"William"

His name left my lips before my mind could process the situation. Jake stood next to us, throwing down his cigarette and crushing it under his sole.

I stood still, watching William walk towards us. His face was stiff.You won't speak until I permit you to. I looked towards Jake who was already looking towards William. His arm snaked around my waist, holding me to his torso.

I was sure he would say something but he just stood infront of us. Not saying a word. I could see his eyes fixed on Jake's arm. I wanted to turn my face and tell Jake to leave but William's face was enough to make him realise holding me wasn't a good idea. He removed his hand but something about his face was screaming he wasn't sorry for what he did.

"Jake -"

"I think you should leave" I spoke before William could. I know he wouldn't be pleased but I can't handle a show here. Jake scoffed at my words but he made his way back towards the school without looking back.

"I thought I told you not to speak?"

"Yes master"

"But you're speaking!"

I closed my eyes anticipating his harsh words to slap across my face but nothing came out. His silence was exhibiting something...something I couldn't understand. He wasn't disappointed. Because he knows I was speaking to Jake.

"You cut me off"

"Yes master"

"That wasn't a question!"

He stepped closer, closing the gap ample to just let the wind pass through. "You follow his words more than mine?"
NO!

No no..
"No master"

"What reason would you like to serve for speaking in my absence?"

"I..I was talking because Jake was talking to me"

"That's not persuasive enough Annabeth. Why did you cut me off? Was he asking you to cut me off?"

"I was scared. I didn't want you to be angry"

"You knew I would be mad about this. Yet you did it?"

"I.."

"I what? Now you're stammering huh?"
His hand gripped my arm pulling me into him.
"Why did you do it? Don't think I don't see the calculations in your eyes before you make a move, my Annabeth"

"I like him..not..not like the way I like you. I didn't want him to get in trouble for me"

William's arms dropped to his sides. His face went blank in a blink of eye.
"No no! No master! I like him as a friend"

"I want to know how you like me?"

"I wish you could keep me. I like you as your submissive. I want to be your submissive.
Forever"

"Anna. Why didn't you tell me all this?"

My heart skipped it's beat as I saw William collapse on his knees. "Anna. Jake's family made a deal with your family. They technically bought you in a business deal."

What?

"Bought me?"
"When? How?"

"Anna. Headmaster Alexander told me his father visited this morning and there was a deal and--"

"And I am sold? What am I? Cattle? Fishes? Flowers?"

"Annabeth!"

William rose up, towering over my body. "You aren't told to talk to me like that." I scoffed at his thought which makes him believe I care of what I am allowed to do. I brushed past him, walking down to Headmaster's office but he gripped my arm, pulling me back. "You're not leaving."

I knew this wasn't a perfect idea. But there's never a perfect idea...
"Fuck you"

I broke free from his grip, without turning back. They sold me. Sold me like an object. Why. Why would Jake want me. I know my father doesn't care. He will be happy to get a price for me. All I wanted was to let me enrol in a medicine program, give me a choice to choose my master. Why is so difficult. I wanted to throw myself on this corridor floor and cry. Cry on my fate but tears weren't helping. I marched down to the office, I didn't care about permission. I pushed open the door, entering Headmaster's office.

"Annabeth?"
"Where--"

"You sold me?" My voice left my side when I needed it the most. My question came out in nothing but a timid whisper, like an injured bird trying to chirp it's sound for her mates.

"Annabeth. Why are you here?"

"Answer me! Is that true? Am I being sold?" My body racked uncontrollably, holding the sobs that threatened to make their way out.

"I didn't sell you. It was your father."
His voice laced the guilt that he should have but I felt disgusted. "And you stood there. Watching!" I stepped further towards his desk. "Am I an object that was sold in hours? Where is your wisdom now?"

"Annabeth. I am warning you don--"

"Don't what? You are still opening your mouth in front of me?! "
"I don't care! I don't care whom I am sold to. I will choose my life"

My life

My life which was never mine. My life in which no decisions were mine. Submissive. The word already resembles giving up control.
But
I get to choose what I want. I couldn't believe I was being traded like a non living object. Headmaster Alexander stood up from his desk, to comfort me but I stepped back. I can't bear to see any of these people around me.
"Do you see the world we live in? You're standing a watching a life being sold."

"Annabeth. I didn't want it. But I am helpless I can't stop this. Your dad he already planned to sell you to--"

"I am leaving"

"I didn't allow you to"

Oh yes. I don't actually care.
Without replying to his statement I started walking out of the door. I was stepping out when I felt my arm being grabbed. I turned about to see William standing behind me. "I don't think you're permitted to go"

I jerked my hand to pull it out of his grip but he was too strong to budge. "I don't need a permission"
I felt his other hand wrap in my hair and a harsh tug met my head.

"William! Don't"
Headmaster Alexander held his shoulder but William didn't pay any heed to his words.
"It's alright Alexander. Annabeth can take it now. She is a big girl who doesn't need permissions"

William started dragging me down the corridor, my protests meant nothing to him.

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A/N: hey lovely readers! Well I am not really an "author's note" kind of writer. But I am curious to know what goes on in your mind after reading this chapter.

Is Jake the wrong guy?
Or
Is Annabeth misunderstanding the situation?

Enjoy reading! x