Bound by Blood and Desire

Chapter 1: A Dangerous Encounter

Park Clara had always been more than just a mafia princess. Born into one of Seoul's most powerful crime families, she was expected to embrace the dark world her family thrived in. But Clara had other plans. At 20, she was determined to carve out her path, one that didn't involve guns, blood, or power struggles. She excelled in her studies, mastering complex algorithms and cyber security, always trying to stay one step ahead of the chaos outside her life at university.

Clara's days were a delicate balance between the life she wanted and the one she couldn't escape. On campus, she was just another brilliant student, focused on acing her exams and perfecting her hacking skills. But as soon as she left the safety of the university grounds, the shadows of her family's empire loomed large. The Park Mafia was a force to be reckoned with, and Clara's last name carried a weight that she couldn't shrug off, no matter how hard she tried.

That evening, after a long day of classes, Clara packed up her laptop and slipped out of the library, ready to return to her apartment. The sky had already darkened, the city lights flickering to life as she walked down the quiet streets. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of autumn leaves and something else—something that made the hair on the back of her neck stand on end.

She felt it before she saw anything—a heavy and ominous presence trailing behind her. Clara's steps quickened, her heartbeat echoing in her ears. She glanced over her shoulder and saw nothing but the dimly lit street. Yet, the feeling persisted, growing stronger with every step.

Clara's mind raced. She had always been careful, keeping a low profile and avoiding unnecessary attention. But being the daughter of a mafia boss meant that danger was never too far away. Her instincts kicked in, and she quickened her pace, her breath hitching in her throat as she tried to stay calm. But the footsteps behind her matched her speed, growing louder and more insistent.

Panic gripped her as she broke into a run. Her sneakers pounded against the pavement, her bag slapping against her side as she darted down a narrow alleyway. The shadows seemed to close around her, the walls of the buildings pressing in as she raced for safety. But the footsteps behind her didn't falter. Whoever was following her was relentless.

Clara's mind flashed through her options. She could call for help, but who would come? The police were useless in this part of town, and she didn't have time to return to campus. Her only hope was to outrun her pursuer, but she knew that wasn't likely.

She rounded a corner and slammed into a solid wall of muscle. The impact knocked the wind out of her, and before she could react, a strong arm wrapped around her waist, pinning her in place. She struggled to kick and claw her way free, but the grip was like iron.

"Let me go!" she screamed, echoing off the alley's walls.

Her captor said nothing. Instead, a sharp prick to her neck sent a wave of numbness through her body. Clara's vision blurred, her limbs growing heavy as the world around her faded.

"No...," she mumbled, her voice barely a whisper. The last thing she saw before darkness claimed her was a pair of cold, blue eyes staring down at her, indifferent to her fear.

When Clara awoke, her head throbbed, and her mouth felt dry as sandpaper. She blinked against the harsh light streaming through a large window, trying to piece together where she was. The room around her was opulent, with high ceilings, elegant furniture, and a chandelier that sparkled like diamonds. This was no ordinary room—it was a prison wrapped in luxury.

Clara tried to move, but her body protested. Her wrists were bound to the arms of the chair she sat in, and her legs were secured to the chair's legs. Panic surged through her as she struggled against the restraints, but they held firm. She was trapped.