Lexi pov“Klaus, I'm trying to gain her trust, so please stop calling. You're jeopardizing the mission. And for the love of everything, don't harm my child.” I spoke softly, my voice barely above a whisper to avoid Scarlett overhearing. I paced my room, attempting to reason with the fool, but he remained skeptical. Suddenly, I heard footsteps approaching, prompting me to quickly dive into the wardrobe and close the door quietly.I held my breath, my heart pounding as Klaus's threatening voice came through the phone. "You really expect me to believe you're making headway with Scarlett?" he mocked. "I need proof, Lexi. Now."My hands were clammy as I clutched the phone, striving to maintain my composure. "Klaus, please. You have to trust me. I'm getting closer to her. But your incessant calls are compromising my position."The wardrobe door creaked slightly, and I tensed, hoping Klaus wouldn't catch the hesitation. The footsteps halted outside, and Scarlett's voice called, "Lexi, are yo
Scarlett povShe seems untrustworthy; I sense she's concealing something from me. I can't pinpoint what it is, but her actions and the way she keeps things from me make me feel uneasy around her.“Markus, I can't put my faith in Lexi, your sister.” I exclaimed, standing next to him, anxiously pacing and revealing the tension in my forehead.Markus narrowed his eyes, concern etched on his face as he observed my restless movements. "Hey, Scarlett, take a breath. What's happening?" He grabbed my arm, stopping my frantic pacing.I pulled my arm away, frustration flashing in my eyes. "Lexi! She's... she's hiding something. I just know it." My voice quivered, revealing my deep discomfort.Markus's expression changed from curiosity to amusement. "You're talking about my sister, the epitome of honesty?" He laughed, his eyes crinkling with mirth. "Lexi isn't exactly the secretive kind, Scarlett."I shot him a glare, irritation flaring within me. "That's precisely what she wants you to believe!
Katherine povI was sprawled on the floor of my bedroom, my heart pounding with excitement as I stared at the ceiling. My stomach growled loudly, and I couldn't ignore the discomfort. I was eagerly waiting for breakfast from a delivery rider, but it hadn't arrived yet.As I lay there, my eyes shifted from the ceiling to the clock on my nightstand. It was 9:47 AM. Where was my breakfast? I had asked for it to be delivered by 9:30 AM. The growling in my stomach intensified, clearly unhappy with the wait. I turned my head, my ponytail brushing against the carpet.Frustration bubbled up inside me, threatening to spill over. My thoughts raced through all the possible disasters - the delivery rider could be lost, my order might be mixed up, or even worse, my breakfast could be sitting on someone else's porch.With a sigh, I pushed myself off the floor and marched to the window. I pulled back the curtains, revealing a dull, gray sky that matched my mood. The streets below were quiet, with on
Scarlett pov“Who was it that you called?” Markus overwhelmed me with inquiries, causing my eyes to widen with unspoken thoughts, and my mind to falter as I pressed the phone against my chest.“Mmm…no one, I require some privacy since you doubt my words regarding your sister.” I replied calmly, making my way back to the couch. I paused to face him before sitting down. Do not ask me again.Markus's expression hardened, his jaw tightening in frustration. "Scarlett, do not shut me out," he cautioned, his voice low and steady, yet tinged with urgency. He stepped closer, his tall figure casting a shadow over me. "I need to understand what is happening with my sister. You are the only one who appears to have any information, even if she has only recently become part of the family and we are hesitant to trust her. You cannot continue to keep me in the dark."I stood my ground, my heart racing under the intensity of his stare. "I have shared everything I can," I asserted, striving to maintai
Scarlett povI contacted Katherine once more, confident in her ability to accomplish whatever task I assign her, provided it aligns with her convenience.I hurried out of the room and into the garden to speak with Katherine."Hello, Kat," I greeted her calmly, glancing around awkwardly."Scarlett, what am I supposed to do in Lexi's apartment? What if I get caught?" she inquired, bypassing any morning pleasantries and displaying her usual brusqueness, yet I needed her assistance."Check her wardrobe; she keeps a book with important numbers. Look for the name Klaus and send me the number," I instructed.I chuckled softly, familiar with Katherine's straightforward demeanor. "Good morning to you as well, Kat," I remarked with a touch of amusement, though my expression tightened slightly at her rudeness."Stay focused, Scarlett," she retorted, her tone low and urgent. "What if Lexi walks in while I'm searching through her belongings?"I paced along the garden path, my thoughts racing. "You
Klaus pov“You found me, Scarlett. I'm impressed by your bravery,”I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper. “I've been anticipating this moment, though I didn't expect it to arrive so quickly.”“So, you've tracked me down.”“Why are you the one reaching out, Scarlett? I should be the one contacting you, darling, since you hold value for me. Don't try to play games; I will locate you.” I warned her, even though I was taken aback by her call.Scarlett's low laugh sent chills through me, and I tightened my jaw, striving to keep control. "Oh, Klaus, always so eager to take charge. But this time, I'm the one in control."Her tone was filled with assurance, making me question her intentions. I leaned back, fingers steepled, staring out at the city skyline."Tell me, Scarlett, what leads you to believe you have the advantage?" I inquired, my voice tinged with amusement and a touch of caution.There was a slight pause, almost unnoticeable, but I caught it. "Let’s just say I’ve come across
Scarlett POV I stood at the entrance of an unfinished building, observing how misguided my dear Klaus was. He looked striking, yet I couldn't understand why he believed I was a key to saving his brothers. Suddenly, my phone buzzed in my pocket, making my heart race. I looked at the screen and nearly shouted. It was Markus—why was he calling me? I rejected the call, fully aware he would try to ruin my plans.I shoved my phone back into my pocket, my thoughts spiraling into worst-case scenarios. Markus's timing was terrible. I didn't want him interfering, especially now that I had Klaus exactly where I needed him.I refocused on Klaus, who remained unaware of my inner conflict. He was too busy barking orders at the woman foolish enough to heed him, his eyes shining with resolve. I watched him, momentarily forgetting about Markus and his unwelcome call.Klaus's enthusiasm was captivating, and despite knowing I shouldn't be affected, I found myself drawn to it. He was merely a tool for m
Markus povDid you manage to reach her? She ought not to cause us such anxiety, as we cannot constantly search for her. She has even turned off her phone. I paced back and forth in my room, frustration mounting as I attempted to contact Scarlett.I halted my movements and struck my fist against the dresser, the mirror shaking in response. Where could Scarlett be? Why was she deliberately avoiding me?I pulled out my phone and dialed her number once more, only to be met with the same infuriating voicemail. I growled, my frustration reaching a boiling point."Dammit, Scarlett!" I exclaimed, flinging the phone onto the bed.My thoughts spiraled into the worst possible outcomes. Had Klaus found her? Was she in peril?I walked to the window, staring out into the darkness. The city lights blurred as my mind raced with worry.Scarlett had always been a challenge, but this situation felt different. It was about control and power, and I refused to let her slip away.Suddenly, my phone vibrated
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