The cold night wrapped around the apartment as Aisha curled up in her bed, seeking refuge in her thoughts. She had escaped Lionel's grasp, breaking the contract that bound her to him. For the first time in months, she felt something close to relief. Yet her mind found no peace.
A month in anonymity. She had shared a small space with her roommate Alina, in a remote village where the cold froze more than just bodies. She kept trying to convince herself she was safe, though the shadow of her pursuers lingered like a constant echo.
As her fingers brushed over the pages of a freshly published essay, an unsettling feeling crept in. The letter she'd received days earlier, still unopened, weighed more than any recent decision. She hid it far from Alina's reach, afraid its contents would awaken the interest of those who should never know of her existence.
In the silence of her room, Aisha prepared for sleep, though she knew her dreams would not grant her rest. Sanathiel. His presence remained engraved in her memory—his almond-shaped eyes, his haunting voice. Despite the fear he stirred in her, she couldn't ignore the disturbing attraction she felt toward him.
A sharp noise broke her thoughts. Alarmed, she got out of bed, her bare feet touching the cold wooden floor.—Alina?—she called, but only the echo of her voice answered.
She walked into the living room, where everything appeared in order. Her heart raced as she returned to her room. She locked the door, trying to calm herself. Just as she thought she was safe, the door burst open.—No… It can't be!—she whispered, stepping back.
From the shadows, Lionel emerged, his suffocating presence filling the small room. His smile was cold, almost mocking, as he watched her.—Did you miss me, Aisha?—he asked, his voice low and laced with threat.
Panic froze her. She tried to speak, but he was already in front of her, his imposing figure blocking every chance of escape.—How did you find me?—she asked, her voice trembling.
Lionel didn't answer immediately. Instead, he traced a line along her neck with a finger, drawing an invisible path that made her shiver.—How?—he repeated sarcastically—Don't think you can run from me that easily. You owe me far more than you imagine.
Aisha tried to retreat, but Lionel grabbed her wrist. His eyes, glowing with a mix of desire and danger, locked onto hers.—You were mine, and you knew it,—he murmured, leaning closer—So how dare that mutt try to claim you?
His tongue grazed her collarbone, sending waves of disgust and fear through her. Aisha felt her world collapsing, but with a desperate cry, she used the pendant around her neck to scratch him.
Lionel staggered back in surprise, clutching his shoulder—already healing.—Damn you!—he roared, but Aisha seized the moment to dash into the bathroom. She slammed the door and barricaded it with a chair, her hands trembling.
—You think you can hide from me?—Lionel shouted, pounding the door until it cracked.—I'd rather be with Sanathiel than stay with you!—Aisha cried, tears blurring her vision.
Lionel broke down the door with ease and seized her again.—You're so naive…—he hissed, his voice dripping with venom—You understand nothing.
Just when it seemed all hope was lost, a tall, strong man appeared. Zen, one of Lionel's men, took Aisha by the waist and knocked her unconscious with a swift blow.—Get her out of my sight,—Lionel ordered coldly.
In the car, Aisha lay unconscious in the back seat, her long hair partially covering her face. Lionel watched her in silence, torn between his desire to control her and the plans he had in store."The teenager who once protected my gaze became a woman… and I didn't even notice."
In the front seat, Cristal—Lionel's redheaded niece—twirled a strand of hair around her finger, smirking at him.—You struggled to knock her out,—she teased.—I'll handle her myself,—Lionel muttered, slamming the brakes in the middle of a deserted road.
He got out, lighting a cigarette to soothe his racing thoughts. He stared at the horizon, trying to find clarity in the storm of his mind.—This is my duty, my decision... and I'll regret it,—he whispered.
Cristal stepped out of the car, arms crossed as she stared at him.—You know what must be done,—she said coldly—The bond between her and Sanathiel is dangerous. Use her like the puppet she is.
Lionel didn't answer. But his expression betrayed the chaos surging within. He returned to the car and leaned toward Aisha, still unconscious. Gently, he brushed aside a lock of her hair, gazing at her warm, flawless skin—a cruel contrast to his cold intentions.
When Aisha woke up, her green eyes sparkled with barely contained terror. She tried to retreat, but Lionel loomed over her, blocking her way. With a swift movement, he grabbed her wrists and pinned them above her head, his body pressing against hers. His presence was overwhelming.—You lied…—Aisha whispered, trying to mask the tremble in her voice—You're just like all of them.
Lionel didn't respond to her words, as if they meant nothing. Instead, his golden eyes began to glow, piercing into Aisha's mind as he delved into her hidden memories.
Suddenly, a forest appeared in her mind. The trees swayed with the wind, and from between them, a majestic figure emerged: a great white wolf, his eyes shining like full moons.—Sanathiel…—Aisha murmured, gasping as she awoke from the vision. Her heart pounded violently, as if trying to escape her chest.
—Why you?!—she screamed, her voice filled with confusion and fear.
Lionel exited the car, his steps tense and heavy. His jaw was clenched, fists tight as if restraining a storm within.
Cristal watched him from the other side of the vehicle, a satisfied smile curving her lips. She slowly approached Aisha, her eyes gleaming with knowledge only she possessed.—He chose you,—Cristal said with a mocking tone.
Lionel turned sharply, his cold gaze hardening.—Don't ever say that again,—he ordered, his voice laced with menace. But he couldn't ignore the pounding of his heart, betrayed by an anxiety he didn't fully understand.
Unfazed, Cristal laced her fingers with Lionel's, sharing a vision through her premonition.—There's no better punishment than using her against him,—she said with chilling calm—You'll make her return to him… without her memories. A perfect puppet, delivered to death.
Lionel yanked his hands away, but Cristal's words had sunk deep into his mind.—Then...—he murmured to himself, his eyes darkening—Making her go back to him, without remembering Sanathiel… would be her undoing.
But deep inside, he already knew:He was willing to do anything to destroy the white wolf.Even if it meant turning Aisha into the weapon that would seal his fate.