Mag-log inRachel POVI couldn't stop crying, tears streaming down my face.Mark tried to pull me to my feet, his face a mix of urgency and sadness."Rachel, we have to move," Mark said. "Right now. We can't be here for too long.""My brother tried to hurt me," I sniffled. "No-he did hurt me. Marcus-""I know, but we need to move. Please. He's going to see the empty room any time soon, and when he does, this entire building will be looking for us." His voice was firm, but his eyes softened. "We need to contact the boss and get out."I stared at him, my eyes blurry, confused and lost. "What if I don't want to go to Damien?""What?!" Mark's eyes widened."If I go, Damien will know Marcus is my brother and he'll hurt him. Or kill him. I don't want him hurt. I can-I can go and meet Marcus now and talk to him. Maybe it's all a misunderstanding. Maybe Marcus will hold me and apologize and stop this-""Rachel," Mark said softly, crouching in front of me. "I don't know your brother. But I do know he's t
Rachel POV"Do you have a better idea?" Mark asked.I didn't.I looked at the vent again. It was so small and dark. The opening barely big enough for a person to fit through.But it was our only option. And I was not ready to come face-to-face with the Raven. "Okay," I whispered. "Okay, let's do it."Mark grabbed the chair I'd been tied to and positioned it under the vent. "You first. I'll boost you up."Every part of my body screamed in protest as I climbed onto the chair. Mark steadied me, his hands firm on my waist."On three," he said. "One. Two. Three."He lifted.I grabbed the edge of the vent opening, my arms shaking. Pain radiated through my shoulders, my ribs, everywhere Jane had hurt me.But I pulled myself up anyway, entering into the tight space, holding back a cough from the dust and dirt."Keep going," Mark urged from below. "Don't stop."I crawled forward on my elbows and knees, ignoring the aches from my bruises.Behind me, I heard Mark pull himself up into the vent.
Leo POVI sat on top of my new bed in the new home Papa took me to yesterday.A doctor was checking my body, and another animal doctor was also caring for Scout on the bed while I just sat and let them work.I kept sniffing to hide my tears from the nice doctor."We're almost done, Master Leo," he said with a gentle smile, trying to make me feel better.I didn't answer him. I just stared as Scout came to my side, whimpering on my lap.The room was way too small compared to my old one. I was sharing it with Matteo and Thalia, and I liked them, but I missed my big room and big home.Now we were living in this small house with Matteo, Miss Clara, and the doctors in the middle of the forest.The door of the room opened and Matteo peeked in."Hey, you done?" he called, coming to sit by my bed, ignoring the doctor.I nodded, my voice gone."Where's Papa?" I asked."They left since last night, but you were asleep. I'm sure they'll find your mom," he assured me.I frowned, itching at my banda
Rachel POVI didn't know how long it lasted.Minutes? Hours?Time stopped meaning anything.Jane still circled me slowly, the pliers in her hand catching the dim light. My body was already covered in cuts, bruises, burns from where she'd-The door suddenly banged open.One of Jane's men stood there, face tense, breathing hard."Ma'am-we have a situation. You need to come now."Jane's head snapped toward him, irritation flashing across her face. "I'm busy.""Security breach," he said urgently. "Multiple vehicles approaching the west perimeter. Armed."Jane froze. "How many?""At least six that we can see. Black SUVs. Military grade."Her eyes widened. "Montrel.""We think so. They're still two miles out but moving fast."Jane cursed, dropping the pliers onto the table with a clatter. "How did he find us this quickly?""Unknown, ma'am. But if we don't mobilize now-""I know." She was already moving toward the door. "Lock this room. Post two guards outside. I'll deal with them after we h
Content Warning: This chapter contains references to violence, torture, and kidnapping. Reader discretion advised.Rachel POVPain shot through my head, sharp and blinding. My ears were ringing so loudly it intensified the headache pounding behind my eyes.I groaned in pain.And then everything came rushing back.The library. The men. Leo falling. Being dragged away.My eyes shot open.I was in a dark, small room. Tied to a chair in the middle of it.I inhaled sharply, fear shooting through me like ice.I was kidnapped.And Leo-Leo fell down the slope. I was about to cry at the thought of him being hurt when-"Mrs. Montrel."I turned sharply, seeing Mark in the far corner of the room, also tied to a chair. But he looked so beaten up with bruises and blood covering him.I gasped."What happened to-""No time," Mark interrupted, his voice hoarse. "I'll find a way to get you out. The boss will probably know something is wrong by now, so you don't need to worry."I was about to say more w
Damien POVI finally arrived at the hospital and immediately parked the car, leaving it running. My guards stayed behind to watch the vehicle.I entered through the emergency entrance, and immediately spotted them-Rachel's friends. Isabella and Chloe stood near the reception desk, both turning at the sound of my footsteps.They flinched at my entrance, faces going pale, not knowing how to talk to me.It was then I knew; they knew my true identity.Shit. That would be an issue. But I didn't have time for this."Where's Leo?" I asked, my voice sharp.Isabella's mouth opened, then closed. Chloe grabbed her arm, shrinking back slightly."He's-he's in the pediatric wing," Isabella stammered, pointing down a hallway. "Room 3B. They're-they're running tests-"I was already moving."Sir!" A nurse called from behind the desk. "You need to check in first-"I ignored her completely, as I followed the signs toward pediatric care.Footsteps rushed behind me-Isabella and Chloe, trying to keep up."
Damien POVThe dining hall was too quiet.I stood in the doorway, my eyes immediately finding Rachel seated at the table, phone clutched in trembling hands—Leo beside her with a curious expression. Mark stood at attention nearby, his posture rigid with tension.Rachel looked up, and t
Rachel POV The playroom was quiet. Leo lay asleep on the velvet sofa, his breathing deep and even. Matteo and Thalia were gone. Mark stood by the door, a silent shadow watching over Leo. “He just fell asleep, ma’am,” Mark said softly. I didn’t answer. I walked over and gently ga
Rachel POV His fingers hooked into the lace, and my entire world narrowed to that single point of contact. "Damien—" My voice broke on his name. "Shh." His thumb traced the edge of the fabric, maddeningly slow, deliberately teasing. "I need you to be quiet for me. Can you do that?" I nodded
Rachel POV The private study felt like a cage of dark wood and suffocating silence. Lorenzo sat behind the massive desk, his silver hair catching the faint light. Alessandro leaned against the bookshelf with lazy elegance, though his eyes were anything but relaxed. I took a seat near







