Arachne's eyes dropped, avoiding Malakai's cold gaze. She stood before him, her worn dress a reminder of her desperate circumstances. The small, dingy cottage reeked of poverty, the air thick with the smell of stale bread and desperation.Malakai's voice dripped with condescension. "You're fortunate I'm willing to take you in, Arachne. Your mother's debts are substantial." His eyes lingered on her youthful beauty, and Arachne's skin crawled. She felt like a commodity, bought and sold.Her mother handed her a small, tattered bag. "Go, child," she whispered, tears streaming down her face. Arachne's heart ached, seeing the desperation in her eyes. The weight of her mother's sacrifices settled heavily on her shoulders.Malakai grasped Arachne's wrist, pulling her close. "You'll make a suitable wife," he sneered, his breath hot against her ear. Arachne's stomach churned. She knew what lay ahead – a life bound to this cruel man.As they left the cottage, Arachne caught a glimpse of her mother, standing alone, tears streaming down her face. The image seared itself into her mind. Malakai's grip tightened, and Arachne's thoughts turned to survival.The village outside seemed to fade away, leaving only the stark reality of her situation. Arachne's magic, once a source of comfort, felt stifled, suffocated by the weight of her circumstances. She walked beside Malakai, her heart heavy, her spirit already beginning to wither.The journey to Malakai's estate seemed endless, each step taking her further from the fragile life she knew. Arachne's resolve hardened – she would endure, for now. But the embers of resentment smoldered within her, waiting to ignite.Warning: This scene contains mature themes, violence, and non-consensual content.Arachne's days blurred together in a haze of fear and pain. Malakai's estate, once grand, now felt like a prison. He reveled in her suffering, his eyes gleaming with cruel delight.Each night, he claimed her body, violating her with merciless precision. Arachne's screams were muffled by the thick stone walls, her pleas ignored. She felt shattered, her spirit crumbling beneath his brutality.But Malakai's abuse went beyond physical. He wove dark magic, ensnaring Arachne in a web of binding spells. Her attempts to flee were thwarted by invisible chains, her feet rooted to the spot."You'll never leave me," Malakai hissed, his breath hot against her ear. "You're mine, body and soul." His fingers traced the intricate patterns of his spellwork, etched into her skin like scars.Arachne's magic, once a source of strength, was now a distant memory. Malakai's dominance had suffocated her powers, leaving her vulnerable and helpless.One fateful night, Arachne summoned the last shreds of her courage. She tried to break free, but Malakai's spell held strong. He punished her severely, his rage unleashing a torrent of agony.As she lay broken, Malakai's words seared into her mind: "You'll never escape. You'll never be free." The binding spell tightened, its grip suffocating.Arachne's heart shattered, her soul trapped in this living nightmare. She became a shadow of her former self, a mere specter of the vibrant witch she once was.One night, Arachne went towards his chambers she pushed open the door, hesitant. Malakai's chamber was dimly lit, the air heavy with silence. She approached his bed, her heart pounding. And then she saw him. Still. Lifeless. A dagger protruded from his chest, a crimson stain spreading across the sheets.Arachne's breath escaped in a rush. Relief washed over her, followed by a wave of exhilaration. The torment was over. The weight of his tyranny lifted, freeing her from the shackles of fear. A smile, hesitant at first, spread across her face. Tears of joy pricked at the corners of her eyes. I need to thank whoever did this, she thought.Just then she began to feel the invisible chain around her loose finally she was free.Arachne's gaze fell upon Malakai's lifeless form, and she knew she had to react. Tears, though genuine in her relief, wouldn't be enough. She must appear devastated. The weight of her newfound freedom threatened to shatter her composure.She forced her sobs, letting despair etch her face. The maids, drawn by her cries, rushed in. "Mistress, what's wrong?" one asked, alarm etched on her face.Arachne pointed to Malakai's body, her performance convincing. "My lord...my husband," she sobbed. The maids gasped, shock and grief written across their features.The steward arrived, somber-faced. "We'll send for the authorities, Mistress. This...this is a tragedy." Arachne nodded, tears streaming down her face.As the household erupted into chaos, Arachne's thoughts raced. She must maintain this facade, or suspicion would fall on her. Her freedom, so newly won, depended on it. One misstep could send her back to the shadows.The sound of footsteps echoed outside, signaling the arrival of the guards. Arachne's heart quickened. The investigation began.Here's the 100-word scene:Authorities swarmed the estate, their faces stern. Arachne stood tall, her mask of grief intact. The investigator, a gruff man with piercing eyes, approached her."Mistress Arachne, we need to ask some questions," he said.Arachne nodded, her voice trembling. "Of course."The inquiry was brief: her whereabouts, Malakai's last days, their relationship. Arachne answered, her words laced with sorrow.A technician scanned her fingers, comparing them to prints on the dagger. Moments passed.The investigator nodded. "You're clear, Mistress. No evidence links you to the crime."The investigator's expression softened. "Mistress Arachne, Malakai's will name your sole beneficiary. He has no known relatives. His estates, wealth, and titles are yours. Alright inspector, make sure to find the man that did this to my husband, Arachne said The investigator nodded. "Of course, we will, and also, mistress Arachne, we'll need you to come to our office tomorrow to settle the estate matters. Paperwork, signatures...it's routine. Your husband's attorney will be present." He handed her a parchment with the address. "10 o'clock sharp, please."Arachne's composure faltered, surprise and relief mingling. The weight of her newfound freedom and fortune settled upon her, a dizzying, exhilarating prospect.Alright, I'll be there, she managed to say. Finally, life was bliss, but was it???
