Trust [h.s.]

XXIII

I woke with a gasp, sucking in a large breath as though my body was being pulled above water. My lungs expanded within my rib cage, circulating the wave of air that flew down my windpipes, then deflating to their original size. I repeated this numerous times until my breathing slowed to its regular pace. Only then did I allow myself to look around the space in which I was held captive.

It didn't take long for the past events to come flooding back to me; Harry, the gunshots, the attack, the intruders, the cloth that poisoned my system and drew the very breath from my lips. My head throbbed, my pulse drumming with both fear and caution as my eyes wandered over the vacant room. My unconscious body had been discarded onto the tiled floor of the space, a room without furniture or decorations of any kind. A singular window sat perched opposite of me, allowing the sunlight to beam through the glass and warm the otherwise freezing floor. I didn't know for how long I'd been unconscious. I didn't know where Harry or the others were.

It took a few moments for my weakened frame to stand, but once I did so, I slowly made my way toward the large metal door that stood just across the room. There was no doubt in my mind that it was bolted shut-just as Harry's house had been-but I knew I had to try. My footsteps barely made a sound as I padded lightly across the room, trying to be as quiet as possible.

Before I made it halfway across the room however, the door swung open. Instinctively, I jumped back, eyes darting around for something to use as a means of defending myself. From behind the metal door, a man appeared. His broad shoulders and towering height gave him an immediate advantage over me. His golden eyes peered down at me from behind heavy lids. His lips formed an evil-looking sneer that only deepened as his eyes met mine. The long, deep scar that ran down the left side of his rugged face sent a shiver down my spine. I knew who he was before he even spoke.

Volkov.

"I was hoping you'd be awake." His deep voice echoed throughout the room, bouncing off the walls then penetrating my already ringing ears. He grinned condescendingly down at me, revealing his white teeth and one golden tooth. I sucked in a breath and told myself to be brave.

"Why am I here." I spoke lowly, angrily. Volkov's smile deepened.

"You're quite valuable, my dear." His Russian accent was thick, almost incomprehensible.

"I don't know anything." I growled. "Just let me go and this will all be forgotten."

Volkov chuckled, taking a step deeper into the room.

"You and I both know that can't happen, Ellie." His smile dropped, falling into a deep scowl that contorted his malicious countenance.

"Where's Harry." I demanded, standing up straighter in an attempt to suppress my growing fear.

"My boys are taking good care of him."

I shook my head, anger and fear bubbling under my skin then steaming up and clouding my brain. The sensible side of me warned the other half to be wary, but she didn't listen. In a swift motion, I lunged forward, my surprise attack gaining me an advantage over the dangerous man. As my hands curled into fists I pictured Harry's boxing gloves and the day he taught me how to fight. I positioned myself as Harry had said to and as Volkov reached to retrieve his gun from his belt, my knuckles met his nose with powerful force. I heard the crack of his bone under the intensity of my punch, and as he stumbled backwards, my foot lifted up to meet his groin in a harsh kick.

"Oof!" He gasped, doubling over in pain, as he fell onto his knees. His wide eyes beamed into my fiery ones, obviously surprised and slightly impressed by my actions.

With no time to lose, I sprinted past him, slamming the metal door behind me and praying that it locked. I raced down the empty corridor without any sense of direction or location. I pumped my legs as quickly as I could, panting heavily as I sprinted further down the hall. I had no plan and no weapons. I had no idea where I was or how to get out. I had nothing, and yet an undeniable rush of victory swept through me at the thought of freedom.

I stumbled down a staircase I was met with, blundering steps echoing throughout the unoccupied corridor. My adrenaline kept my withering frame from collapsing but it too was running low.

As I reached the bottom of the stairs, I searched the space for any sign of someone who could harm me. When I deemed it clear, I tiptoed down another long, narrow hallway. My plan was to find either Harry or an exit, whichever appeared first. Had it been the latter, I would have phoned the police and had them rescue Harry and the others.

My sprinting slowed to a brisk walk as I came across a door. I checked my surroundings once more, assuring my absolute solitude before placing my hand to the silver knob.

I twisted the handle slowly, my heart pounding loudly in my ears at the thought of what I might find beyond the wooden frame. I sucked in a breath, praying for good luck as I slowly pushed the door open.

Once I stepped into the room, my fate was set. Impending doom hung above my head as the eyes of dozens of Volkov's workers met mine. My feeble attempt at escaping proved pointless for once I tried to run away, the men outnumbering me grabbed my trembling frame. I knew this was the end. I knew they were going to kill me.

I struggled in their firm grips, refusing to go down without a fight. I kicked and screamed and scratched at them but they overpowered me profusely, and after a while, my weakened body understood its limits. I allowed myself to fall limp in the arms of the men and accepted my time spent as my last minutes of life. I tried not to be afraid. I tried to be brave, but as I heard the sounds of the loaded gun cocking, I couldn't stop the involuntary tears that sprang to my eyes.

I sucked in a breath and waited for the inevitable.

"Hold fire." A deep voice boomed. The loaded gun was aimed directly at my temple, the man holding it had his finger placed on the trigger. We both snapped our heads in the direction of the outburst.

Volkov stood proudly in the doorway, angry eyes beading down on the scene unraveling before him. The skin beneath his nose was tainted red, as though he had wiped away the blood that surfaced from the impact of my punch.

"Yes sir." The man with the gun answered obediently, dropping his hand to his side so the gun now aimed at the floor.

"Release the girl." Volkov spoke calmly, patiently. I was dropped from the arms of the men, my feet settling on the ground softly as I regained my balance. I knew better than to be relieved by Volkov's orders. I knew he wanted to kill me himself.

"Come Ellie," Volkov spoke softly, as though he were an old friend inviting me to lunch.

"W-why should I go anywhere with you?" My voice was inhibited from proper modulation, bursting from beyond my lips loudly and shakily.

Volkov's lips upturned into his signature sneer. "Because I have something you want." He grinned.
Volkov turned to face the hallway, where he motioned for someone to enter the room. His golden eyes darkened with evil delight as they awaited my reaction. The blood rushed to my head as a choked-up sob burst from beyond my lips as they entered the room, filling my eyes with unforgiving tears, then spilling from my heavy eyes.

"Hi Ellie." He said warily.

My jaw dropped but no words came out, only feeble whimpers that puffed from my straining lungs unevenly. Hot tears continued to slip down my cheeks at the very sight before me.

It took me three attempts at speaking before the word came out.

"Asher."

A/N: Not sure if anyone still cares about this story lol but I'm gonna finish it anyway!