chapter 4

Before he can finish Daniel delivers a brutal punch to his jaw. The bodyguard stumbles back, blood flying. You lost her? He turns to another bodyguard and punches him in the gut, making him collapse to his knees, gasping.

You were handpicked, trained, trusted, and she still slipped right past you. She could be anywhere. Dead, taken away, worse, and it's your failure. You fail to protect her.

Boss please, we didn't mean for this to happen. She's smart, we never saw it coming.

Exactly, you never saw it coming that's why this is happening. He signals to a man in the corner. A heated branding iron is pulled from a small furnace. The bodyguards eyes widen.

You closed your eyes for five minutes, and she disappeared. So, now take responsibility. He burns a mark into the man's shoulder. The bodyguard screams in agony.

That's mercy, next time, I won't stop at pain. I'll bury you with the enemies who taken her. Saying that he steps back.

He coldly looks at the bodyguards who are in agony and said. You're not dead yet. You still serve me. So, get up and bring my daughter b, or or I'll finish what I started.

The heavy metal door creaked as Harold stepped inside, carrying a tray. On it, a glass of water and a plate of food. He placed it on the table, not looking at Elise at first.

Elise still tied to the chair, her pride refusing to show weakness.

"Eat", Harold said simply.

she raised her chin, voice sharp.

I don't take charity from my capter.

A faint smirk tugged at Harold's lips." It's not charity. You'll need your strength ".

For what? More of your twisted games? He leaned closer, voice low, almost a wisher.

You think this is a game, princess? You were taken for a reason.

My father will find me, she spat and when he does-

He'll what? Harold interrupted, amusement flashing in his cold eyes, kill me? Torture me? Your father's hands are already stained. Mine too. The only difference is I don't pretend to be a saint.

Elise's heart pounded, but she forced herself not to look away. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction.

Why did you take me? She demanded.

Harold paused for a moment, as if weighing whether to answer.

" Debt", he said finally. Your father owes many but this-he gestured to her this is personal.

Elise's breath caught. This isn't about money.

No! Harold admitted. His voice softened slightly, but his gaze remained unreadable. It's about balance. Your father took someone from me, and now he leaned even closer, their faces inches apart.

He'll know what that feels like.

For a brief second, their eyes locked-not just as kidnapper and captive, but as two people trapped by the sins of their family.

Enjoy your meal, Elise, Harold whispered before stepping away, The real fun starts tomorrow.

Wait a moment. She said urgently.

What! Can't bear to be apart from me princess?

In your dreams. Is your brain really works, she remarked. Confused by her question he replied, yes, why did you ask? Because how the fuck would I eat when my hands are tied.

Oh, are you being sarcastic now.

Do you except me to be lovely with you?

Well, if you want you can. He shrugged.

No, thanks. He untied her hands and leaves from there. While slamming the door shut behind him, leaving Elise alone with her racing thoughts and the terrifying realization that this man wasn't entirely what he seemed.

Seems like I get on his nerves. Will he kill me now. I have to be alive until my father comes to get me.

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