Taken

### Chapter: Taken

The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm, golden light over the backyard as I sat on the grass, trying to clear my head. The events of the past few days had been overwhelming, and I needed some time to myself. The constant pressure from my family, the encounter with Zayn in the woods, and the looming threat of the meeting at the palace—it was all too much.

I closed my eyes, letting the gentle breeze wash over me, hoping it would bring some sense of peace. But peace was elusive these days. Every time I thought I could breathe, something new would come crashing down on me.

I was lost in thought when I heard the distant sound of engines approaching. My eyes snapped open, and I turned to see a fleet of black cars driving up the narrow path that led to our house. My heart skipped a beat when I noticed the royal symbol emblazoned on the doors. My breath caught in my throat as dread settled in my stomach. This wasn’t just a visit—this was trouble.

Before I knew it, the