Chapter 4

"Scared now?" Caspian sneered. "Should've thought of that before you started playing games."

Two warriors grabbed my arms, dragged me into a dark room, and locked the door without hesitation.

Instantly, darkness enveloped me. I huddled in a corner, my hands and feet icy cold, trembling uncontrollably.

"Dad...Mom...I miss you..." I murmured.

My heart pounded faster and faster, out of control. I don't know how much time passed before I finally passed out.

The next morning, I didn't wake up in that dark room.

I was bound tight with rough hemp rope, the fibers biting into my wrists and ankles until they throbbed. I looked around and realized I was in a derelict warehouse. The sea breeze whipped through the broken windows, smelling of salt and rot.

"Finally awake?" Selene’s voice drifted from behind me.

I turned my head. She was sitting on a rusted bed frame, completely unrestrained, wearing a sinister smirk. Behind her stood a dozen thugs radiating pure malice. I recognized their faces instantly—they were the same rogues who had attacked me three years ago.

"You really are a nuisance, Emma," Selene said, standing up and crouching in front of me. "I thought putting you behind bars would be enough, but Fenris and Caspian still won't shut up about you."

Her expression twisted into something monstrous. "What’s so special about you? I play the perfect little angel, and they still can't let you go. I wanted to marry Fenris, but he actually told me that even while you were in prison, you’re his only mate. He said he’d mark you the moment you proved you’d changed."

She regained her composure, tilting her head with a chilling smile. "Want to play a game? If the rogues kidnapped both of us at the same time, who do you think Fenris and Caspian would save first?"

Looking at the raw hatred in her eyes, everything clicked. The attack three years ago, her role as my "savior"—it was all a staged performance between her and these rogues.

One of the rogue leaders walked over and tossed my phone at my feet. "Call Fenris. Tell him you’ve been snatched."

I looked at the phone, feeling nothing. Who would they choose? The answer was obvious. I had long since run out of hope. I checked the time; Jacob should be close by now.

"Don't give us any trouble," Selene threatened. "Or I'll let these guys have their way with you before you die."

I picked up the phone. While Selene was distracted talking to the leader, I quickly fired off a text to Jacob: I'm at the sea cliffs. Be ready to pick me up from the beach below.

Then, I dialed Fenris.

"Emma?" Fenris answered immediately, sounding frantic. "Where are you? We’ve been looking everywhere. I know you're mad, but running away isn't the answer—"

"I’ve been kidnapped," I cut him off, my voice flat.

"What?!" His tone shifted to pure panic. "Where? Who has you?"

Selene snatched the phone out of my hand. "Fenris! Help us! These men are monsters, they said they’re going to kill us!" Her voice was a masterpiece of terror.

The rogue leader grabbed the phone back. "Listen up, Alpha. If you want these women alive, bring ten million dollars to the sea cliffs. You have one hour, or they both drop."

"I’m coming! Don't you touch them!" Fenris roared.

An hour later, Selene and I were suspended over the edge of the cliff, the churning ocean crashing far below. The ropes were so tight I could barely breathe, but I felt strangely calm. Fenris and Caspian appeared at the ridge, Fenris clutching a black briefcase. Their faces went pale when they saw us dangling there.

"The money is right here," Fenris said, tossing the case to the leader. "Let them go!"

The rogue checked the cash and nodded. "Ten million, right on the mark." Then he flashed a wicked grin. "Problem is, this only covers one of them. So, who’s it gonna be? Pick one."

"What are you talking about?" Fenris and Caspian froze.

"You deaf?" the rogue sneered. "One life per ten mil. Make your choice."

Fenris started to lunged forward. "You bastard! I’ll kill you!"

The rogue immediately pressed a blade against our ropes. "Don't move! One more step and I cut them both!"

Fenris stopped dead. Caspian’s face was a mask of agony and indecision.

"Save Emma!" Selene suddenly wailed, tears streaming down her face. "She’s the one who matters! Save her first!"

I saw the flicker of hesitation in their eyes. They looked at Selene, playing the selfless martyr even in the face of death, and then at my cold, expressionless face.

"Ten!" the rogue started counting.

"Nine!"

"Eight!"

Finally, Caspian gritted his teeth. "Save Selene. She almost died for Emma three years ago. We can't let her sacrifice herself again." He spoke fast, as if trying to convince himself. "Besides, Selene is too weak. She’d never survive the fall. Emma was trained to fight; she’s tough. She can hold on longer. We have to save Selene first."

"Right," Fenris agreed, nodding. "Emma is stronger. She can handle a few more minutes."

"Three!"

"Two!"

"Save Selene!" Caspian finally shouted.

"Yeah, save Selene!" Fenris echoed.

I watched them. Even though I knew it was coming, the reality of being discarded left me cold to the bone. I closed my eyes, a small, relieved smile touching my lips.

The sound of the blade slicing through the rope snapped through the air, and I plummeted toward the sea.

Since you found a better mate and a better sister, I'm out, I thought silently. I hope we never meet again.

As soon as I hit the water, I swam quickly towards the shore.

There, in the blind spot of Fenris and Caspian, a black SUV was waiting for me.

High above, the gut-wrenching screams of Fenris and Caspian echoed as they scrambled frantically toward the edge of the cliff.

"EMMA!!!"