Unexpected Discoveries: Aria's Adventure ||DDLG||

|*| Chapter 12 |*|

(Damien POV)

As we prepared to confront Jasper at his hideout, the tension in the air was palpable. Every member of our team was focused, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. In the midst of this intensity, my phone rang, breaking the silence like a sharp crack.

I glanced at the screen, eyebrows furrowing at the unfamiliar number. Without a second thought, I answered, expecting crucial information from one of my men. Little did I know, the voice on the other end would shake me to my core.

"Well, hello, baby brother," came the smug voice of Nikolas, my brother, dripping with arrogance.

I sighed heavily, frustration simmering beneath the surface. "This is a very bad time to call, Nikolas. I don't exactly feel like having a family reunion right now," I replied, my tone sharp with irritation.

Nikolas chuckled, his amusement evident even over the phone. "Wow, so welcoming with that reply. I just wanted to call and say how lovely your little princess is."

My blood ran cold at his words, a surge of anger coursing through me. "You son of a—"

But before I could finish my sentence, Nikolas interrupted, his voice laced with menace. "Oh, ah, ah, ah. You're on speaker, dear brother. And she is sleeping so peacefully."

My heart stopped at his revelation, dread pooling in the pit of my stomach.

My frustration boiled over at Nikolas's callous words. "Where is Nikolas?" I demanded; my voice edged with anger.

Nikolas chuckled, unfazed by my tone. "Oh, my, you're so rude," he replied with mock innocence. "I had a friend. I think you know him. His name's Jasper. Doesn't like you, by the way. I can see why now."

My blood ran cold at the mention of Jasper's name, a sinking feeling settling in the pit of my stomach. I knew all too well the kind of danger Nikolas posed, and the thought of him being involved in this nightmare only added to my sense of dread.

"Nikolas, she is an innocent girl. Leave her out of this," I pleaded, desperation creeping into my voice.

But Nikolas's response was anything but sympathetic. "Well, my dear baby brother, only one of us gets to have a girl, and since you took mine..." His voice trailed off, a sinister edge creeping into his tone. "I'll take yours."

A cold shiver raced down my spine at his words, realization dawning on me with chilling clarity. Nikolas's vendetta against me had taken a dark turn, and now, Aria was caught in the crossfire.

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(ARIA POV)

I shifted on the plush pink cow, my fingers absently tracing its soft fur as I tried to find comfort in its familiarity. But the tension in the air was palpable, overshadowing any sense of solace the toy might offer. My heart raced as the door creaked open once again, heralding the arrival of an unexpected visitor.

In stepped a short lady, her stature diminutive but her presence commanding. Her jet-black hair was cropped close to her head, and she wore a crisp maid uniform that hinted at a life of servitude. I watched her warily as she spoke, her voice soft but firm.

"I am sorry to disturb you, miss, but Master Nikolas has requested your presence," she said, her tone respectful but tinged with an air of apprehension.

I regarded her with a mixture of curiosity and trepidation. What did Nikolas want with me now? Despite the nagging doubts swirling in my mind, I knew I had no choice but to comply. With a nod, I rose from the plush cow, a sense of foreboding settling over me like a heavy cloak.