Vengeance

Chapter 1

Ava's POV

"Mama! No!"
My eyes shot open, I sat up on my bed, gasping. The same nightmare, again. Running my fingers through my hair, I sat back closing my eyes, trying to relax.
It had been 13 years.
13 years since that incident, my birthday.
13 years since I lost my Mama and my family.

I glanced at the alarm on my bedside table. 5:30 am, it read. It was still quite dark outside. But there was no point in staying in bed now that I wasn't going to get any sleep. I might as well get fresh and head down to prepare breakfast.

After getting dressed, I took a quick look in the mirror. My brown eyes seemed sad and tired, my face looked pale. My baby pink sweatshirt and black leggings did a great job hiding my slender body covered with fading bruises. I quickly tied my long raven hair into a small messy bun and with a last look in the mirror, I headed downstairs.

I started my daily routine along with Martha. She was the head maid in this mansion and the only person at this place I had learnt to trust. Not that I had any other choice in that matter since she was the only one I was allowed to speak with.
Mr. Hunt arrived at the dining table just as I had started setting it up for breakfast. I avoided his eyes. I always tried to avoid him as much as I could.
How could anyone ever be comfortable with their captor in the same room?
Yes, he was the one behind all that happened 13 years ago which led to my kidnapping. He was the one responsible for the death of my mother.

I still remember that day and everything that followed like it was yesterday.

13 years ago

After the incident, I found myself waking up in an unfamiliar bedroom. I sat up and started panicking when I realized I was not alone in the room. There was a man sitting by my side staring at me. He was calm and composed, but those eyes held something sinister. He looked almost the same age as my father.
He leaned forward but that only made me cower back. But that didn't stop him. He held my chin in his right hand and whispered, "You look just like her. You are like a trophy to me. I will keep you here with me as a reminder that I won, as a satisfaction to this thirst of revenge I had for so many years."

I couldn't quite understand what he meant but that tone made me shiver at his words, as he smiled at me. And with that, he got up and left the room.

Who is he? Who was 'her' he kept talking about? Where am I? Why am I here? Someone help me please.

I pressed my knees to my chest and   rested my forehead on them, letting my tears flow as I realised I had lost my family, maybe forever. I do not remember how long I sat in that room in the same position. But later that day, someone knocked at the door. I tensed up instantly thinking it was the same scary old guy from earlier. When I didn't answer, the door slowly opened to reveal an old lady who reminded me of Mrs. Bianchi,  the one I used to call 'Beechee' as my younger self couldn't spell her name correctly.
She came towards me with a sad smile on her face.

"I have no idea what is going on or why you're here. I'm really sorry for whatever's happening with you dear. But you need to be strong. I've brought you something to eat. Have this and rest. Mr. Hunt will speak to you tomorrow morning, most of your questions will be answered by him. Goodnight sweetie."
She gave me one last smile and left.

Mr. Hunt. Hunt?

I looked at the food placed in front of me. But I had lost all my appetite. I laid down on the bed. Events of the incident replayed in my head and the tears started flowing again. Some time later that night exhaustion set in and sleep consumed me.

Next day the same old lady came into my room, lent me some clothing and asked me to meet her downstairs. Martha. That's what she said her name was.
I had so many questions and as Martha said only Mr. Hunt could answer those for me. So I quickly freshened up and peeked out into the corridor.

The house seemed big and luxurious. I walked through a long corridor and saw stairs, so I headed downstairs with slow hesitant steps. I saw Martha across the hall standing quietly holding a tray in her hands. Mr. Hunt, sat there on a sofa sipping whatever it was in that cup. The sight of him made me feel wary. As if he heard me coming, Mr. Hunt looked up in my direction. He returned his cup to Martha and started heading towards me.

"Follow me", he said sternly. I glanced back at Martha with fear quite evident in my eyes. She returned me an assuring nod and silently gestured to me to follow him.
We entered into what it seemed like his study. He went around the desk and sat on the chair behind it.

"Sit", he motioned me to sit in the chair in front of him. I couldn't bring myself to move an inch. 

"I will not repeat myself." My gut churned as his voice reached my ears.

Avoiding his gaze, I took hesitant steps and sat nervously with fear clutching my heart.

"What is your name, child?"
I refused to speak up and continued staring at my clenched hands resting on my lap.
"ANSWER ME!", his voice boomed suddenly, causing me to jump with terror in my seat. My eyes started tearing up as I never had anyone raise their voice at me before.
"A-Ava", I answered, fear causing me to stutter.
"That's more like it.", he grunted.
"Ava. I am Christopher Hunt. You can call me Mr. Hunt or Sir. And this is going to be your permanent residence. I own everything here. And now, I own YOU."

My heart sank as his words dawned on me. 

He is the one that man told Mama about. Hunt. He killed Mama. He kidnapped me. He is the one behind all of it.