“Scarlett called, her voice was filled with dread, indicating something was wrong with Scarlett that we needed to investigate, Katherine.”“We? No way, I can't stand that woman, she's completely unhinged! Katherine said hoarsely, crossing her arms. I knew she had her issues with Scarlett, but this wasn't about her feelings.” I quickly got up from the mattress, tossing the pillow off my lap, and it landed on her face. I chuckled, hoping to lighten the mood, but she didn’t even crack a smile.“Come on, Kat, it's pointless to act like a lunatic over Scarlett. You wouldn’t want someone treating you like that. Let’s go find out why she called,” I said calmly. She didn’t even react to my words. I rolled my eyes and tilted my head back, exhausted by her attitude regarding Scarlett.“I’ll go with you, Nyx, but I’m not doing this because you suggested it, " she shot back, glaring at me with those piercing eyes. I clenched my fist and then relaxed it. Thanks, so are we ready to go?Kathy stood
Scarlett povThe sunlight streamed through the window, flooding my eyes with a warm yellow glow. I slowly opened my eyes, using my elbow to rub the sleep away. A loud yawn escaped me as I struggled to free myself from the duvet. My eyes widened in disbelief when I noticed Katherine sprawled on top of Nyx on the couch. Had they really been like this since last night? I wondered, resting my arms on the mattress and frowning as I continued to stare at them.I scanned the area for a throw pillow when the sudden ringing of a phone broke the silence. My heart raced as I tried to process the chaos that the annoying phone had stirred. I peeked around for the source of the sound but couldn’t locate it. My hand accidentally brushed against something on the edge of the bedside table, sending a chill down my spine. What the hell! I quickly looked at what I had touched. Oh no, it was someone’s underwear. Did Nyx and Katherine really have sex, and did they carelessly toss their dirty laundry near
Marian povStanding at the door, my eyes were already puffy from all the tears I’d shed. I spent the entire night tossing and turning, desperately trying to reach Scarlett, but my calls went unanswered. I paced around the building like a caged animal, letting the tears flow freely. Just as I was about to head back inside—because apparently, the police think you have to wait a whole 24 hours to declare someone missing—I thought, "Fine, I’ll just chill for a bit."I swung the door open, one leg crossed over the other, when suddenly I heard a voice call out, “Marian?” Oh, sweetie, I’m ready for a lecture. I whipped around, my eyes nearly popping out of my head in disbelief. “Scarlett?” I shouted, racing down the stairs like I was in a rom-com. We threw ourselves into a tight embrace. Where on earth have you been, Scarlett?“Oh, just at Nyx and Katherine’s place, darling. But seriously, have you been crying? You look like a raccoon with all that tear-stained makeup,” Scarlett said, peeri
Scarlett povWhile I was still preoccupied with thoughts of the guy stalking me, Marian pushed the door open, her face puffy and red. I turned my gaze to her, noticing her obliviousness to the situation, though it was clear she had been crying for a while."Scarlett, how long have you known about Katherine's relationship with Nyx? I really want to know," she asked, her brows furrowed, her words coming out softly as if she were forcing them."Why are you being so harsh with me? You've been acting strange since last night. What's going on?" I inquired, concern etched on my face."Nothing, Scarlett. I just can't stand how close they are. Nyx being intimate with Katherine was never something I envisioned," she replied, tears streaming down her cheeks. I quickly moved to her side, wrapping my arms around her. A smile involuntarily appeared on my face, revealing my slip about Katherine and Nyx. I regretted mentioning it. I stayed calm, my mind racing with thoughts of what might have transp
Author povA security officer, holding a large flashlight, called out from a distance, "Hey, what are you doing there? It's risky to be on that bridge at this hour!" He noticed a figure near the edge, seemingly ready to leap into the water."Hey, can you hear me?" he asked, moving closer while keeping the flashlight beam on the figure dressed in black pants, a black shirt, and a black cap.The figure stood still, facing away from the officer. The only sounds were the creaking of the old bridge and the distant chirping of crickets."I'm warning you, sir!" the officer shouted, his tone serious yet tinged with worry. "Step back from the edge. It's dangerous."As the officer got nearer, the figure slowly turned. The flashlight illuminated its face, but the cap concealed its features.The officer's hand instinctively moved to his holster. "What are you doing here?" he asked firmly.The figure remained silent, its eyes locked onto the officer's. The tension in the air was thick.Fin
Marcus pov“Hey Elana, have you heard from Scarlett? It's been ages, and she hasn't reached out to me.”“Don't call her that! You’re the one who stirred up all this trouble!” She snapped at me on the phone, and I couldn't even figure out why she was upset, especially since she’s Scarlett's closest friend. “What did I expect?” I shrugged, grabbing a bottle of wine from the cellar and pouring myself a glass, amused by how defensive Elena sounded.“What about Henry, my son?”“You should be asking Scarlett, not me. I look after the kid, but I can't give you any updates on Henry, got it?” She replied sharply, always acting like she’s protecting her friend. It was strange, almost animalistic.I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Elena's reaction. "Whoa, take it easy, Elena. I was just expressing concern for Scarlett and Henry." I took a sip of my wine, observing Elena's tense demeanor."Concerned? You’re concerned?" Elena's tone was laced with sarcasm. "You’re the reason Scarlett's gone silen
Scarlett pov“I got out of my… no,” it’s Katherine’s personal Uber driver. Since she has a minor issue with Nyx regarding Marian's feelings, I honestly don’t have any classification because I urged her to tell him.“Thank you, sir.”“You have a balance, ma'am.”“No worries, keep it, sir.” I responded to the guy with a smile and turned towards the hair salon, where a large sign read: Daisy's Hair Beautiful and Spa. I chuckled as I finished reading the ridiculous name on the sign.I need to get my hair done.As I pushed the door open to Daisy's Hair Beautiful and Spa, a cheerful bell rang above the entrance, and the scent of hair products and essential oils surrounded me. A friendly receptionist greeted me with a bright smile."Welcome to Daisy's! How can we help you look and feel fabulous today?""I need a haircut, and maybe some color," I said, running my fingers through my messy hair.The receptionist nodded eagerly. "Excellent choice! We have an opening with Daisy herself in about 1
Marcus povThe unfamiliar black car parked too close to me, igniting a surge of anger within. I struggled to find enough space to move away.“Who the hell are these guys?” I growled, straightening up. As the car door swung open, two muscular men stepped out, clad in black sunglasses and blazers. Their appearance didn’t frighten me, but it made me uneasy about their intentions. I stumbled back, nearly losing my balance and falling into the gutter."Black needs you, Marcus!" They spoke in unison, as if they were puppets. I hissed, my heart racing; I recognized the danger they posed, but I wasn’t about to go with them. I owed Black a significant debt, and now he had sent his enforcers to collect."I'm not going anywhere. Tell him I don’t have his money."I stood firm, trying to project more courage than I felt. "Tell Black I don’t have his money," I shot back, my gaze flicking between the two intimidating figures.The men remained unfazed, their faces unreadable behind their shades. "Bl
Scarlett's POV:Tears cascaded down my face as I gazed through the narrow, barred window of my prison cell. The view outside was a hazy mix of water and sky, the entire landscape engulfed, with no land in sight. The magnitude of my situation was beyond my comprehension. A prison submerged beneath the waves, where the horizon seemed to stretch infinitely, and everything I cherished had vanished beneath the surface.How did I end up in this place? How did my life devolve into such a nightmare?My heart raced as I wiped away the tears, my fingers quivering as they brushed against my damp cheeks. The chill from the window bit into my skin, yet it paled in comparison to the deep ache within me—the longing for freedom, for hope, for an escape. The thought of remaining in this submerged prison had never crossed my mind. Yet, here I was, confined in a cell, feeling as if the very water surrounding me was closing in, threatening to engulf me entirely.I allowed my body to slide down against th
Markus' POVThe clink of glass against wood was the only sound that filled the space around me. I sat at the end of the bar, my eyes on the amber liquid swirling in my glass. The world around me blurred in and out. I wasn’t looking for anything specific. In fact, I wasn't looking for anything at all. Just trying to forget.A man who had done as many wrong things as I had, who carried the weight of his mistakes like chains around his chest, didn't have the luxury of looking for meaning. So I drank. And drank. And then drank some more.I wasn’t a big fan of crowds, but tonight I didn’t mind the noise. The low hum of conversations, the clinking of glasses, and the occasional burst of laughter seemed distant—something out of reach. It felt like I was watching life unfold without really participating in it. The usual.I pushed the glass to the side, wiped my lips with the back of my hand, and ordered another drink. The bartender didn’t ask questions. No one did in this place.My eyes wande
Markus' POVThe clink of glass against wood was the only sound that filled the space around me. I sat at the end of the bar, my eyes on the amber liquid swirling in my glass. The world around me blurred in and out. I wasn’t looking for anything specific. In fact, I wasn't looking for anything at all. Just trying to forget.A man who had done as many wrong things as I had, who carried the weight of his mistakes like chains around his chest, didn't have the luxury of looking for meaning. So I drank. And drank. And then drank some more.I wasn’t a big fan of crowds, but tonight I didn’t mind the noise. The low hum of conversations, the clinking of glasses, and the occasional burst of laughter seemed distant—something out of reach. It felt like I was watching life unfold without really participating in it. The usual.I pushed the glass to the side, wiped my lips with the back of my hand, and ordered another drink. The bartender didn’t ask questions. No one did in this place.My eyes wande
Scarlett povThe frigid air struck my skin sharply as the guards pushed me through the cramped prison hallways. My muscles tightened, adrenaline coursing through me as I fought to control my breathing. I sensed Blackwood's menacing presence just behind me, like a hunter relishing the scent of its quarry. Each step reminded me of the torment awaiting me. I had been in this place before, but the circumstances were now altered. This time, I wasn’t merely a captive; I was a target they aimed to shatter."You'll regret crossing me, Scarlett," Blackwood hissed, his voice low and filled with malice. A chill ran down my spine, but I refused to give him the satisfaction of revealing my fear.I smirked, keeping my voice calm despite the cold seeping into my bones. “You really think I’m afraid of you? You clearly don’t know me, Blackwood.”He halted, his footsteps reverberating in the stillness of the corridor. I could feel his cold, calculating gaze on the back of my head. “Oh, I know enough. Y
Scarlett pov It was time for the usual daily bath. For us prisoners, bathing together in the communal bathroom was just part of the routine. I gathered my soap and other essentials, wiping my dusty face with a towel. As I made my way down the hall, I sensed something was different. Women were gathered, towels wrapped around them. My heart raced as I calculated my steps toward the scene. What was happening? That question echoed in my mind. "Hey Scarlett, hurry up or you'll face the consequences!" a sharp soprano voice called from behind, pushing me to move faster. I quickened my pace, my heart pounding with unease. The usual sounds of chatter and laughter were replaced by an unsettling quiet. I tightened my towel around me, the rough fabric irritating my skin as I continued. As I neared the bathroom, I noticed the door was slightly open, a beam of light spilling out and creating an eerie glow on the floor. I pushed the door open and scanned the room for clues about the situatio
Marian pov I gathered my things, preparing to head to work, feeling the heaviness of loneliness and anxiety in my chest. I ignored the noisy fridge, too consumed by the reality that everyone I cared about had left. Scarlett and Finn were no longer part of my life. As I stood there, caught in my morning routine, the burden of solitude felt overwhelming. Scarlett and Finn had filled my days with joy and laughter, and now their absence echoed painfully in the silence. I inhaled deeply, attempting to dispel the emptiness that had taken root inside me. I needed to get to work; I couldn't allow my personal struggles to interfere with my duties. I finished dressing, my actions automatic as I went through the steps. I picked up my bag and moved toward the door, but a wave of anxiety washed over me as I reached for the handle. What if I couldn't manage this? What if facing the day without Scarlett and Finn was too much? I dismissed those thoughts, reminding myself that I had overcome
Finn povI returned to Klaus after losing Scarlett, knowing I had to report directly to him. I could already sense his fury at the news that the one woman he tasked me with finding was still missing. I was certain he would kill me for this failure.As I pushed through the heavy wooden doors, the eerie creaking resonated in the empty hallway, reflecting the dread that gripped my chest. My heart felt like it was being crushed, each beat a reminder of the reckoning that awaited me.I had let Klaus down. The burden of that failure weighed heavily on me, threatening to suffocate me. Scarlett, the person he had entrusted to me, was still out there, and I was the one who would face the repercussions.Approaching Klaus's study, I felt my palms grow clammy. My mind raced, trying to find a way to present my failure in a less deadly light. But deep down, I knew it was pointless. Klaus had no patience for failure; he obliterated it.I inhaled deeply, the air catching in my throat as I raised my h
Scarlett povThe door to my prison ward swung open for the first time in weeks, and the sight of daylight filled me with a surge of joy.As I emerged from the grim cell, the warm sunlight enveloped my face, its golden rays rejuvenating my weary spirit. It felt as though the universe was welcoming me back to life. I closed my eyes, tilted my head back, and allowed the light to embrace me, igniting a flicker of hope deep within.The sound of rustling clothes and soft voices pulled me back to the present. I opened my eyes to see a group of women in worn uniforms, their expressions a blend of curiosity and caution. I recognized that look; it mirrored my own reflection from the past weeks.A small woman with a messy bob and a scar above her left eyebrow stepped forward. "Well, look who finally decided to grace us with her presence," she said, her tone laced with sarcasm. "The princess has arrived."I shot her a sharp look. "I'm no princess," I replied, my voice steady but tinged with amuse
Scarlett povWhere am I?! I growled, looking around as if I were losing my sanity. The entire area was dark and terrifying. Remus was gone, the police had taken him, and now he was dead. I was held captive in a place where I couldn't even begin to comprehend my situation.I slowly pushed myself up from the ground and stumbled toward the door.Is anyone there? Why won’t anyone respond?I took a cautious step forward, straining my eyes to see through the darkness. The air was heavy with the smell of mold and rot. A chill ran down my spine as I made my way to the door. My throat was raw from shouting, but I called out again, "Is anyone there?"The silence was overwhelming. An eerie stillness seemed to absorb my words. I banged on the door, the cold metal biting into my fists. "Let me out! Please, someone, let me out!"Tears welled in my eyes as memories of Remus flooded my mind. His lifeless form appeared before me, and a wave of sorrow crashed over me. I leaned against the door, my body