The world slowly came back into focus as Ava blinked her eyes open, the flickering of dim fluorescent lights stinging her vision. It was an unwelcoming sight—a large, cold warehouse, its concrete walls marked with peeling paint and rusting metal beams. The air was stale, mixed with the scent of oil and despair. She was lying on a hard, unforgiving surface, and her body ached from the ordeal of being dragged and jostled around.
A wave of panic washed over her as she remembered the events that had led her here. Her heart raced and she instinctively tried to sit up, only to discover that her wrists were bound with rough rope, securing her to a chair. Her breath quickened as her mind battled between fighting against her restraints and the overwhelming realization of her helplessness.
"Hello?" she called out, her voice echoing off the walls, sounding smaller and more fragile than she felt. Silence hung in the air, thick and oppressive. There was no response, just the distant sound of dripping water and the occasional creak of the building settling.
Just then, a shaft of light pierced the shadows from a small window, illuminating the dust motes swirling in the dank air. Ava took a moment to gather her thoughts and assess her surroundings. She spotted an old, rusty tool rack against one wall, various tools scattering about—that could either be helpful or a reminder of her vulnerability, depending on who else was in here with her.
Panic began to swell anew. She tugged at the ropes binding her wrists but only succeeded in causing the knots to dig into her skin. A few splintered wooden crates and abandoned machinery littered the floor, but none were within reach.
She closed her eyes for a moment, inhaling deeply, forcing herself to calm down. Think, Ava. You need to come up with a plan.
Footsteps broke the silence, heavy and deliberate. Ava's heart leaped into her throat. She strained her ears, trying to catch whispers of conversation, but all she could distinguish were muffled sounds growing closer. The door at the far end of the warehouse creaked open, and the dim silhouette of a man stepped into the light.
Instinctively, Ava stiffened, adrenaline surging through her body. The figure moved forward, and as he entered the light, she recognized him—one of the men from her abduction. He was tall, dressed in dark jeans and a fitted leather jacket, with a merciless expression that sent shivers down her spine.
"Welcome back to consciousness, Princess," he sneered, his voice smooth yet laced with menace. "You've been sleeping like a baby."
"What do you want with me?" Ava demanded, her voice stronger than she felt. She tried to project confidence, fighting against the fear threatening to engulf her. "You'll never get away with this."
The man approached, leaning casually against a grimy post, crossing his arms. "You might want to adjust your expectations. You're in a bit of a different league now. Let's just say you're here for leverage—against the Morettis."
A twist of dread coiled in her stomach. Leverage? Against her family? Her mind raced back to the whispers of treachery and power struggles she'd overheard her father discussing. This was far worse than she'd imagined.
"Your family has stirred up quite the storm, and unfortunately for you, they need you to pay the price." His tone was mocking as he scanned her, taking pleasure in her distress.
"Where's Luca?" she asked, and the name was out before she could catch it, her heart skipping at the thought of him, intrigued and terrified by his presence.
He raised an eyebrow, sarcasm dripping from his lips. "You're eager to meet the boss already? Maybe he'll come to see you when the time is right. Until then, you're stuck with me."
"Get away from me!" she spat, her spirit flaring up in defiance.
He chuckled darkly. "That fire's going to get you burned, little dove. But don't worry, I'll make sure to keep you alive long enough to see how this plays out."
Ava took a deep breath, forcing herself to remain calm despite the turmoil inside her. She had to gather her wits, to be prepared for whatever came next. No matter how much terror gripped her, she had to think clearly if she stood a chance of escaping.
As he turned to leave, she caught a glimpse of the door behind him—her only potential route to freedom. Her mind raced through possibilities, weighing her options. She could try to reason with him, redirect his attention, or perhaps provoke him enough to distract him from his guard.
"Why are you even doing this?" she called after him, her voice echoing against the cold concrete walls.
He paused, glancing back at her with a smirk. "Simple. The Rossi name commands respect, and the Morettis have a debt to pay. You're just collateral in this little game. Nothing personal, sweetheart."
"Collateral." The word tasted bitter on her tongue. Ava steeled her resolve, refusing to be a pawn in this twisted game. "You think you can scare me? You're wrong."
His eyes sparked with amusement, but she could see the flicker of uncertainty behind them. "Oh, I'm not trying to scare you. Just doing what needs to be done." He turned on his heel and walked out, the door clanging shut behind him, leaving Ava once again enveloped in darkness.
Alone, the silence returned, wrapping around her as tightly as the ropes binding her. She pressed her back against the cold chair, contemplating her next move. I can't be a victim. I have to fight.
Her thoughts were racing. She had to find a way to get free of this place, to warn her family, and potentially connect with Luca—if he truly held the key to her fate.
As minutes ticked by, horror and uncertainty danced together in her mind, but amid that chaos, a small flicker of determination began to burn brighter. She focused on the ropes around her wrists, testing them gently against the rough edges of the chair.
Time to find a way to escape this nightmare, Ava.