𝑃𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐼𝑛 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑔𝑢𝑖𝑠𝑒

Prologue

Prologue

The night was still, the kind of silence that wraps around you like a whisper. Arin lay on her worn couch, her head tipped back, gazing at the ceiling with a soft smile tugging at her lips. For the first time in what felt like ages, she allowed herself a moment of calm-a fleeting illusion that the world wasn't about to swallow her whole. The quiet hum of the city outside her window was almost soothing, like a lullaby to her restless thoughts.

Then came the knock.

Soft at first, barely audible. Her body froze, her gaze darting to the door as her pulse quickened. Who could it be at this hour? Midnight visits weren't exactly part of her quiet, hidden life. Slowly, she swung her legs off the couch, her bare feet padding against the cold floor as she moved toward the door.

But before she could reach it, the knock transformed into a loud, insistent banging. The sound reverberated through the small apartment, and fear clenched her heart. Sweat beaded on her brow as she stumbled back a step, her breath coming in shallow gasps.

"Tesoro," a voice called out, deep and rich, but laced with a coldness that sent shivers down her spine. "Open the door, please. Mi amore."

The way he said it-smooth, almost tender-only - made it more terrifying.

"Tesoro..." His voice dropped lower, more dangerous.

Tears welled in her eyes as reality came crashing down. He had found her. After all this time, after all her careful hiding, he had found her.

Her trembling legs carried her to the laundry room, her only sanctuary. She pressed her back against the wall, willing herself to disappear into the shadows, her heart pounding so loud she was certain he could hear it.

Minutes passed, though they felt like hours. Then came the unmistakable sound of a key turning in the lock. The door creaked open, its hinges groaning in protest.

"Where are you, Tesoro?" His voice slithered through the small apartment, smooth and menacing. "Running away isn't so easy, is it? Come out and surrender yourself to me. If I have to find you..." He let the threat hang in the air, heavy and suffocating.

Her hands were numb, her knees weak as she pressed further into the corner. His footsteps echoed across the wooden floor, deliberate and measured. He moved through the apartment slowly, circling the living room like a predator savoring the chase.

Arin held her breath, every muscle in her body taut with fear.

"Tesoro," he drawled, his voice eerily calm, "you can't imagine how restless you make me. Your scent... this place smells like you. Especially this couch." There was a pause, and she could almost hear the smile in his voice. "I'll have to get one just like it. For us. Imagine that, mi amore-our time together, right here."

She bit back a gasp, her tears falling silently.

"You're very stubborn, aren't you?" His tone grew colder. "Stop playing this little game. Come out of the laundry room. Yes, I know you're in there. If you don't come out like a good girl..." He trailed off, the silence far more threatening than his words.

He began to count, his voice low and steady.

"One... two... three..."

Arin's chest heaved as she fought the rising panic. She was trapped. If he found her, he'd drag her back to his gilded prison.

"...nine... ten."

And then, silence.

A silence that screamed louder than any words could.

𐦍༘⋆────୨ৎ───────୨ৎ────𐦍༘⋆

"Hold your breath because the storm between them is only gathering strength."

*ੈ✩‧₊˚

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