Eva's pov
In the heart of the forest, the gentle rustling of leaves and the melodic songs of birds seranaded her, creating a tranquil and soothing ambiance.
Eva perched herself on the ground, staring at the serene lake.
The lake was a serene oasis, it's water's glimmering in the soft light of the setting sun.
This is where she spends her time if not here then at the library. She comes here often to unwind or get away from her family.
Three days had gone by and she hadn't returned to school nor has she seen Soren.
He stopped at her house this morning and she overheard him and her mother talking. He had insisted he wanted to see her but Celeste lied to him, saying that she had already left for school meanwhile she was at home.
Celeste warned her to stay away from Soren or else she'd face the consequences of disobeying her.
Eva knew it's impossible to stay away from Soren. He was the only person she could count on and trust.
As she was enjoying the peaceful moment Eva didn't notice the tall figure was standing right behind her. She was to deep in her thoughts to realize she was no longer alone until she heard his voice.
"Do you mind if I join?" Soren asked as he stood behind Eva, observing her every movement.
Eva's heart thundered, She quickly pulled on her hoodie and turned her face away from Soren's view, attempting to hide her bruised face from him.
His brow furrowed. He was confused at why she was hiding herself from him.
He perched himself next to her, maintaining some distance between them.
"What are you feeling to shy to even look at me now," He joked.
Eva nodded, not turning her head.
Soren sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. "I see," He murmured, staring at the lake.
"Why haven't you returned to school? Are you not feeling well?" He asked and Eva quickly nodded her head.
He frowned, wandering why she was acting so strange. She never acted this way before.
"Eva." He called out, his voice a low command.
"Eva." He called out, his voice a low command.
Eva's heart clenched. She wanted nothing more than to stare into that beautiful icy blue eyes but she couldn't, she couldn't let him see her face.
He exhaled, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Are you mad at me? For beating up Matthew and his friends? That's why you've been avoiding me and staying away from school, is that it Eva?"
She shook her head. She could never be mad at him if anything Matthew deserved what he got.
"Then look at me."
Eva let out a deep exhale and slowly turned her head, facing him.
As soon as he saw her bruised face his eyes darkened.
"What happened to you?" He growled, his face carved from stone, fury etched into every angle. His jaw clenched so tightly that it trembled.
Eva flinched at his tone and Soren regretted raising his voice. His expression immediately softened.
"They did this to you didn't they?" He asked, cupping her face. "Celeste and your sisters did this?"
Eva shook her head. She couldn't tell him they were the ones hurt her, Soren wouldn't let this go easily.
"Eva." He sighed. "You don't have to lie to me and for once stop protecting them. They hurt you and you want to protect them.
Eva you can't let them continue doing this to you."
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Killian's pov
The strip club breathed in neon and smoke, a place where time seemed to slow and blur at the edges. Low red and violet lights washed over the room, casting everything in a hazy glow that made faces half-hidden and intentions unreadable. Music pulsed through the floor-deep, heavy bass that vibrated in the chest and drowned out most thoughts.
Killian entered the club through a private door. He was clad in a black suit, his expression carved from stone.
Behind were Colton and Tristan his most trusted men, they moved in sync, silent and alert.
Killian didn't bother sparing a glance at the stage where the almost nude women danced. Desire was noise that's what he always thought.
A heavy velvet curtain parted as they reached the vip level. Up there, the air was different - thicker, quieter. Power lived in that space.
Killian's men were already waiting near the corner booth. Nathaniel rose as soon as he saw Killian approach.
Nathaniel's head dipped in respect.
"Boss."
Killian nodded sitting down, he rested one arm along the back of the leather booth. His presence alone dismissed the rest of the room.
Tristan and Colton went ahead and positioned themselves at the entrance of the vip lounge.
Nathaniel leaned in, his voice low.
"The shipment docks in Fourty Eight hours." same port as the last time. Smaller containers and different registry.
Killian's face didn't change. There wasn't any reaction or approval but just calculation.
"Is there going to be any issues?"
Nathaniel nodded. "There is," he murmured.
"Nicholas has been keeping an eye on the Harbour but I have our men surrounding it as we speak."
Killian's jaw tightened not in anger but focus.
"Reroute the transport," Killian said. "I want two convoys instead of one. I want eyes on every man that touches that cargo. If someone breathes wrong I hear about it."
Nathaniel nodded immediately. "Understood."
Killian stood, already done with the conversation.
As Killian and his men began to leave, the music swelled again-ignorant and meaningless. Killian didn't bother looking back. His world was built on silence, discipline and control.