Cameron’s POV

“She’s really pretty”

I was stalking her socials when I suddenly saw a picture of her with a guy. His hands slightly touched hers and it made my blood boil. I became irritated at the sight that my queen was with someone else, with their skin touching each other.

I want to kill him, but I don’t want her to know. That thought kept lingering in my head. I couldn’t resist the urge to kill him in my mind repeatedly. Stabbing, shooting, and cutting off his hands, punishing him for his audacity to exist beside her. How dare he touch my queen?

I grabbed my phone and dialed a familiar number. When the person at the end of the line picked up, I spoke. “Kill a guy for me.” I coldly said. “It’ll cost you.” The guy said. “Name your price.” I nonchalantly said as if money is just a number.

“20 million pounds and you’ll have his head on a silver platter.” What he said made me smirk. I’d like that. My queen will be mine and only mine. No one can touch her but me.

"I want him to suffer, but don't end him just yet. Wait for me to join. I want the pleasure of seeing him beaten to a pulp with my own hands," I said. The line went quiet for a while before Cillian spoke. “Sure! Is that all?” He said. I was about to end the call when I thought of something. “Before you bind him, cut off his hands,” I said and dropped the call, not waiting for his response.

…………

The screams of pain roared and filled the 4 corners of the room. Blood dripped from my knuckles. But the blood was not mine. I looked at the guy kneeling in front of me as I towered him. I grabbed a pair of pliers from the table beside me. I signaled a guy to hold him. “Open his mouth. Wide.” I said. The guy grunted and screamed, pleading for mercy. He started fighting back but only failed. “Stop! Stop this!” He screamed, crying in pain.

“This will only stop when you’re dead. I’ve only started.” I signaled the guy to open his mouth. I used the pliers and grabbed one of his molars and started breaking and pulling until it came off. His screams died down, and for a moment I was worried. Worried that he died before I was satisfied. But when I heard his sobs, I smirked. “What did I do to deserve this? What!” His muffled cries enveloped the room.

I slowly graced my hands along the many pieces of equipment on the table. Injection, scissors, acids, and other torture equipment. What should I use next? My eyes roamed along the table until my eyes darted on the drill, I smiled a little and grabbed it. “What did you do, you ask?” I replied. “I did nothing wrong.” The guy replied weakly.

“You did everything wrong,” I replied as I turned the drill on. “What did I do?” He screamed and cried, hopeless. “You touched what’s mine.” I coldly said. My mercy had run dry and my thoughts evil. I started drilling his upper legs and forearm.

“Ahhhh!!” He screamed as blood splattered to every inch of the floor.

………………

Seraphina’s POV

I walked into my first class. The room was unusually quiet today. I was surprised to see that I was the only one there. I looked around and my soul almost left my body when someone tapped my shoulder. I sighed as I saw Adelin. “Adie! Gosh, you scared me!” I complained, but my complaints only reached deaf ears. Her face was crumpled and she looked like she just saw a ghost.

“Where’s all the people?” I asked, but I was surprised when she only grabbed my hand and pulled me out of the room. She continued to drag me outside until we reached the Senior department. “Why did you bring me here Adie?” I asked when we stopped. She looked at me coldly and pointed up the building. “Look up.” She said and my sight followed her pointed finger.

My mouth gaped as a horrified look painted on my face. Alex’s body was tied up in front of the building naked, bruised, and drilled, his mouth was dripping with blood, His hands cut off and his eyes hollowed out. On his left ankle, a rope was tied as a sign hung, painted with red lettering I fear was made by his own blood. “I touched what wasn’t mine.” My hands trembled as my memories with Alex flooded my mind.

I was lightheaded the whole day; I didn’t even notice the time passing by. I went to my bathroom as I did my night routine and skincare. But as time passed by and I looked at my reflection intently, the serums started getting darker in color until they turned to blood. I screamed as I tried to wipe it off. I turned the faucet on but blood dripped from it too. I looked back in the mirror and was horrified to see Alex behind me. He looked at me with his hollowed eyes and spoke weakly. “I did nothing wrong.”

I woke up screaming and crying. I sat up as sweat and tears mixed and it dripped down my cheeks. I cried hard. My swelled-up eyes drifted to the mirror in front of my bed. My tears streamed down my face, but then a smile slowly crept on my face. I started giggling, I chuckled loudly and laughed maniacally.

……….

Cameron’s POV

Screens occupied every inch of my room as I monitored everything that my beloved queen did in her life. I watched her for 24 hours drowning in the sweet ecstasy of having her as my love. I put every camera in every place just to make sure that she would never be with someone else and will never be touched by any dirty scumbag living on this earth. I watched the screens intently making sure that she came home safe and sound.

My eyes kept wandering over all the screens that I had when suddenly my eyes stopped at a certain footage near their school. There, I saw my queen being followed by someone. I was calm at first, but became furious when suddenly the man grabbed Sera’s wrist which made her stop running away. Blinded by anger, I picked up my barbed baseball bat and called my friends to come with me.

We arrived at the location easily. I let my men handle the 5 guys first, I can’t let my queen see me fighting those bastards. “Don’t kill them Knoxx, I want my hands to feel the warmth of their blood.” I said as I fantasized those bastards screaming for their life. “Sure dude, don’t worry we will only show them how kind we are.” Knoxx said with a crazy smile on his face as he licked his favorite golden pistol.

Seraphina’s POV

I was walking home from school, the streets were dark and the moon was shining bright. I looked at the sky to marvel at its beauty. It seemed like a lovely night. Or so I thought. I started feeling uncomfortable as I felt a pair of eyes looking at me through the trees. I felt goosebumps, I shivered at the thought of someone stalking me. How could someone even stalk me here? I am still hundreds of meters away from our main gate. But this road is already in our estate.

I gasped as I heard a rustling sound in the far distance. My walking started to accelerate quickly. When I heard footsteps in the distance I started running and sprinting. I ran as fast as I could. I heard someone laughing before I felt someone grab me on the wrist. “Ahhh!” I screamed as I closed my eyes in fear. “Looks like we caught a pretty little doll, boys!” I heard the man gripping me shout. He laughed like a psychopath as I felt him grip me tighter. His hands started roaming my body. I squirmed with every touch as I tried to break free from his grip.

He maniacally sniffed my neck as I tried to push him away. I saw 4 other guys looking at me like they were the predators and I was the prey. I felt weak, there was nothing I could physically do when they each held me by the limbs. “What do you want from me?” I asked as tears streamed down my face. “What would dear Professor Volkski feel when we ravish his beloved daughter?” My eyes widened at his remark, is this my end?

I closed my eyes as I accepted my downfall. But I ended up opening my eyes again as I heard some of them grunting and others shouting. I saw 2 fine men beating the 4 guys.

Cameron’s POV

My eyes reddened with anger as I witnessed my queen being harassed by these filthy men. I looked at Knoxx and Cillian. “Go, I want them tied up like a little gift.” I smirked. Cillian took off his glasses and gave me a deadpan look. “I agreed to this thinking I only needed to stay here to guard and erase camera footage.” He coldly said to me which creased my forehead. “I paid you.” I said.

“Well then if you want me to fight, then you’re going to have to pay more than 10 million pounds.” He smirked. I closed my eyes tightly. “If you satisfy me with your service then I’ll give you any amount you want. You can name your price and I’ll send it like it’s nothing.” I arrogantly said to him. His smirked widened to an evil smile. “Then his Majesty’s wish shall be done.” He said and went out of the van without even waiting for Knoxx.

“Look at that ass! He didn’t even wait for me. That stingy little man practically thrives on money, using it to fuel his every move. It’s like his eyes light up whenever he sees it. Anyways, I’ll go ahead and beat those assholes, you owe me.” Knoxx said before getting off and helping Cillian. I smiled devilishly as I walked out of the vehicle. I stayed in the shadows, forcing myself to lurk in the dark so that my queen wouldn’t see me. I strategically held her in my arms the moment I reached her back.

She squirmed trying to break free from my grip. I grabbed my silk handkerchief as I gently blindfolded her. As I wrapped the cloth around her head, her natural fragrance enveloped me, stirring desire within. I clenched my eyes shut, fighting against the urge. My breaths became uneven as I struggled to maintain composure while holding her close. My lips reached her ears as I whispered. “I will always be here to protect you, my queen.”

Cillian and Knoxx signaled to me that they’ve already taken care of those bastards. I didn’t want to leave her here, but I knew it was better this way. I gently caressed her arms wanting to make her feel comforted. “Be safe, my queen.” I whispered before letting her go. I quickly ran to Cillian and Knoxx as I got in the vehicle. I breathed so hard, it was the first time I ever held her in my arms and it made my blood boil thinking that these men held her too.

…………….

I was leaning on the metal table in the middle of this room. Looking at the assholes that dared touch my queen before me. I smirked evilly while I watched them getting electrocuted. “Turn up the voltage, I want them weak.” I ordered not caring about how these bastards feel.

“Fuck you, your highness. You’re nothing without your title, your name! Without your family, you are just as helpless as us!” The Leader shouted and laughed teasingly. “And yet again, I am a Dashwood. And you are nothing.” I said as I grabbed a sharp knife from the table. “Never dare compare yourself to me. For beside me, you are merely dust in front of Gold.” I said and slowly gripped his skin, piercing it. You will get what you deserve.

Everyone who dares hurt my Queen will perish in a place worse than hell. In the hands of a creature when provoked is worse than the devil, me.

Seraphina’s POV

I rolled my eyes as I watched my mom pace back and forth in front of me. She’s holding 2 magazines in her hand contemplating whether a gold, black, and red motif or a pastel motif. I sighed as I glanced at the table, it was filled with magazines and brochures of different designers my mom was considering. My eyes looked toward the 2 organizers my mom hired. “Sera, are you listening sweetheart? You should, this is your big day after all.” My mom said as she handed me the magazines she was holding. “Now pick, this one is elegant, daring, and bold.” She said as she pointed at the Gold, red, and black motif. I looked at it intently. It’s indeed elegant. “But this one is also nice, it’s subtle, demure, and very much pleasing in the eyes.” She said as she pointed at the pastel one.

She sat beside me as I sighed. I can’t decide. My mind is still clouded with the things that had happened last week. The man’s scent still lingered in my mind. The way he held me so gently in his arms as if I was the world’s most precious diamond. I smiled at the thought of what he said to me. “Be safe, my queen.” I felt goosebumps all around my body, it was like I could still hear him whispering in my ears.

“Sera!” My mom sternly called me. I opened my eyes quickly when I heard her call my name. “I’ve been asking you for ages, what do you want?” My mom annoyingly asked me. I smiled awkwardly before I faced the magazines, well I guess I should pick one now. “I think; this suits me better Mom.” I said and pointed at the first one. “Good choice sweetheart, this’ll be the talk of the town for sure.” She said, smiling widely at me. She took the 2 magazines from my lap and went to the 2 organizers.

They were talking for ages; I didn’t care about it at first but what she said next intrigued my whole being. “I want every rich bachelor at the age of 18-21 to be my daughter’s 18 roses.” My mom said, I smirked at that thought. 21? What a pity then, but that’ll be exciting.

Cameron’s POV

I glanced at the mountains of paperwork on my desk. This workload has been keeping me busy for the past few days. It stopped me from seeing Sera and I hated it. If only this money didn’t benefit me, I wouldn’t care if this Empire my father built would crumble into pieces. I sighed as I grabbed another folder to read.

A knock on my office door interrupted me, I was about to burst into anger upon seeing my secretary enter my office. But the Black envelope in his hands caught my attention. Could it be the thing I’ve been waiting for?  “Sir, sorry for interrupting you, but an invitation was given to me by the head executive assistant of the Volkski’s. They await your response to their only daughter’s debut.” He said as he handed me the black envelope. It had golden vines with blood-red roses as a design and their family’s crest as a stamp.

I smiled knowingly as I motioned my secretary to head out of my office. As soon as I heard the office door closing, I tore the envelope open. As I took the Card out, a familiar scent enveloped my whole office. Sera, her favorite perfume was sprayed inside. Inhaling deeply, I felt a surge of desire stirring within me, causing my pulse to quicken. I steadied myself and focused on the invitation in my hands, determined to maintain composure as I began to read its contents.

“Duke Cameron Atlasdair Dashwood, you are cordially invited to the Debut of Seraphina Aurelia Volkski.” As soon as I read that I felt ecstatic I couldn’t even think straight. I quickly stood up and grabbed my keys. I called Cillian, it took him a while to answer and I was already in front of my Bugatti. “Come in my office, finish my workload.” I said. “Pay me.” He replied. “Sure!” I said and dropped the call. I drove my car fast; I didn’t care about any speeding ticket. My priority is Sera and will always be Sera. After I parked my car in front of my house I sprinted towards my room. I entered my walk-in closet and started looking for a suit to wear.

After hours of looking at piles of suites in every inch of my closet, I slapped my forehead in disappointment. Stupid! Why am I looking in my closet? I should call a designer to make me a suit instead. I quickly stood up to look for my phone, bullets of sweat were forming on my forehead. Where did I put my phone? I panicked, I searched everywhere. My closet was a whole mess. I was already on the verge of breaking everything when I remembered that I had spare phones on my bedside table.

I quickly got out of the room and opened the drawer beside my bed. I picked up a spare phone and called my secretary. After a few rings, he answered. “Sir?” I tapped my foot continuously as I thought of my favorite designer. “Send me Rajo Laurel’s Contact information.” And without a second thought, I ended the call.

1 Month Later

I entered the venue. It was the biggest hotel in the country, it was filled with gold and black decor with a tinge of red. A bouquet of Black leaves and blood-red roses with golden dust filled the entirety of the place. I smirked in awe of my queen’s wealth, I couldn’t help but imagine Sera looking so elegant in her gown. The Volkski’s princess is turning into a queen tonight. My queen.

I walked to the table where I should be seated. Businessmen and women flocked to me trying to get me to sign a contract with them but my attention was fixed only on my queen as I waited for her grand entrance. A few minutes passed and a voice was heard throughout the venue, “Ladies and Gentlemen, we humbly request for you to wear a special mask made especially for this special event.” I heard the emcee say. After that, I saw waiters coming out of nowhere bringing out trays of masks. I didn’t know that this was a masquerade ball.

“We send out our gratitude to everyone for participating.” I heard the emcee speak again as I tied a black and red mask around half my face. It covers the left side of my face. “Now, please stand as we welcome the queen of tonight’s ball, Senorita Seraphina Aurelia Volkski!” The emcee announced the lights went out and the spotlight turned on at the top of the grand staircase. My breathing started to quicken as I awaited my queen’s descent.

And when I saw her in her body-hugging red, black, and gold dress with a high slit and feathered mask that only covered her eyes upward, my eyes lit and my breath hitched. It was like seeing an angel descending from heaven, falling down gracefully on earth. My queen looked like she was the most beautiful woman on the planet and I couldn’t agree more.

She started going down the stairs slowly and gracefully making sure to look at every face in the room. My eyes darted at every corner she looked at; why would she glance there? Who is she looking at? And for a moment I wanted to murder everyone in her sight. She should only see me and me alone! But my anger slowly vanished when she glanced in my direction, and for a moment I thought she recognized me. Cause for a second our eyes met and I saw familiarity in her eyes. But maybe I was just dreaming, like how I fantasized about her in my arms every day.

As she stepped down the last step of the staircase she was greeted by her father as well as her mother. “Let us give the Volkski’s a round of applause.” A voice said. I saw her smile sweetly at everyone, she started approaching each table as one after the other greeted her. She bowed her head to show her gratitude to some and held others' hands. And when she reached mine, I felt my voice weaken. Where did my strength go?

Everyone at my table greeted her but I couldn’t find any words that should be said. But before she could leave the table to go to another I whispered a few words that made her stop. “Happy birthday, Aurel.” I said. She stiffened, her back facing me. She slowly turned her head and approached me. And in a soft voice she asked, “What did you just call me?”

I smiled meaningfully and uttered, “Happy birthday, senorita.” She suspiciously looked at me intently, and she stepped closer to me. I could already feel her breath. “No, I heard you call me something else. Say it again.” She said. But I just smiled at her and shook my head. “That's what I said Senorita.” I lied again. She clicked her tongue and stepped back.

Sera’s POV

I heard him call me Aurel, I swear I did. And only one person calls me Aurel, my childhood best friend Atlas. But he denied it, so was I just imagining it? I clicked my tongue and stepped back. “Okay.” I said. I was about to walk away when I felt him pat my head. I stiffened again, only Atlas does that to me. My eyes widened as I looked back at the masked guy. But he was already gone. I looked around to find him, but damn I couldn’t spot him anywhere. I sighed as I heard my Mom call me. “Sera, it’s time for the games.” I heard her say, I smiled a little. This will be fun.

I sat on a chair in front of everyone. Beside me were both my parents. I excitedly watched as people gathered around. 5 bachelors of this country stood in front of all of us as they were handed a Pistol. I looked at the emcee and signaled her to announce the mechanics of our little game. “Ladies and Gentlemen, the mechanics of our game are easy. 5 men will be given a pistol and a waiter will be assigned in which an apple is placed on the waiter’s head. The players must hit the apple to receive a prize, a kiss from Senorita Seraphina.” The Emcee announced as I smirked.

“Let the game begin.” My father said as he fired his pistol.

“First up, the only heir to the Coleman empire, Lath Coleman.” The emcee announced. I watched as a fine man graced the stage and he pointed his pistol to a waiter. Everyone watched as he fired the pistol without a blink. And I disappointedly shook my head when I saw the waiter drop dead. “What a shame, an only heir can’t even shoot right.” I whispered under my breath.

Another guy tried, and another and again. But no one seemed to hit a little apple. I started getting bored when the last waiter dropped dead. This is boring. I called the emcee to whisper something I wanted to be done.

“Another game will be played, as requested by Senorita herself. Let’s play a round of Russian roulette.” I smiled as the emcee announced my favorite game. I stood up and motioned my father to give me his favorite pistol. He smiled menacingly at me before handing it over. “Have fun, sweetheart.” He said. I slowly went up the stage with one bullet in hand.

“One player will be needed in this game. So whoever wants to, please stand and come up to the stage.” The emcee announced. I waited for a few minutes but no one seemed to want their head blown to shreds. And then a familiar man stood, the man who I thought called me Aurel, the man who patted my head. He walked slowly as he came up and faced me.

The mechanics of the game are simple really, all he needs to guess is the number of chambers the bullet is in. As I fire the pistol on his forehead. It’s a shame if he died before I could see his face. But I smiled anyway.

He stood in front of me, his eyes were filled with an emotion I couldn’t seem to distinguish. Was it fear? Hesitation? No, it couldn't be. Yet, there was an intensity there, a depth that hinted at something more profound. Lost in my thoughts, I barely registered the commencement of the game. He looked me straight in the eye as he was asked to guess a random number from 1 to 6. “5” He declared, his voice steady and  unwavering. I was taken aback, the confidence in his voice was evident. 5, It was a bold move, one that defied convention and courted risk. In choosing the number with the highest potential for danger, he embraced the thrill of uncertain death, inviting it to dance with him in the shadows of possibility.

I stood there, the weight of the gun heavy in my hand, I pointed the gun at him, aiming for his head, each click of the empty chambers echoing through the tense silence of the room. The crowd held their breath, their anticipation greatly felt as they watched the deadly game unfold before them. I heard the crowd gasp as the gun emitted smoke but no bullet came through. He stepped a little closer, making me wonder who the hell is this man? “Try again.” He bravely said.

I pointed the gun at him, a little annoyed at his audacity to dare me. Another chamber was shot and again, no bullet came. He stepped closer, annoying me more. With each failed attempt, he inched closer, his movements calculated, his purpose unclear. I pointed at him again, and again, and again. 4 total chambers have been shot and he’s now inches away from me. As the fifth chamber clicked empty, he stood mere inches away, his proximity a dreadful challenge. He smiled meaningfully, “Where’s my kiss?” The crowd clapped but I only smirked and stepped a few feet back and pointed the gun at him again.

I quickly aimed the gun and fired the bullet. As the bullet tore through the air, a cumulative gasp swept through the venue, followed by a hushed silence that hung heavy with anticipation. The mask he wore flew from his face, revealing features that seemed to shimmer, bared to the world at last. I smiled and stepped closer to him, leaving little to no gap between us as I whispered. “Now you can claim your prize.” I said as I gently kissed him.

Cameron’s POV

My heart raced when her lips touched mine. It felt surreal, I swear I thought I had died and gone to heaven. So when she gazed back at the crowd, I quickly regained my composure and exited the building. I tried to calm myself down, breathing in and out trying to bring my heartbeat back to normal. I sat in a little garden for a few hours before deciding to return to the venue. But the joy that enveloped my heart was quickly replaced by jealousy.

Arriving at the scene, the festive atmosphere of the occasion clashed with the fury brewing within me. Laughter and music filled the air, but my gaze was drawn unexplainably to the gathering of guests, where the ritual of the 18 roses had already started.

Jealousy and envy swallowed all of my composure as I watched from the corner, a silent witness to the procession of suitors eying her attention. Each rose presented was like a thorn pricking at my wounded pride, a reminder of the competition I now found myself unwittingly entering in once again.

My queen was dancing with a random guy, a stranger, his presence an annoying intrusion upon the delicate weaving of our shared moment. My pulse quickened, a surge of possessive fury coursing through my veins as I watched them twirl together in perfect harmony. I watched his hands intertwined with my Queens’.

And then, all I saw was red.

Anger clouded my vision with a bright haze of crimson rage. Every rational thought evaporated in my mind and was replaced by my fury, leaving only a burning desire to reclaim what was rightfully mine.

………………………..

I held this guy’s hand as I sliced off his fingers. His screams filled the room we were in. His cries were all that I could hear besides the subtle pleading of the other 17 men in the room, their eyes wide with terror. Should I cut off their entire arm? I tilted my head as I looked at my bloody work. His fingers were on the floor along with the other fingers I cut from the other men. “Quiet.” I sternly said as I shoved the back of the knife in his mouth.

I looked at them and their pitiful faces. I looked at the screen of an encrypted laptop beside me, the side of my lips rose as I read some of the missing articles.

“The sole heir to an oil company is currently missing.”

“The oldest son of Marina Tsu, the pioneering tycoon of hotel chains in Asia has been missing since last week.”

“General Enrique, the chief of generals has issued a search and rescue order for the 18 heirs who have been missing for 5 days.”

“Young superstar heir has been missing in action for the past 5 days.”

“Lath Coleman, the most eligible bachelor of 2024, is still not found after days of search and rescue. A 1-billion-dollar reward has been issued for the person that can find the sole heir to the Coleman empire.”

As I scanned through the list of missing persons on the laptop screen, it was the mention of Lath Coleman that caught my eye. There he sat in the corner of the room, stripped of his wealth and status, reduced to a trembling wreck in my presence. I smirked as I looked at Lath Coleman, shivering, naked, and almost dead.

"What's mine is mine," I thought, a cold resolve settling over me as I looked upon Lath Coleman's broken form. In this world of chaos, I alone held the reins of control. And as I gazed upon the once-mighty heir to the Coleman empire, I knew without a doubt that my rule would remain unchallenged, and my queen would be forever mine.

Sera’s POV

I looked closely at the missing heirs list and compared it to my Guest list. My heart was beating loud as I crossed one name after the other. It was all coming together, I crossed the last name and I looked at the list I made intently. All of them were at my party, and all of their names seemed familiar. Rummaging through my drawers, I sought out a particular file, my hands trembling with fear and anticipation as I held it. Flipping it open, I compared its contents to the list of missing heirs, and the pieces of the puzzle fell into place with clarity.

They were the same. My 18 roses, the guests of honor at my party, were none other than the missing heirs whose disappearances had captured the attention of the world.

My mouth was left agape, who would do such a thing?

I heard a commotion downstairs, I was worried. Our home was always peaceful. With measured steps, I descended the stairs, my heart heavy with apprehension. Long hallways stretched before me, each step echoing with the weight of the problems that gripped our household. I slowly reached the receiving area. There were heaps of people, shouting, crying, glaring at my parents like they murdered their loved ones.

“My son is a respectable bachelor; no harm has ever come his way. Not even once! Not until your daughter’s birthday Arthuro!” A man in his mid-50s shouted at my father. One man was about to charge my father but was stopped by our guards. “Bring us back our mijo, Arthuro. We have done nothing wrong!” A woman weeping pleaded to my father. Her tears were a subtle reminder of the anguish that gripped every heart in the room. But my father only shook his head.

“I am deeply sorry comrades, but I assure you, we do not know the whereabouts of your sons. We bear no responsibility for this unfortunate event. Surely, someone wants us to fight each other.” My father's voice rang out with calm authority, cutting through the tension like a sharp knife. I remained listening at the far corner of our receiving area not wanting to cause any more ruckus once they saw me. I am partially faulted too.

“If not you then who should we blame Arthuro? The pattern of the case leads us to you and you alone!” The general shouted, his voice reeking of accusation. I was shocked to see the chief of generals here. It turns out that one of his sons was a part of my entourage.

“And you must know where they are, among all of us here you have the most connections. Until our sons are found, you bear a share of the responsibility for their safety. You must help us.” One woman cried. She was devastated and desperate to find his son. I can see that in her eyes. And when I saw her glance at me, all the blood on my face left my body pale. Her eyes filled with rage and accusation bore through my soul.

“You! You’re Seraphina, right? Where’s my son? Where?” She shouted at me. I stepped back when I saw her charging at me. She held me by my shoulder as she shouted at my face, her grip tightening on my shoulder with each passing minute. Fear crept into my system as she continuously shook my being. “I-I don’t know where your son is.” I said, my voice shaking uncontrollably as my tears started to form in my eyes. She cried as she shouted again. "Where?" she demanded, her voice rising to a crescendo of despair.

“Unhand my daughter Helena, don’t you dare hurt my child!” I heard my father shout but the woman only wept in front of me. Her tears fell on my hands as she slowly let go of me. She fell on the floor while whispering “Where” again and again until she collapsed. The shock was evident on my face as I looked at the woman lying on the floor unconscious. I didn’t know what to do, or what to say, my mind went haywire after that, and all I saw was black.

………………..

1 week has passed and the missing heirs are still not found, or that’s what I thought. I heard my mother’s gasp as I entered my father’s office. “They finally found them.” She said, her voice tinged with a mixture of relief and dread. But when I entered the room and glanced at the News report it was all a bunch of corpses. The reporter glanced at the camera and his quivering with emotion as he delivered the details.

"The 18 missing heirs have been missing for 2 weeks," he began, his words almost inaudible. "The search and rescue team worked tirelessly until an anonymous tip led the police to an address in the Burnham forest."

My heart sank as I listened. The reporter's words painted a grisly picture—a creek stained with blood, the decapitated heads of the missing heirs floating eerily upon its surface.

"And there they found a gruesome sight," the reporter continued, his voice trembling with horror. "The bodies of the 18 heirs, chopped and sewn together like a bloody jigsaw puzzle." A wave of nausea washed over me as I struggled to comprehend the terrible crime that had been committed. The forensic evidence revealed a twisted form of torture, each limb mismatched with its torso, a grotesque display of cruelty beyond comprehension.

As the reporter's voice faded into the background, I couldn't help but wonder—what kind of monster could perpetrate such a heinous act?

My eyes stared intently at the picture of the bloody creek, the scene etched into my mind. I stopped myself from the sudden burst of immense emotion. I closed my eyes as I controlled myself. I looked at my parent’s gloomy faces. This will surely be a problem for them.

My father glanced at me, he stood up and approached me. My father's gentle touch brought me back to reality, his eyes searching mine for understanding. “Sera, I think it would be better for you to leave the country.” He said. My forehead formed a knot. But I understood what he meant, because of this scandal. I should lie low for a while. “Okay, Dad,” I said. He told me to pack my bags since I’d be staying abroad for an indefinite time.

"Be careful while you're away, sweetheart," my mom's voice quivered with emotion, tears glistening in her eyes. She hugged me tightly, her reluctance to see me leave evident in every gesture. But in the face of my father's decision, her hands were tied.

“I’ll be sure to call you Mom.” I said and smiled as I hugged her tight. We had a few minutes of goodbyes before I entered the van. It’s a 1 hour ride from the manor to the airport. 30 minutes into the ride the vehicle suddenly stopped. “What happened?” I asked my driver. He only shook his head and left the van. I was about to get off to protest when he suddenly came back. Something felt off, but I set that thought aside. It didn’t matter as long as we got to the airport on time.

I fell asleep after a few minutes. When I woke up I looked outside to see that we were still on the road. I glanced at my watch to see that 2 hours had passed. I panicked, my flight was about to leave and we still hadn’t arrived yet. I scooted over to my driver and held his shoulder.

"Why haven't we arrived yet? We've been driving for over two hours," I demanded, my voice trembling with urgency. But to my dismay, he offered no response, his silence adding to the growing sense of unease that swirled within me. I was starting to get worried, it was almost 5 o’clock and I didn’t even know where we were. “Hey! Where the hell are we?” I asked as I tapped his shoulder. I only noticed now that he was wearing a cap that covered almost half of his face. The van suddenly stopped which made me sit back in my seat. I got out of the van realizing that my driver never wears caps. With a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach, I realized that something was wrong.

I scanned my surroundings, my heart pounding in my chest as I realized we were at a port, a contrast to the airport I had expected. Confusion clouded my thoughts as the man who had driven me here stepped out of the van.

“Who are you? Why have you brought me here?” He took off his cap to show me his face. I was shocked to see him. The man I kissed the night of my 18th birthday, the man who disappeared. “What do you need from me?” Questions tumbled through my mind, each one more urgent than the last, but before I could voice my confusion, he drew near, his touch gentle against my cheek.

“I need you, my Queen.” He said and without hesitation, he leaned in and kissed me. My mind raced with questions, confusion swirling like a whirlwind within me. Who is this man? And why was he calling me his Queen?

But then when his lips left me, I felt a soft cloth on my face. I felt my consciousness slowly leave my body. My drowsy state could only pick up one phrase. "You're mine, Auriel." He whispered.

I woke up feeling lightheaded, my body was a little sore indicating that I'd been asleep in this position for quite a few hours. With a groan, I pushed myself into a sitting position, as I looked at the room I was in. I wasn't familiar with this place at all. And then the memories from yesterday came flooding in.

He kidnapped me! What does he want from me? I don't even know him!

I panicked as I ran out of the room. It was a bright house, white and blue paint ransacked the place and it was cozy. It's not as big as a normal mansion but it can be classified as a big house. It had an island vibe that scared me. What if I am?

I found the door leading outside. I ran as fast as I could. But when I got there, I couldn't believe my eyes. Damn it! A white sand beach stretched out before me, with turquoise waters gently lapping the shore and palm trees swaying in the breeze. It was a beautiful sight, but all I could think about was that I was trapped.

I frantically looked around trying to find any signs of other human beings. But nothing, there was no one but me. Panic started to sink in and I ran toward the beach as I desperately scanned the horizon for any sign of rescue. But again, there was none. Tears brimmed my eyes as realization started to hit me, the cold breeze of the ocean felt like a mocking whisper as I stared at its vastness.

At the peak of my hopeless devastation, I heard his footsteps behind me. I felt him near me and it only made me want to cry. I turned around only to face my offender, his worried eyes did not melt my heart. How could he look so concerned when he was the one who did this to me?

"Don't be afraid," he said softly, reaching out to touch my arm. "I brought you here to protect you, not to harm you." I pulled away, distrust and fear ran through me. "I don't know who you are or what you want," I snapped at him. "But I won't let you control me. I'll find a way out of here." I angrily whispered before running away from him, the sound of the waves crashing in my ears as I disappeared into the unknown.

“Sera!” I heard him shout which only made me run faster, adrenalin boosting my bravery to enter a forest. As I darted into the dense forest, the greeneries thickened around me, enveloping me in a fearful cloak of shadows and eerie whispers. My heart hammered in my chest, each beat reminded me of the danger I was in. But fear only fueled my determination to escape, to break free from this stranger's grasp and reclaim my freedom.

Branches slightly ripped my clothes, and twigs kept scaring me as they snapped under my determined steps as I delved deeper into the forest. I pushed myself to run faster, driven by my instinct to survive. But as I ran faster, I observed the sky get darker, rain soon started to fall and my skin started to sting which made me stop. I looked at my arms and saw tiny scratches from the branches that ripped my clothes. I cursed under my breath as I endured the pain. I ran again, and for a few hours, I was running until I felt like I was running in circles.

I’m lost damn it! I looked around to find shelter as I felt the rain grow stronger. But as I burst into an open space, I froze at the sight of a towering figure before me. My breath hitched as my consciousness slipped away once more, catching only the faint whisper of his final words.

"I found you, Aurel."