Echoes of Shadows
Delphine's POV: (8 years ago - flashback):
The little girl's raven-black curls cascaded down her back as she darted around her spacious backyard. "I'm going to catch you, Elle!" a young boy with equally dark hair called out, playfully chasing her.
"No, you won't! I'm faster than you!" she replied, a mischievous grin dancing on her lips.
"I'm going inside to grab a drink," the boy announced, heading for the large house. "Can you get me a juice box?" she requested.
"Sure, just give me a second," the boy replied.
As the little girl made her way to the swing set, ready to wait for the boy, she suddenly froze, moments before sitting down, hearing the terrifying sound of gunshots.
In a panic, she rushed inside to ensure the boy's safety. Just before she reached the kitchen, a pair of strong arms wrapped around her waist, and a hand clamped over her mouth.
"WHERE IS DELPHINE?" an older man with jet-black hair demanded, causing the young girl's screams to be stifled.
Five little boys, a woman, and a man rushed into the kitchen, all shouting her name. Their frantic search came to a halt when they spotted her in the older man's grasp.
The man with black hair brandished a gun and aimed it at the man holding her. "Release her now," he commanded, his voice filled with authority.
"I don't think I will. I've found a new plaything," the man sneered.
"PUT HER DOWN, YOU IDIOT!" all five boys chorused, voices filled with anger and concern.
The man merely laughed, and then everything faded to black.
The young girl awoke in a cold, dark cell. She attempted to stand but found herself chained to the floor. Suddenly, an older man entered.
"You're awake, my dear. That man did something terrible, and now you will pay for his actions," he said, stepping closer.
"I'm thrilled to add you to my collection," he added, pushing her hair aside.
Despite her attempts to escape, she was trapped. The man continued, "You belong to me. I own you, and your pretty little body. You won't touch another man without my permission, or there will be severe consequences."
He emphasized his words with a painful strike to her face. Terrified, she stammered, "Yes, I understand."
The man kissed her forehead and departed, leaving Delphine in tears, yearning only to return home, if she even had one.
End of Flashback:
My eyes shot open, and I sat up, drenched in sweat, gasping for breath. It had been just a nightmare.
I told myself to calm down and took a deep breath. I got out of bed and checked the alarm clock; it was 4:30 a.m. Alessandro's command from the previous night echoed in my mind: "Be up and ready by 5 a.m. for training." I headed to the bathroom, gazing at my reflection.
After splashing water on my face, I undressed and took a quick shower. Stepping out of the bathroom, I realized how cold the house was, just as Charlotte had warned.
In the closet, I selected a full black outfit, consisting of a black sports bra and black leggings. I opted for white Air Force shoes and donned a black sports jacket to combat the cold.
I put my hair in a messy bun and Then, I left my room and entered the long, quiet hallway.
Descending the stairs, I saw the same two guards waiting at the bottom, offering their assistance. They accompanied me to the kitchen, where I heard people engaged in a heated argument.
YOU ARE READING
Queen Of The Underworld
Romancebook one of the "𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍" series "Take another step and I will kill you," he said pointing his gun at me. I take another step not listening to his threat. "Shoot me then," I say He just stands there looking at me with anger in his e...
