God of Strength (Light of Obsession #1)

Chapter 26

Alicia

     I never really understood the phrase 'minutes felt like hours' until now.

     I have no clue how long I've been here. My captor, whose name I've yet to learn, is cruel enough to withhold the information from me.

      I've been trying to act tough. Oh, my family will find you and make you pay, but I'm terrified.

     Most times, I can barely breathe.

I can hear the distant hum of traffic outside, a reminder of the world that feels so far from me now. It's maddening to think that only a few days ago, I was having coffee at my favorite café, oblivious to the dark turn my life would take. A deep breath catches in my throat—just another reminder of how tightly fear has held me.

     The door creaks open, and I snap my head up, my heart racing. The figure that steps inside is familiar. He's tall, with sharp features and an intimidating presence. My stomach lurches as I recognize him—not my captor, but Vaughn's rival, the one who holds grudges like trophies.

     "My, my, the princess looks a little worse for wear," he mocks, reveling in my distress. I force myself to sit up straighter, trying to muster an ounce of defiance even as weakness washes over me.

     "Let me go," I demand, my voice shaking more than I intend. He chuckles, low and menacing, leaning closer, his breath hot against my face.

     "Revenge is sweeter when you savor it," he says. "And Vaughn needs to learn that his actions have consequences. You're merely a pawn in a game much larger than yourself, Alicia."

     I shudder, the weight of his words sinking in. This is not just about me—it's about Vaughn and the dangerous world he's a part of. Suddenly, the walls feel like they're closing in, and panic creeps into my mind. I've heard whispers about the families that run this city, how loyalty is everything. Vaughn's rivalry with this man has spiraled into a nightmare I can't escape.

     "Vaughn, my family, they will find me," I insist, strengthening my resolve. "He'll tear your empire down to get to me."

     "Oh, sweet girl," he scoffs, straightening up and tilting his head, "he loves the idea of you more than he loves you." The smile that crosses his face is cold, and I feel a dread wash over me. What does he know that I don't?

     Anger surges within me, momentarily dulling the fear. "That's not true! He cares—"

       "Cares?" he interrupts, looking at me like I'm foolish. "Cares enough to let you be taken hostage? He's been running around playing the knight while I've been sharpening my blades. You really think he's going to come for you?"

      I bite my lip, trying to suppress tears threatening to spill. I can't let him see my fear, not when he's enjoying my vulnerability. "I don't care what you think. Vaughn will come for me. He's stronger than you realize."

      The man narrows his eyes. "We'll see about that. He'll play his little games, and by the time he makes his move, you'll be long forgotten. You're a means to an end, Alicia. Just wait." With that, he turns on his heel and strides out, leaving me in silence where echoes of his smug laughter linger.

     I slump back against the chair, my mind racing. Doubts coil around my thoughts, clashing with remnants of hope. Do I really know Vaughn—his heart, his mind, or his strength? Will he even care enough to fight for me?

       Days without light or warmth become a blur as I try to keep my mind sharp. But as the minutes crawl by, a single thought holds me together: I can't give up. Vaughn may have his faults, but he won't let me suffer without a fight. In the darkness, I focus on the last time he held me—his arms wrapped around me as we whispered dreams of the future. That warmth is a flicker of light in this hell, and I wrap myself around it, refusing to let it go.

     And so I wait, because hope is a tether, and the moment Vaughn makes his move, I'll be ready to remind him just how deeply I belong to him.

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Vaughn

     Five days. Five days of hell without My Alicia. Everyday, a new video is sent. A new marking on her skin.

     We can't find her, I've gotten my father roped into this. Scouring all over the city and not a trace of My Alicia.

     It's like a monster is ripping its heart out of my chest. How I ever survived without her Ill never know.

      The lot of us are sitting on the dining table, plans upon plans infront of us. Aiden is in the other room, consoling his sobbing wife.

      Elsa is one of the most decent people I've ever met, a heart of gold that My Alicia inherited.

     Her cries echo throughout the house as Aiden lulls her to sleep. It's affected all of us, but Elsa is most vocal about her troubles.

     Aiden hasn't left his office unless he's out there searching himself. Her grandfathers are making phone calls left and right. Her brothers are leaving to search at 5AM and coming back at 12.

       Everyone is a reck.

      My phone pings, a message from one of my most trusted men.

       "We've been able to identify a location."

        I nearly fall out of my chair. A location. They might have found her. I might be able to see My Alicia again.

        Kukolka, I'm on my way.

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A/N:
Seee? I'm not all that evil! Now there's a bit of hope ;)
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