amusement turning cruel. “That’s strange,” she purred, finally pulling back just enough to meet Iris’s eyes. “I don’t remember our sink ever learning how to talk, and I highly doubt you were talking to yourself.”

  “Well…I—”

  “Don’t even try to lie to me, pet.” Lilith’s voice was low, dangerous. She leaned in until Iris could feel her breath against her cheek. “Who was on the phone?” Her hands braced against the wall on either side, caging Iris in.

  Iris swallowed hard and kept her eyes down. “A friend,” she whispered. Her chest tightened at the thought of Lilith learning about Ray. If Lilith found out about him, she might forbid her from seeing him. Or worse… she might hurt him. Iris didn’t trust her not to.

  Lilith tilted her head, studying her like she was untangling a web. “A friend?” she repeated slowly, as though the word itself was foreign. Then she laughed, soft and sharp. “That’s precious. I didn’t think you knew how to make those.”

  Iris flinched at the deliberate jab.

  “Tell me…” Lilith dragged the pause out deliberately, her eyes glinting with dark amusement. She was enjoying watching Iris squirm “Was it one of your classmates? The ones who shove you around and laugh when you fall? Are you into that?” She tilted her head, pretending to think. “Or maybe it was a boy. Someone who thinks he can have you.” Her grin widened. “Is that it, pet? Do you think you belong to someone else?”

  Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

  Iris’s stomach twisted. She didn’t answer.

  Lilith leaned closer, brushing her lips near Iris’s ear as her hand slid down her back and into her pocket. Slowly, deliberately, sending shivers down her spine. She fished out the phone, twirling it between her fingers like a stolen toy.

  “Let’s see who’s so important you’d sneak behind my back.” She purred. “Tell me your password.”

  Iris’s eyes widened. “What? No—that’s private. It really was just a friend, I wasn’t lying.” She lunged for the phone, but Lilith’s hand snapped it out of reach with inhuman speed.

  “Oh, but if it’s just a friend…” Lilith’s tone softened to a mock pout. “Why are you protecting them?” She tilted her head, eyes narrowing. “Unless you’re hiding something from me. A lover perhaps?” her voice lowered, breath hot against Iris’s ear. “I heard you tell him you loved him.”

  “I’m not lying!” Iris cried, desperate. “Give it back!”

  The demand killed the playful amusement in Lilith’s expression. Her smile vanished. Her eyes flashed with anger.

  A hard slap cracked across Iris’s cheek—sharp, sudden. Her ears rang. A hot sting bloomed on her skin.

  Before she could recover, Lilith seized her wrists and slammed them above her head, pinning her hard against the wall with effortless strength.

  “You don’t get to make demands of me,” Lilith hissed, venom dripping from each word. “Now. Your password.”

  Iris froze. With no reason to act like a loving girlfriend, the fake warmth from the other day had gone. In its place raw authority that challenged Iris’s defiance.

  “I…” She started to protest, but Lilith’s grip crushed her wrists until her bones ached, cutting her words short. Anger flared in Lilith’s eyes—a dangerous flicker that made fear bubble hot in Iris’s chest. She didn’t know what would happen if she refused. Voice shaking, she gave in.

  Lilith kept her effortlessly pinned with one hand, her strength inhuman, while the other scrolled through Iris’s phone. Iris’s eyes stayed fixed on the screen as it lit beneath Lilith’s touch. Her stomach dropped when Lilith reached her contacts—only three: Work, Uncle, Ray. A smirk curved her lips as she added a fourth, typing in Master followed by a bright red heart. Each tap chipped away another piece of Iris’s pride.

  “Ray…” Lilith said the name aloud, her eyes flicking up to study Iris’s face. “Is he your boyfriend?”

  Iris shook her head quickly.

  “If you’re lying to me, I’ll know.”

  “I…I’m not. We’re just friends.” Iris forced the words out as her gaze darted away from her stare.

  Lilith’s eyes lingered on her face, searching for cracks. Then she turned back to the phone, apparently satisfied. “You two must be close,” she murmured, opening the only message thread. The name at the top—Ray.

  Panic clawed at Iris’s chest. She squirmed, desperate to break free before Lilith could learn too much.

  Lilith slammed her harder against the door, a sharp warning. “You seem awfully worried about the boy.” Her tone had shifted—anger giving way to her usual cruel amusement.

  “P…Please don’t do anything to him. He has nothing to do with any of this…he really is just a friend,” She began to beg.

  Lilith laughed in response, like Iris had just told a joke. “Is that why you’re so afraid, doll? You thought I’d waste my time on your little friend? It’s you I wanted, not the boy.” She used the corner of the phone to push Iris’s chin up so she could meet her eyes. “And since you’re already mine, I don’t need to use him as a pawn.”

  She scrolled through the messages without interest before closing out of the screen. “You should know better than to sneak behind my back.” Her voice softened. “I hear more that you humans. I know more. You can’t hide these things from me.”

  The words felt like they were stripping her bare, peeling back her flesh layer by layer. Iris believed her. She couldn’t trick Lilith. The thought tightened her chest, suffocating.

  Lilith dialed the new contact. When a ring came from her own pocket, she smiled and hung up.

  “Now we have each other’s numbers. I expect you to answer when I call.” She slipped the phone back into Iris’s pocket, hand lingering too long before she slowly dragged her fingertips up Iris’s spine. Her touch burned, causing Iris to shudder.

  At last Lilith released her wrists, letting them fall limply at her sides, tingling and sore. Another piece of Iris had been ripped out, leaving her hollow. Lilith’s claws sank deeper into her life.

  “No breakfast today—you spoiled my mood.” Lilith’s tone was light, almost playful, before she leaned in, lowering her voice to a growl. “If you don’t fix that lying problem of yours, we’re going to have problems.”

  Her hot breath grazed over Iris’s already burning cheek, and she flinched, but the door pressed into her spine—trapped, caged.

  “I…I understand.” Her voice was weak.

  “Good girl.” Lilith kissed her cheek, a gentle cruelty that hurt more than the slap. “Gather your things. We’re leaving.”

  Iris obeyed, hands trembling as she snatched her bag and hurried after Lilith, who hadn’t bothered waiting. She was no stranger to being hit. Uncle had made sure of that, but this was different. Compared to Uncle's predictable anger Lilith was uncharted territory. Her moods shifted suddenly like the weather, and Iris never knew when a thunder cloud was going to pass over those ice blue eyes.

  Lilith opened the car door for her, only to slam it the instant Iris was sitting. The sound cracked in her ears, sending another shiver down her spine. She braced instinctively for another blow that didn’t come. Her nerves were shot.

  In the brief moment of peace while Lilith circled the car, Iris raised a trembling hand to her stinging cheek. Lilith hadn’t known about Ray before…Iris sighed. She seriously fucked up now. She shouldn’t have answered his call this morning; she should know better. But how long did she think she could keep him a secret? Lilith didn’t allow space or privacy. This was bound to happen eventually.

  She kept her eyes on her lap as Lilith’s door slammed shut just as hard as her own. The sound made her jump again. Lilith’s sharp gaze locked her in place.

  “Your hair is a mess.” Lilith said coldly before leaning over Iris and opening the glove compartment. Iris held her breath, forcing her back hard against the seat in an attempt to make as much space between them as possible.

  After a few seconds, Lilith had found what she was looking for and dropped a small brush into Iris’s lap, earning another flinch when she did. Lilith didn’t seem to notice the way Iris reacted to her. Or maybe she just didn’t care.

  “Starting tomorrow, I’ll be doing your hair for you.” She said as she started the car and pulled out of the driveway.

  Iris took the hint and began brushing. “I know how to do my own hair.” Her voice was quiet, almost timidly. Weak. Fearful. Complacent. She hated this side of herself.

  “Are we forgetting our place again, Pet?” Lilith asked sharply as she made a sudden turn.

  Iris slammed against the side of the car, grabbing the handle above her to steady herself. “No…It’s not like you’ll let me.” She mumbled the last part under her breath.

  Lilith chose to ignore the comment. “Good girl.” She said, placing a hand on Iris’s upper thigh and squeezing it. Iris’s body stiffened.

  For a long moment, the car was silent. Iris brushed her hair, mechanically, as if she even this wrong and invoke Lilith’s wrath. Her thoughts circled back to the morning again and again. What could she have done differently? Lilith’s hand stayed heavy on her thigh—possessive, unyielding. The silence pressed in, suffocating, and Iris sat rigid in the passenger seat, willing her heartbeat to steady.

  When the school building finally came into view, relief seeped into her chest. For once, those dull brick walls called to her, a promise of a moment of peace. Of safety.

  Lilith’s voice broke the silence. “As you know, you’ll be my girlfriend while we’re at school, so I expect you to act accordingly.”

  Iris nodded, dreading the act she would have to put on.

  “As my girlfriend, I expect you to get good grades and present yourself accordingly. Since I’ll be picking your clothes and doing your hair, half of that should be simple. Though I’m aware that your grades need help.” Lilith finally released Iris’s thigh as she pulled into the parking lot. “Don’t leave campus during your breaks. Wait for me after your last class. Understand?”

  Iris nodded again, but her silent responses irritated Lilith. “Do you understand?” She repeated tone, stern and cold.

  “I understand,” Iris responded, eyes fixed on the dashboard.

  “Good.”

  Lilith cut the engine. Iris didn’t waste time unclipping her seatbelt and gathering her things, ready to bolt from the car. But just as she reached for the handle, Lilith cleared her throat. Iris froze.

  “Your schedule?” she asked, a demand, more than a question.

  “Oh… yeah, one second.” Iris dug through her bag until she found the crumpled paper and handed it over. The moment she moved to open the door, Lilith’s fingers clamped around her already aching wrist.

  “Not so fast. We’re walking together.”

  Lilith’s eyes scanned over the schedule as Iris sank back in her seat. Testing anymore boundaries today would be dangerous.

  “Are you sure?” she asked carefully. “Don’t you have a class? I wouldn’t want to make you late because of me.”

  “It's fine. You're my precious girlfriend, remember?” Lilith opened her door. “Your class is close to mine anyway. Now come along.”

  Iris watched Lilith step out of the car before hesitantly slipping out herself and trailing a few steps behind. It didn’t take long for Lilith to notice the distance between them. She held out her hand. Iris hesitated too long, and Lilith grabbed her hand roughly. Her grip was too tight, nails digging like claws into Iris’s flesh, unwilling to let go.

  Iris lowered her gaze, wishing she could disappear as they crossed the courtyard. She could feel eyes on them, heard the whispers. The outcast and the most popular girl on campus, walking hand in hand. Iris’s stomach knotted. Lilith’s smile was too bright; she kept it perfect for the crowd. She was no doubt a good actress, but Iris knew better. Iris knew better; she’d seen the sinister smile under that mask.

  Lilith, on the other hand, was savoring every second. She loved the way Iris tensed under her touch, the fluttering of her heart like a caged bird. Iris was hers. Just as captivating as the first day she laid eyes on her. Green eyes filled with defiance, shining like little jewels.

  She could forgive Iris’s actions that morning; her defiance was one of the reasons she had chosen her after all. The fear in her eyes as Lilith pinned her against the wall and toyed with her replayed sweetly in her mind. The little twitches of Iris’s body as she tried her best not to recoil from Lilith’s touch. It had been exciting to disturb the blank look that usually sat on Iris’s face. She wanted to see it again. She wanted to possess more. Her joy, her frustration, and, in time, love. She wanted all of Iris. And she knew she would have it soon. Lilith always got what she wanted.

  Her hand squeezed tighter as they walked, and Iris willed herself not to pull away. She kept pace with Lilith and stared forward until, to her relief, they finally reached the classroom. A quick peck on Iris’s lips, and Lilith gone down the hall. Just a small window of peace.

  By the end of the day, it was clear that Iris wouldn’t get a moment of peace unless she found it herself. Lilith had been everywhere: waiting outside her lectures, sitting too close at lunch, even going as far as to stand right outside the bathroom stall. Her constant hovering weighed heavily on Iris, suffocating her.

  Back in the car, after the day’s classes were over, Lilith’s hand once again resting heavily on her thigh, Iris made up her mind. At home, she might have no choice but to endure Lilith’s overbearing nature, but at school, she could make her own space.

  What could Lilith do about it? Iris could act too. She would play the busy girlfriend—offer just enough affection to keep up appearances but keep her distance whenever possible. Surely Lilith wouldn’t risk her image by lashing out and causing a scene in public. And if she ever brought it up at home, Iris would just claim that she’s been trying to improve her grades.

  It wasn’t much to hold onto. But the possibility of some peace on campus was the only thing she had to keep herself going.

  Lilith’s thumb massaged slow circles over her thigh as Iris forced her gaze out the window, pretending not to notice. She had a plan now. At least at school, she would have some control.

  But Lilith was smiling. She had no intention of loosening the leash around Iris’s neck. Iris would never slip from her grasp.