We stayed around the picnic ground, and slowly, the place began to feel lively again, just as it should. The tension that had gripped me earlier seemed to dissipate for a moment, and for the first time in hours, I allowed myself to breathe. The smell of freshly cut grass, mixed with the faint aroma of grilled meat from other people, filled the air. Laughter and chatter floated around like gentle waves, washing over the lingering remnants of my panic. For a minute, I forgot everything that had happened earlier.
The slow music, soft yet captivating, mingled with the chill of the evening breeze. And, of course, there was our very own Marcus, shamelessly making out with girl number five for the night.
"Ugh, disgusting"
I pushed the thought aside, shoving down the flicker of irritation and the strange, fleeting pang of jealousy that I had once felt for him. Honestly, how did I even let myself have a small liking for that fool?
Maxie, true to her usual self, abandoned me within minutes, pulled toward some boy she claimed to have known forever. I was left alone, as usual, an observer in the midst of chaos, yet strangely comforted by the quiet solitude. A slow grin spread across my face there's something liberating about walking alone while everyone else is distracted. So, I decided to take a stroll.
From the picnic ground, my eyes fell on a majestic house in the distance. It wasn't right next to the field, but close enough to walk to if I wanted. My curiosity nudged me forward. Everyone else was busy; surely, I could explore just a little? Plugging my earphones in, I hummed along to Cardi's Outside. Yeah, she was right in her lyrics these niggas be unreal. My body moved with the rhythm, hips swaying subtly, tiny twerks thrown in absentmindedly. I was completely absorbed, oblivious to everything else. The streetlights illuminated the path, bathing the world in a golden glow, making it feel like the night had borrowed the warmth of daylight, everything was bright and beautiful.
As I approached the house, I froze. There, parked elegantly in the driveway, was the car. The same one that Lord Aec had driven off in after our heated argument. My chest tightened, every instinct screaming danger.
"Oh Lord… I hope I haven't used my legs to go into the lion's den," I murmured under my breath, my voice barely a whisper, more of a plea than a statement.
I spun sharply, intending to retreat, but before I could make sense of my next step, two men emerged from the front. Broad shoulders, no smiles, eyes that could slice through bone. Panic flooded me.
"Lord have mercy on my damn soul," I kept repeating internally, my hands clenching and unclenching at my sides.
"Hey lady, what do you want?" one of them asked, stepping closer, his gaze cold and unyielding. I tried to adopt the most pitiful, innocent look I could manage, hoping it would save me.
"I… I missed my way. I'm sorry," I said, bowing slightly. I had no idea why I bowed maybe respect would spare me, maybe showing fear would make them overlook me I don't know why I did but maybe they'd see the respect and let me go, I was just a girl
"Can I search you though?" the first man asked, taking another menacing step forward.
"Search me? I'm no criminal," I whispered, almost on the verge of tears. What trouble had I walked into? What had I done wrong just by taking a stroll?
"You can't just come up here," the second man said, his voice sharper now. "Do you have any idea who owns this place? Or do you, by chance, know anyone here?"
Their authority was overwhelming. My heart raced faster than I thought possible. Then, just as my panic reached its peak, the door behind me opened.
"Damn it," I cursed under my breath.
"Can I go now… pretty please?" I tried to sound casual, even jovial, though my chest pounded so hard it felt like it might burst.
"What's the problem, Murphy?" a smooth, commanding voice called from behind me. And even though it was my first time hearing it in person, I would never forget that voice. That infuriating, cute, maddening voice.
"Oh, nothing, sire. Just a trespasser," Murphy replied.
My stomach dropped. Sire? The word alone carried a weight that made my knees weak. I deserved every ounce of the humiliation I was about to face for even thinking of exploring here alone.
Footsteps approached deliberate, slow, and heavy with authority. My entire body screamed at me to run, but I couldn't move. I was frozen, a mix of fear, awe, and disbelief keeping me rooted.
"I'd identify these cheap clothes and that fragrance from a distance," the voice said. "Why are you here?"
My lips parted slightly, ready to blurt something foolish, but fear made me clamp down on my words. Silence was safer.
I forced a scoff and a fake smile, though anyone could tell it wasn't genuine. My only goal was to survive, to avoid any further notice.
"Murphy," the voice continued, "if I ask you and Evan to take care of her, would that task be too difficult?"
My heart leapt into my throat. Every muscle in my body froze. I wanted to beg, to apologize, to explain myself, but my knees wouldn't bend, and my lips refused to obey. I just stood there, trembling, like a zombie caught in a predator's gaze.
"Take her inside. Quietly," the command was final, detached, yet chilling. Quietly. The word echoed in my mind, igniting a mixture of terror and disbelief. I wanted to scream, to run, but my body betrayed me. Darkness swallowed my vision, and the next thing I knew, everything went black.
....
When I opened my eyes, I was in a hospital bed. My head felt heavy, and Maxie's familiar presence was there, her head leaning against the bed, exhaustion etched across her face.
"Maxie…" I whispered, reaching out weakly.
"Sharon, you're awake!" She jumped slightly, hugging me tightly. I could feel the worry radiating off her.
"What… what happened?" I asked, my voice barely audible.
She rolled her eyes. "I had the urge to strangle you while you were unconscious. Why do you always have to spoil the fun, bitch?"
I blinked, confused. She huffed and settled into a chair beside me.
"You actually went to die at your enemy's doorstep… for real, girl?"
Her words struck me harder than any punch. My mind reeled, trying to process the events, trying to piece together how a simple stroll had turned into a nightmare.
I shivered despite the warmth of the room. My heart wouldn't stop racing. What had I gotten myself into? And more importantly… what did Lord Aec truly want with me?
And even as I lay there, the question gnawed at me, twisting in my chest:
Was I truly lucky to be alive… or was this only the beginning?