Chapter 3 Chapter 003: A Taste of Karma

CALISTRA'S POV

"Speak, or I'll make sure you regret it. What have you done to me?" Rafael growled, his voice full of rage.

"I don't know what you're talking about!" I shouted back.

I had a theory maybe Rafael couldn't hurt me directly. But I didn't expect our bond to be this... unique.

Still, it worked in my favor. At least now, he'd think twice before trying anything.

Rafael scoffed and nodded slowly.

"Fine. But I promise you this, sooner or later, I'll make you confess. And when you do, you'll pay for it."

He went to grab his shirt from the bed, pulled it on, and turned back to me.

"Make sure to clean the room and bathroom again before you leave."

I frowned.

"Wait, I already cleaned everything. Are you seriously making me do it again? Is this your childish way of punishing me?"

I could see it in his eyes, he wanted to hit me. But he didn't. I guess he knew better now.

"You're a slave. You'll do as I say." He snapped.

"Being my mate doesn't give you the right to talk back. If I can't punish you myself, I'll find someone who can. So watch your tongue."

He stormed out, slamming the door so hard the walls shook.

"Jerk."

I muttered under my breath, then sighed. I looked around the room and felt a wave of pity wash over me.

I had just cleaned this place, and now I had to do it all over again. Maybe I really should learn to keep my mouth shut.

I left to get the cleaning supplies and came back to start over. I didn't know how long I spent scrubbing and wiping, but it felt like eternity.

I had just finished cleaning the bathroom when I heard the door open. I froze. I knew it was him.

I braced myself and stepped out of the bathroom.... only to stop dead in my tracks.

Rafael was kissing a woman. Deeply. Passionately.

He saw me, but didn't stop. I could've sworn I saw a smirk on his face, like he wanted me to see it. Like he was enjoying it.

I shouldn't care. This is who he is. But still... my chest tightened. It hurt. More than I expected.

I couldn't watch. I turned and rushed out of the room, heading straight back to my small, cramped space. He told me not to return there, but right now, it was the only place I wanted to be.

When I got to my room, I went straight to my bed and lay down. I placed a hand on my chest, gently rubbing it, hoping it would ease the pain. I shouldn't feel like this. I shouldn't care. But I knew it was the mate bond messing with me.

I sighed and turned to my side, wishing the pain would go away.

Thankfully, it did. I let out a breath of relief. But just as I was about to fall asleep, my door flew open, making me jump.

Rafael stood in the doorway, his face twisted with anger.

What now? Hasn't he done enough for one day?

I got up, ready to face him. He wasn't the only one who was angry.

He stormed toward me and grabbed my wrists. "What did you do to me?

Why the hell can't I touch her?" He growled.

I blinked, confused. "What are you talking about?"

"I can't—"

He stopped, took a deep breath, then said.

"Every time I try to touch another woman, the pain it feels like fire in my veins"

I stared at him for a second... then burst out laughing. I laughed so hard, tears filled my eyes.

"Are you insane? What's so funny about this?!" He shouted.

I yanked my hands free.

"Why wouldn't I laugh?

You're mad because you can't sleep around anymore?

That's what's driving you crazy?" I snapped.

"You knew what dishonoring the mate bond would do to me, yet you still tried to be with someone else.

Maybe this is the moon goddess punishing you. Maybe now, every time you try to touch someone who isn't your mate, you'll feel pain."

I shrugged.

"Looks like no more sleeping around like a wild dog for you." I smirked.

Rafael raised his hand to hit me, but stopped mid-air.

I stepped closer, my voice low and cold.

"Go ahead, Rafael. Hit me. Let's see what happens next." I dared.

He stared at me, then smirked.

"You think you're powerful just because the goddess is on your side huh?"

I folded my arms and gave him a bored look.

"Guards!"

He called out, and two guards quickly entered the room.

I frowned, confused.

He saw the look on my face and smiled like he'd won.

"Since I can't hurt you, I'll let someone else do it." He whispered.

"Take her away." He ordered.

"I want her whipped until she begs for mercy."

His eyes never left mine as he spoke.

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. But I didn't say a word. Even when the guards grabbed me, I didn't fight or beg.

I refused to give him the satisfaction of seeing me break.

Never.

The guards dragged me to the torture room and tied me down to a long wooden bench.

"At this point, omega, you should really consider giving up." One of them said with a cruel smile.

"No matter what you do, you always end up here getting punished. What did you do this time?

You could've stuck to annoying the others, but you had to mess with the Alpha’s son.

Take my advice, omega. Just end it. You don't even look strong enough to survive this beating. But we've got no choice; it's an order."

"Hey!

Enough talking.

Get to work." Another guard snapped.

He walked over and began whipping me with full force.

But something strange happened I didn't feel a thing.

The guards looked confused. I was supposed to be screaming, crying... but I stayed silent.

What's happening? Why can't I feel the pain?

They took turns whipping me, harder each time. Still, nothing. No pain. No reaction.

Then suddenly, someone burst into the room.

A loud voice echoed through the room.

"Enough!"