The Life As The Devil's Son

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Lost And Found

In the depths of my subconscious, I found myself in a dreamlike haze. My mother's voice reverberated in the darkness, calling out my name with a sense of urgency that sent shivers down my spine. I stumbled through the void, my mind clouded with confusion as I searched for the source of her pleas.

"Mom?" I called out, my voice trembling with uncertainty. But there was no response, only the haunting echo of her voice lingering in the emptiness.

Suddenly, another voice pierced through the silence, pulling me from the depths of my trance.

"Austin, where are you?" Travis's voice echoed in my mind, breaking through the haze of my dream. I blinked, disoriented, as I struggled to make sense of my surroundings.

"Lucion... he... he kidnapped me," I muttered, the words tumbling from my lips like stones.

"The Bermuda Triangle... that's why I couldn't track you," he murmured, his words heavy with realization.

As Travis absorbed the revelation of Lucion's involvement, the shadows seemed to part, revealing Tara standing beside him. Her eyes narrowed in concern as she turned her gaze toward me.

"Austin," she began, her voice a gentle whisper that cut through the silence. "Is my son with you?"

"Yes," I admitted with a slight nod.

Travis's voice rang out through the darkness: "Austin, I'm coming for you! Just hang tight!"

I couldn't help but chuckle bitterly at his words. Travis, trying to play the role of a father figure, was like watching a bad actor stumble through his lines.

As Travis's assurance echoed in my ears, I couldn't shake the feeling of detachment that had settled over me. His words, well-intentioned as they were, felt hollow against the backdrop of our chaotic history.

"And why would I want you to come and save me?" I retorted.

Travis's expression hardened, his concern evident in the furrow of his brows. "This is seriously not the time for your jokes, son. Trust me, Lucion is dangerous."

I couldn't help but roll my eyes. "And how is he any different from you?" I fired back, the bitterness seeping into my words.

Travis's sigh was heavy with resignation. "Look, I know I'm not the father you so desperately desire, but I can make this right."

A bitter laugh escaped me. "No, you can't, and I don't want your help. I will get out of here myself," I countered, my voice tinged with defiance. The wounds of the past ran deep, and no amount of well-meaning assurances could erase the scars that marked our fractured relationship.

Travis's lips formed into a straight line: "Austin, this isn't up for discussion."

"You're right, it isn't," I shot back, my frustration boiling over. With a surge of determination, I decided to break free from the confines of the dream, rejecting any semblance of reliance on my father. Leaping into action, I propelled myself out of the dream, cutting the tie that held me in its deceptive grasp.

My eyes fluttered open to darkness, the oppressive chill of the dungeon seeping into my bones. Beside me, Anthony's voice cut through the silence, a stark reminder of our dire circumstances.

Anthony noticed the turmoil within me as he made eye contact. "Are you okay?" he asked.

"It's my father," I admitted, my voice trembling with uncertainty.

Anthony's brows furrowed in concern. "What about your father?"

"He said he's coming for me," I replied, the weight of those words settling heavily on my shoulders.