𝐂𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐰𝐬

Chapter 30

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There's no saving you from me. You're trapped in my darkness, and I'll never let you go.

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Osman didn't say a word as he drove through the winding forest road, the towering trees casting ominous shadows over the rain-slicked path. Aamirah's anxiety grew with every passing second, her mind racing with possibilities, each more terrifying than the previous one.

The road finally opened up, revealing a grand estate in the distance-a house that could easily be mistaken for a castle. It loomed in the darkness, its towering structure exuding a sense of old wealth and foreboding history. The rain lashed against its stone walls, and the windows glowed faintly, as if hiding secrets within.

Aamirah's breath quickened. "wh...what are you doing? Where are we? What is this place?" Her voice trembled, a mixture of fear and frustration. He didn't answer.

Her pulse thundered in her ears. "If... if you don't tell me what's going on, I'll-" She struggled to find the courage. "I'll jump out of the car."

His head turned slightly, and his eyes locked on hers. There was no softness in them, only a cold, predatory challenge. His lips parted just enough for him to say one word, low and dangerous. "Try."

She knew better to mess with him in this state.

The car rolled to a stop before the massive entrance. The rain was relentless now, turning the ground into a sea of mud and puddles. He exited the car without a word, walking around to her side. He opened her door with more force than necessary, the heavy thud echoing against the storm's roar.

Aamirah hesitated but knew she couldn't stay seated. She stepped out, but before she could gather her thoughts, His hand clamped around her wrist. His grip was firm, not enough to hurt, but enough to make it clear he wasn't letting her go.

"what is this? Why...why did you bring me here?" She tried to pull free saying timidly, but his grip didn't loosen. Her heart pounded against her ribs.

He didn't reply. Instead, he led her up the stone steps, the rain soaking through both of them. Aamirah's mind screamed at her to run, to fight, to do something-but fear and confusion kept her rooted to his side.

The heavy oak doors groaned as Osman pushed them open, revealing a vast hall lit by dim chandeliers. The air was cold, and the scent of damp stone and wood filled the space. It was eerily quiet, save for the distant crackle of a fireplace somewhere deeper within the house. The atmosphere suffocated her.

He didn't release her until they were fully inside. He turned to face the staff, his eyes burning with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine as well. "No one will interrupt us here. No guards. No distractions." His voice was ice, but there was a storm beneath it-a dark, dangerous storm he wasn't hiding anymore.

Everyone nodded as if they would ever interrupt him or ever question any member of this family. Maids and guards do not have that luxury.

Aamirah took a step back, her eyes wide. "What do you want from me? We need to.. to be ther--" As she asked once again hoping he would reply this time.

His gaze didn't softened even for a split second, "I want the truth, Aamirah. And you're not leaving until I have it."

He led Aamirah through a narrow stone passageway, dimly lit by flickering torches mounted on the walls. The air was thick and damp, carrying the metallic tang of blood and something darker-something rotten. Aamirah's legs felt like lead, but she couldn't stop walking, her trembling hands clutching Osman's soaked coat like it was her lifeline.