Chapter 45 Caught

Christian

Ten Years Ago

I sat on the edge of the bed, the delicate necklace Bernice had made for me dangling from my fingers. The small, intricately woven pendant felt cool against my skin. She had crafted it from bits of wire and scrap metal, her nimble fingers transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary.

"Have it with you," she had whispered, her green eyes shining with emotion as she fastened the clasp around my neck. "No matter what happens, no matter where you go, it will always be with you."

I closed my eyes, letting the memory of her words wash over me. The faint scent of her perfume still clung to the necklace, a delicate floral aroma.

The sudden pounding on the door shattered my reverie. I leapt to my feet, my heart slamming against my ribs as the door burst open, revealing a dozen of my father's men. They poured into the room, their heavy boots thudding against the worn wooden floor.

And there, striding through the doorway like a thundercloud, was Aaron himself. H