Feeling Safe

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CHAPTER 24

~Arianna’s POV~

I rasped on the door and stepped, my eyes glancing around the porch as I stood, arms wrapped tightly around myself against the biting cold. 

The chill seeped through the thin fabric of my dress, and I shifted uncomfortably, silently praying Martha was home.

Footsteps shuffled inside, and her voice called out, “Alright, alright, I’m coming!”

The door opened, and Martha stood there, her eyes widening in shock as they landed on me. “Arianna?” she asked, her voice laced with disbelief. 

Her gaze travelled down my dishevelled appearance, lingering on my deep red dress that clung uncomfortably to my body.

I looked down at myself. The dress wasn’t one I would have chosen—not in a million years. 

Its neckline dipped just low enough to make me self-conscious, and the slit running up the side made me feel like I was barely dressed at all. 

A gust of wind sent a shiver through me, emphasizing my predicament.

“Goodness me, Arianna,” Martha said, her voice softening as concern replaced her surprise. “Where have you been all these days? And why do you look like… like you just escaped a notorious sex monster’s mansion or something?”

“Funny, Martha,” I muttered, unable to summon much humour.

“Come inside, quickly. It’s freezing out here.”

She stepped aside, and I gratefully entered her warm apartment. The familiar coziness of her home felt like a haven after the chaos I’d endured.

But the moment the door closed, Martha’s questions came at me like a machine gun. 

“Now, answer me. Where have you been? Why haven’t you been answering your calls? And why’s your uncle acting all weird whenever I visit and ask about you? Are you in some kind of trouble? Did you have to go into hiding?”

Each question piled on top of the last, and I stared at her, overwhelmed. My lips parted, but no words came out. How could I even begin to explain?

Finally, I settled for something half-true. “Well… my uncle’s debt repayment was… complicated, so I had to find work somewhere else.”

Martha’s sharp eyes scanned me again, lingering on the dress. I could see the cogs turning in her head, and a mischievous grin tugged at her lips.

“Do they pay well?” she asked, leaning in slightly. “Did you end up with some rich patron who—”

“That’s enough, Martha,” I cut her off, narrowing my eyes.

Her face fell into a mock pout, though a glint of amusement remained in her gaze. “Fine, fine. No fun allowed, I guess.”

I sighed, shaking my head. “What I need right now is a hot bath and a change of clothes. Can we save the interrogation for later?”

Her expression softened, and she nodded. “Of course. Come on, I’ll get you set up.”

As she led me toward the bathroom, I felt a pang of guilt. Martha deserved answers, but how could I explain Damon? I couldn’t even make sense of him myself.

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~Damon’s POV~

I sat in my car, tapping a rhythm against the steering wheel as I stared at the empty street before me. The dim glow of a streetlamp illuminated the road, but there was no sign of Arianna.

Midnight.

Mars growled impatiently in the back of my mind. “Where is she?”

I clenched my jaw, willing myself to stay calm. “She’ll show,” I muttered under my breath, though even I wasn’t convinced.

Minutes ticked by, and still, there was no sign of her. Finally, I pushed the door open and stepped out into the cold night.

The other cars behind me opened as well, and my men flanked me in silence as I approached the decrepit house in front of us. 

“So this is where our mate has been living? A shit hole,” Mars cussed mand I couldn’t have agreed more. 

She had suffered all her life but things were about to change now that she had met me.

The door was barely hanging on its hinges, and the scent of alcohol and filth wafted out as one of my men shoved it open.

Inside, Arianna’s uncle sat slumped on a worn-out couch, his face pale and gaunt. At the sight of us, his eyes widened in fear. My men hauled him to his knees before me.

His body trembled as he looked up, his voice shaking. “Mr. Dark… I—”

I didn’t let him finish. My voice was low, laced with menace. “Where’s your niece?”

“A-Arianna?”

“Who else?” I snapped. “Or are they more you wish to sell?” I asked, wanting to taunt him and instill more fear in him.

His eyes darted around, searching for an escape. “I—I don’t know. She hasn’t been here for days. I swear! The last time I saw her, your men took her to Arthdal Syrike. Sir, please if she has caused any trouble…” he gritted, “that damn niece… I’m sorry but we…”

I stepped closer, crouching to his level as he clamped his lips shut, my voice deadly calm. “If she’s not here, then where would she be?”

“I—” He hesitated, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. “I don’t...”

Mars surged forward, eager for blood. “He’s lying.”

I grabbed the man by his shirt, yanking him closer. “Think carefully, old man,” I warned. “Because if you lie to me, I’ll burn this rat’s nest of yours to the ground—with you in it.”

Sweat beaded on his forehead, and his voice came out in a rush. “Her friend’s place! Or her boyfriend’s! Those are the only places she’d go if she’s not home!”

I released him, shoving him back onto the floor. “Address.”

He spat it out quickly, and my men nodded to confirm they’d memorized it.

“Let’s go,” I ordered, turning on my heel and heading back to the car.

Mars rumbled in satisfaction. “We’ll find her.”

And when we do, Arianna will learn that running from me was a mistake she couldn’t afford to make.

“You bet I will,” I assured.