MAFIA'S WRONG TARGET

17: THE CRIMSON HEARTACHE

SYBIL'S POV

Hunter's basement,
07:02 am

I was shifted back to the damp basement once again, my mind drifts to the memories I hold dear, now overshadowed by the looming presence of my captor. His threats echo in my ears, a constant reminder of the danger not only to myself but to my loved ones.

The weight of his words presses down on me, suffocating any flicker of hope that dares to ignite within me.

I find myself consumed by a whirlwind of emotions - fear, anger, and a sense of helplessness that threatens to engulf me.

The thought of my parents entangled in this nightmare because of me fills me with a deep sense of regret for trusting blindly. Only if I was a bit careful beforehand.

Now, their safety their well-being hang in the balance, tethered to my uncertain fate.

My entire body was aching; I had buried all over it. Purple and dark reddish prints of leather belts had covered me whole.

I lifted my top to see the biggest one that was encircled like a snack. I trace my trembling fingers over it only to hiss.

The leather belt's cruel slaps still linger on my flesh, a stark reminder of the violence inflicted upon me.

In this moment of despair, as I stare at the buried secrets around me, I cling to the fragile threads of resilience that remain, knowing that my strength will be tested like never before.

"Pretty, aren't they?"

My head snapped up to see him again. His face was half hidden in the dark.

The mere sound of his footsteps sent shivers down my spine, a silent warning of the power he wields in this twisted realm of captivity. His very essence exuded a malevolent energy that engulfed the space, casting a shadow over any semblance of hope that dared to linger in the corners of my mind.

In the stillness of his arrival, his formidable presence loomed large, a chilling reminder of the darkness that was enveloping me.

Fear gripped me like icy tendrils that paralyzed my every movement. As his ominous silhouette loomed closer, I shrank without daring to rise from my cowering position.

The air grew heavy with the weight of his oppressive presence, each heartbeat a thunderous drumbeat of dread echoing in the silence. I inch away, my body trembling his piercing gaze that seemed to strip away my very soul.

He settled on his ankle in front of me, I didn't dare to look at his face even though his chilling aura of power and presence was suffocating me.

I sensed his gaze roaming all over my curled-up poster before it stopped at my neck. His hand moved my hair back from my neck to look at the buries better.

"Tsk tsk tsk..." He shook his head slightly. " I don't know what will get you killed first, your loyalty or your stubbornness." He spoke checking the wounds.

My gaze followed his hand movements as his fingertips were still in contact with my neck before my eyes met his. "Are my parents safe?" I dared to ask.

His eyes lingered in mine for a long moment before he tightened his lips and nodded. " No one can harm those I put my eyes on.... except for me." He replied, his eyes shifted towards my neck again, his fingers tracing a pattern on my neck.

I reached out to his and took them between my palms. "Don't hurt them. They are innocent." I pleaded giving a slight squeeze to his hand.

His gaze was focused on our hands before he looked at my face. His eyes had slightly softened, yet touching him without his permission was somewhat of a stupid idea; I released his hand but didn't but didn't break the eye contact.