Four Years Later
The Archer family had moved abroad years ago, determined to find Ana. But after four relentless years of searching, she remained missing—like a shadow swallowed by time.
Anthony, her twin, had lost all sense of her. Two years after her disappearance, their mental connection—so strong since birth—had gone completely silent. No whispers, no dreams, no presence.
It shattered him.
He began to believe she was dead.
Now sixteen, the once inseparable golden twins stood on opposite sides of fate. Yet Nick and Sara had never given up. Nick hadn't stopped when Sara went missing once… he would not stop now that it was their golden daughter.
Sara, though strong, was quietly unraveling. She knew what Ana must be suffering—because she had lived it. The four years without her daughter had been a slow-burning agony, especially for a mother who remembered too well what captivity felt like.
And then came the night that changed everything.
The three of them—Nick, Sara, and Anthony—were invited to a luxurious private business gala.
The evening unfolded in a blur of glitter and meaningless small talk. For Anthony, it was suffocating. Glamour, old money, and plastic smiles.
Bored and restless, he slipped away from the main hall and stepped out onto a marble balcony. The crisp night air met him like a sigh of freedom. But what he saw next would steal that breath away.
Adam.
The monster from their past stood just meters away, talking in hushed tones with an older man. He was dressed sharply in a fitted blue suit, crisp white shirt clinging to his muscular chest, and polished navy shoes. He laughed—casual, charming—and rested his hand on the other man's shoulder like they were old friends.
Anthony's blood ran cold. His lungs seized up. But he stayed calm. He moved quietly, inching closer so he could hear their words.
— So, we have a deal? — asked the older man.
— Not yet, — Adam replied. — I hear you're... particular with your tastes.
The man chuckled.
— Let's just say I want a preview before I sign anything.
Adam smiled darkly.
— Say no more. Come. She's perfect, you'll see.
— I want to break her in first. Then we'll talk business.
— Of course.
Anthony's stomach churned. A girl. A perfect girl. Something inside him screamed—it was Ana. He pulled out his phone and called his mother.
— Anthony? What's going on?
— Mom… I think I found her. I think it's Ana.
— What? What do you mean?
— I mean I saw Adam—he just took some old man through a back door. He said something about a girl. I think it's her.
Sara froze. Her pulse stopped for a moment. Nick saw her pale and immediately wrapped his arms around her.
— Where are you now? — she asked.
On the balcony. I'll send you a photo of the door they went through.
He hung up, snapped a quick photo, and sent it. Then he tucked the phone away and slipped inside, entering the hidden area where the other party was happening.
Ana… where are you? We're here to save you…
No answer.
Nothing.
It was like speaking to a ghost.
The room was dim, bathed in low golden lights and deep shadows. It reeked of wealth and rot. A handful of older men lounged around with much younger women, their hands roaming with vile freedom. Some girls were being dragged to the back by leering men.
Anthony hid behind one of the marble pillars, disgusted and enraged. From there, he spotted Adam laughing beside the older man, speaking into his phone with careless amusement. Meanwhile, Sara stared at the photo Anthony had sent. Her lips went pale.
What is it?" Nick asked.
Anthony found Ana… and she's behind that door.
Without a second thought, they bolted from the balcony and into the shadows beyond. They pushed open the door—just as the impossible happened.
Ana appeared.
She walked into the room, her presence commanding every eye. She wore a fitted golden gown that hugged her delicate, graceful frame. Her long golden hair fell in waves down her back. Her steps were elegant. Sensual. Robotic.
Eyes followed her. Hunger followed her. Men around the room stirred, and a wicked silence settled in. Her expression was hollow. Her lips curved faintly, but it wasn't a smile. Her eyes—her beautiful, golden eyes—were empty.
Anthony's heart broke into a thousand pieces.
— Ana… sister… what happened to you?
She didn't respond. But she faltered. For just a moment, her step hesitated—his voice had touched something. Adam turned to the old man.
She's yours. Three full hours.
The man grinned, his eyes devouring her.
— Excellent, — he growled.— Come with me, girl. I'll make you scream.
He grabbed her roughly, running his hands across her waist. She didn't flinch. Didn't move. She allowed it. Sara's rage ignited like wildfire.
I won't let that filthy animal touch her.
Nick clenched his fists, voice trembling with fury.
And I won't let Adam walk away from this.
Sara turned to Anthony, deadly serious.
Go. Find your sister. Get her out of here.
Right now, Anthony nodded.
He took off like lightning, weaving through the guests as Ana was being dragged toward one of the back rooms.
She was close.
So close.
But what had they done to her?
And could he still bring her back?