Fire And Ice (Lost&Found Series)✔

1. WELCOME TO FLORENCE

TADAAA! HERE'S THE VERY FIRST CHAPTER. (EDITED)

HAPPY READING. ❤

XENIA'S POV

I peeled open my eyes and welcomed the familiar darkness, feeling the flesh of my skin exposed to the cold marble floor. The rough patches of ground harsh against my skin, the malodorous smell immediately engulfing my nostrils causing my nose to scrunch in disgust. I tried to move but winced due to the soreness of my muscles. Every inch of my body ached, screamed at me to get up and ignore the immense pain I was experiencing but I could not find the energy to do so. My brain cells wanted to shut down. I wanted to escape, not this place but the bitter reality. I wanted to give up and die. I tried to move my arms in a last attempt only to feel something hard holding them in place, metal cuffs. Fuck. No. No. No. My wrists and feet were tied, my shirt ripped in different places. I almost felt naked. What did they do? Why am I here? Who are these people? Where's my fa... oh my God. Realization hit me like a truck. We were under attack. They destroyed our mansion. My breathing became shallow as soon as those heartrending images flashed through my mind. Before I could ponder over the situation further, I heard the jiggling of keys from the other side of the door. I held my breath and braced myself for whatever there was to come. The door opened and a ray of light entered the room causing my eyes to shut, promptly. The person fiddled with some buttons and a light bulb lit up the dark, gloomy room. The sound of the boots, as they neared me, increased my already wild heartbeat. Suddenly, I was lifted, rather roughly, from the cold floor and was pushed to a chair. My eyes finally adjusted to the bright light and I could see someone standing a few inches from me, my vision still blurry. I blinked rapidly and the person stepped out of the shadows, leading me to gasp.

"Uncle Michael?" I croaked out. He laughed wickedly and shook his head causing my frown to deepen.

"No darling, I'm your worst nightmare." he spat venomously and unchained me. With that, he slapped me hard and threw me across the floor like a rag doll. I had zero pain tolerance. I cried out in pain and agony. He betrayed us. He yanked my hair causing me to hiss. "look at me, doll" he demanded but I refused, instead shutting my eyes more tightly. He slapped me once again, causing my head to hit the hard brick wall. Black spots started appearing in my vision and the last thing I remembered before slipping into unconsciousness was him ripping my shirt open with a pocket knife.

I felt someone shaking me agitatedly, telling me to wake up but those memories kept chasing me as if daring me to open my eyes and leave, as if saying that the next time I close my eyes, it will be worse. Water was sprayed on my face and I bolted awake, panting and sweating profusely. I was immediately engulfed in a hug and the strong scent of pine invaded my senses, relaxing my nerves. I held onto him tightly.

"Sshh baby it's okay. You're safe. I'm here." my best friend cooed gently rocking me back and forth. I heaved a sigh of relief and pulled back slightly to look at him. I knew the look on my face gave it away because the next second I was hauled up on his shoulder.

"Asher, put me down. I am fine now." I protested. He opened a door and placed me on the floor I looked around to find myself in the washroom. I turned around and came face to face with the mirror, flinching at my appearance. My skin was as pale as a ghost and there were red marks on my wrists. I knew this all too well. Every time I had a nightmare I woke up with red marks on my wrists, throat or thigh.

"How long?" Asher's voice interrupted my train of thoughts. I gulped and looked at him through the mirror.

"What?" I managed to whisper even though I knew exactly what he meant.

"DON'T FUCKING PLAY WITH ME XENIA! YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHAT I MEAN. HOW LONG IT HAS BEEN SINCE YOU ARE HAVING NIGHTMARES, AGAIN?!" he roared in anger. I flinched at his tone.

"Two days." I replied.

"You mean ever since you made up your mind that you wanted to come back here?"he asked and i nodded. He sighed running a hand through his neatly trimmed, thick black hair.

"I should've known this was a bad idea." he shook his head. I stepped forward and a put a hand on his bicep.

"I have to face my fears A. It's been a year and a half. I am stronger than before. Besides, I have to take back what's mine. They need to know that the sole heir to the empire is alive."

Before he could say anything further, Veronica came in view.

"What the hell guys? I was looking everywhere for you guys. I though you guys jumped off the plane leaving me alone. Thank God, I thought I missed the fun." She huffed. Me and A rolled our eyes at her over dramatic self.

"Did you have a nightmare?" she asked coming closer, her expressions turning to those of concern.

"I am fine. I WILL BE fine." I emphasized giving them both a small smile and walked out. A and V were dating. Asher has been my best friend since diapers and Veronica came in our lives a year ago. They both instantly clicked and the next thing you know, they're dating. They make an amazing couple. Veronica, although, loves me more than she loves Ash. Hah. *wink* Anyways, Ash and I have been with each other through everything. He knows me, fully and he knows what.. happened. Whereas, Veronica just knew the basics.

I settled back on my chair and called the stewardess.

"Good Afternoon Miss Smith, what can I get you?" she politely asked.

"Call me Xenia please and kindly fetch me a glass of water and some chocolate and other snacks. You know my type." I chuckled.

"Sure Xenia." She grinned widely and left. Lily was a sweet 19 year old who worked for me. She knew my taste well hence the reason behind all the stock of junk in my private jet.

I turned towards the windows and sighed. The flight will land in a few hours. My emotions, flying back to home, were mixed. I was excited, nervous, sad, angry but above all I was confident. I was ready to face everything and everyone. All these emotions are temporary, in actual I feel empty the most. I scoffed at the word home. This is the same place I once called home, the same place I grew up in, the same place my family lived in, the same place where people admired and respected my family, the same place I used to miss when I was in New York for my degree and the same place my family was brutally murdered in. And I am here to avenge them, to fight for their justice. Welcome to Florence.

YELLOOOOO MY GEMS! HOW DO YOU LIKE THE FIRST CHAPTER?

DO YOU THINK SHE'S STRONG ENOUGH TO AVENGE HER FAMILY'S DESTRUCTION?

WHAT DO YOU THINK HAS HAPPENED TO HER AND THE SMITH FAMILY?