Chapter 29

The two intimidating men closed in, and I felt like the room’s atmosphere grew more vicious with every menacing step they took. I looked at Mr. Blackthorn who bore a wicked grin, convinced that this was how he would break his son’s spirit.

“Ryker, you don’t have to do this. We can just run.” I whispered urgently, clutching his shirt.

“Stay close.” He said, standing his ground, resolute in his determination to protect and fight for us. Something in his eyes told me to trust him, but he was outnumbered. “Don’t move when you can’t feel me anymore. Stay where you’re put.”

The lights in the room flickered, making me gasp in surprise. “What’s going on?” The corner of his mouth twitched in a mocking smile as he watched his father’s reaction.

Mr. Blackthorn’s eyes slit from anger. “Move! Take the woman!”

Suddenly, the lights died, enveloping us in total darkness.“Ryker!” I screamed when I couldn’t feel him anymore, my heart racing a mile a minute.

In the pitch-black, things got wild. There wa