Disappearance: A broken Wing

Keto

Waking up used to be the best part of my day. I'd open my eyes, ready to see where life would take me next. Now, I just wished I could fall asleep and never wake up—just drift away and never be forced to face another day of this hell.

When I opened my eyes, I felt a pair of strong arms locked tightly around my waist. Carter. His grip was firm, almost possessive, like he was making sure I wouldn't run.

I carefully tried to move his arm to get up and wash, but I felt him shift behind me, his voice groggy and sharp.
"Where are you going?"

"I wanted to go wash," I said, my tone laced with irritation. "Am I allowed to do that?"

"There's a window in the bathroom. How do I know you won't try to escape?"

"I already tried," I admitted. "The window's too small. I just want to wash. May I do that?"

Carter's grip loosened slightly. "Sure, but Zues watches."

My stomach twisted. I could hardly stand Carter's eyes on me—having Zues watch me was unbearable.

"How are you ever going to trust me if I can't prove myself?" I asked.

Carter chuckled darkly. "You hit me in the back of the head with a book."

I sighed, my patience wearing thin. "Carter, I won't escape. Trust me."

"Fine," he said after a pause. "But the bathroom door stays open."

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to nod. "Deal."

I got out of bed and headed to the shower, my thoughts spiraling. The only way I was ever going to escape was if I could get Carter to fully trust me. It wouldn't be easy, not after I nearly gave him a concussion, but I had to try. If I was going to make it back to Zayden, back to my family, I would have to play the part. No matter what hell I had to endure, I would see my family again.

After my shower, I wrapped myself in a robe and returned to the bedroom. Carter was on the phone, pacing, his voice sharp with anger.

"What do you mean I'm in debt?" he snapped. "No, I gave you everything I owned. No—no, no!"

I tried to slip past him to grab some clothes, but the moment our eyes met, I saw something dangerous flash across his face—a terrible idea forming in his mind.

"What if I sell you someone," he said slowly, a cruel smile tugging at his lips. "A female."

My heart dropped like a stone. No. Not again.

"Yes. That's great," he said on the phone. "You buy her, and we're even. Great! I look forward to seeing you at dinner tonight. Okay, bye."

When Carter hung up, I felt my whole-body tremble. "Are you... are you selling me to pay off your debts?" I blurted out.

He didn't even flinch. "A man named Keto is coming over for dinner tonight. When he leaves, you'll be going with him. After tonight, you're no longer my problem."

I couldn't speak. My throat felt tight, my chest heavy. Keto. Even his name sounded like a nightmare. I could only hope—though I doubted it—that he'd be less of a monster than Carter.

The day dragged on. I sat on the couch, watching movies I couldn't focus on, pretending like everything was fine while my mind screamed. Carter barely spoke to me, too stressed about Keto's visit. Zues never stopped watching me, his eyes cold and calculating. I hated his stare, but as long as he wasn't touching me, I stayed quiet.

Hours later, a knock at the door broke the silence. Zues went to open it, and when I saw who stood there, goosebumps raced down my arms.

The man was tall, broad-shouldered, with slick black hair and sharp, dark green eyes. A jagged scar sliced across his left eye, and his posture radiated power. He looked like the kind of man who didn't ask for respect—he demanded it.

Please don't let that be Keto.

"Hello, boss," Zues said.

"Zues, where's Carter?" the man asked, his voice deep and commanding.

"He's in his bedroom. I'll go get him," Zues replied, leaving me alone with this stranger. My pulse quickened.

Moments later, Carter emerged. "Keto, I thought you were coming for dinner. It's almost two."

"I can't make dinner," the man—Keto—replied flatly. "So, I came for my gift earlier. I have somewhere to be in an hour. Where's the girl?"

Oh no.

"She's right over here," Carter said, pointing directly at me.

Keto walked toward me, his gaze sharp and unrelenting. He stopped just inches from me, his presence suffocating.

"Stand," he ordered.

I obeyed, every movement stiff with fear. Keto's eyes scanned me from head to toe, lingering on every scratch, every burn mark, every scar that told a story I didn't want to share.

"She'll make a great fit," he said coldly. "The money is in the car. Thank you for everything, Carter. Hito would be proud."

My stomach dropped. Who the hell was Hito?

Keto looked at me, a dark smile curling his lips. "Hello, Kara. My name is Keto, and I am your new owner."