𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐔𝐋 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐄 ✔︎ ━ 𝖱𝖨𝖣𝖣𝖫𝖤

𝐒𝐈𝐗: 𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐑 𝐌𝐄

I wasn't exactly fond of being pushed around, in fact, it's never been ideal for me to be the one that has been pushed from corner to corner my whole life.

And because of that, because of the fact I have never liked it, there was no possible way I would let someone like Tom, Zachary, or Nicholas do such a thing to me.

I walked slowly up the stairs to the dormitory, my heart still pounding from the interaction I exchanged with Tom. He's definitely everything I expected; effortlessly rude, persuasive, and especially demanding.

I changed from my uniform into a pair of plaid sweatpants and a white t-shirt. I then crawled into bed, listening to the sounds of sleep that echoed around me.

Though the room was calm and peaceful, my mind was in anything but a calm state. I was expectant that perhaps Nicholas, Zachary, or even Tom would do something soon- something that would make me fear them, because of course being feared is their number one priority.

I fell asleep not long after, my mind and body pitching into the empty darkness of what we call sleep. I didn't dream of anything particular, but I continued to worry even after my body fell unconscious.

When I awoke, the worry that was held inside of me only grew worse.

I was in a pitch black room, but in one of the corners there was just enough candle light to see a few things. The walls were old, falling apart with mold and water.

The floor was a slick tile that has turned brown due to the lack of cleaning. Water droplets echoed around the room, creating an eerie and unforeseeable place.

I tried to move, to get a better look around, but my hands were binded behind my back so tightly that I couldn't move even an inch.

I told myself I was dreaming, to wake up, but even as I did, as I wished to be back in the dormitory, I still remained in the same place, fear and anxiety pounding inside of me.

A few minutes later, footsteps echoed around the room. My heart rate exceeded speed more than I ever thought possible. I was terrified of who I may see- or what I may see.

Soon enough, my eyes landed on someone I never imagined to tie me up in a moldy underground burrow. Even though I never imagined him to do such a thing, I was surprised.

Curly dark brown locks and forest green eyes studied me for a few moments, lips turned into a very, very small grin.

"Sorry about this, but I couldn't let you sleep in one of the bedrooms. I'm afraid you may of tried to escape." Tom spoke evenly, his voice stretching out across the room, echoing greatly.

Goosebumps crowded my arms as I steadied my breath, trying my best not to seem frightened. "Why exactly am I here?" I asked rather quietly. Perhaps my tone of voice was small so I didn't appear as much of a threat.

"Well, that's kind of a long story, but perhaps once I untie you I can explain." He said formally, eyes staring into mine so deeply a shiver trailed along my spine.

"Don't worry, Anastasia, I'm not going to kill you. Not yet at least." He said with a sigh, bending down beside me to untie the ropes that had been gripped around my wrists.

The moment the ropes were loosened from my hands I stood up and massaged each wrist for a few moments, my eyes still staring at Tom.

I definitely would've tried to escape, but since I don't know where I am, or who else is here, I simply cannot put myself at that risk.

He took my arm forcefully and led me up the stairs. We arrived in a dimly lit living room. There were three leather couches, two arm chairs, a coffee table, and a large fireplace with a glowing red fire. The floors were an expensive brown wood, and the walls a dark red.

"Sit." He demanded, nodding to one of the couches. I slid from his grip and took a seat, my heart still pounding in my chest.

He stood in front of me, arms crossed, surveying me with thoughtful eyes. "Anastasia, do you remember that note you got while sitting next to Nicholas?" He asked, slightly raising one of his eyebrows.

I nodded. I couldn't exactly forget such a thing. "I do, yes." I answered. He looked away for a moment, then looked back to me, letting out a short and rather loud sigh from his lips.

"I sent that note." He said evenly. I furrowed my brows together, tilting my head slightly. There should be no reason he would do such a thing. "I did it because Nicholas and Zachary have been trying to uncrown me- throw me off the throne if you will. They want to take my place and become leader of the Dark Army." He said formally.

The moment he described the situation, my brain clicked. I understood. The twins are power-hungry, perhaps more than Tom is. But I was still unsure of why he would tell me this.

"The twins like you, in an odd way. They like that you don't fear them, and because of that, they feel the need to... Not kill you, if that makes sense." He explained. I nodded as he spoke.

"But, since they obviously have formed a safe spot for you, I will be taking you hostage, at least until they step down from trying to take my spot as leader." He finished, tone calm.

The moment the word hostage slipped from his lips I  shot up from the couch. My eyes widened with fear. Being Tom's hostage could mean death- or maybe even something worse.

"You can't!" I exclaimed, my voice almost yelling. He raised an eyebrow as I spoke, almost as if he was challenging me.

"Oh, love, I can do whatever I'd like." He replied with a devilish grin. I sat back on the sofa in shock, my eyes deliberately looking around the room for any sort of escape.

The living room had many walls. All I could visibly see was a hallway, but I had no idea what could lie beyond that.

"Don't even think about trying to escape. I've lined the place with spells. And if you do try, for some reason, I will throw you back in the basement." He said cooly, eyes piercing into mine.

My stomach churned as he walked away, grabbing a book from one of the shelves. He sat in the couch furthest from me, flipping through the pages as if he has a hostage every week and this is just normal for him.

My heart was pounding in my chest, I could hear it beating in my ears. Shock, anger, helplessness circled inside of me like a tidal wave. I had no idea how long I'd be here for, how long I'd have until someone would come to rescue me- if anyone would come to rescue me.