Flashback
(In the middle of the forest)
The moon was barely a sliver in the pitch-black sky, its light barely making it past the dense canopy of the forest. Blaze moved silently through the underbrush, each snap of a twig underfoot making his heart race faster. Sweat trickled down his back, mixing with the dirt and grime that clung to his skin. This forest was supposed to be a safe place, a hiding spot. But right now, it felt like a labyrinth of shadows and despair.
He knew he was running out of time. She was the only thing that mattered-his anchor, his weakness. The only reason he'd left his empire of power and influence behind was because she'd gone missing. Word had it she'd been taken, and he wasn't about to let that stand.
And he knew she'd been taken, but where the hell were they holding her? Every rustle of leaves, every snapped twig set his nerves on edge. Blaze kept his gun drawn, his eyes darting through the darkness, searching for any sign of movement. The forest was supposed to be a temporary refuge, a place where her kidnappers would hide until the heat died down. But he wouldn't let that happen. Not while he was breathing.
Suddenly, he heard it-her voice, a frightened, desperate cry. His heart leapt into his throat. He pushed through the trees, his breath coming in harsh, ragged gasps. He could hear them now -her footsteps pounding against the forest floor, and the crunch of leaves and twigs behind her. Two figures, shadows blending with the darkness, were chasing her. They were closing in.
As he emerged into a small clearing, he saw her-her face streaked with tears, eyes wide with terror. Her clothes were torn, and her hair was a wild tangle. stumbling toward Blaze, her face a mask of terror and exhaustion. Her eyes locked onto his, pleading, and then she collapsed at his feet. Blaze's fists clenched as he saw the two men pursuing her, their faces hidden but their intentions clear. They were determined, ruthless.
He could see the fear in her eyes even as they fluttered closed, her breath coming in short, ragged gasps. His heart pounded harder, a mix of relief and dread. Blaze knelt beside her, pushing her hair away from her face, trying to assess the damage. She was unconscious, but alive-thank God, she was alive.
Blaze kept his eyes on the approaching danger. Two figures emerged from the darkness, their faces twisted with anger and greed. Blaze didn't hesitate. He fired a single shot-one man went down with a grunt, and the other skidded to a halt, his eyes wide with fear.
"Stay with me" he murmured to Savannnah, Blaze's voice rough with emotion. He had no idea how badly she was hurt or what they'd done to her, but he knew he had to act quickly. He lifted her gently, cradling her against himself. The forest was closing in, every shadow a potential threat.
"Stop right there!" Blaze barked once he placed Savannnah in his car, his voice carrying an edge of menace. "Who the hell are you?"
Blaze kept his gun trained on them, his stance unyielding, "The guy who's going to make sure you regret ever touching her."
Oliver sneered, his eyes narrowing with suspicion. "And why should we care about that, buddy? You think you're some kind of hero?"
Blaze could see the calculated gleam in his eyes, a man used to making decisions that ended in bloodshed. "No," he said evenly. "I'm the guy who's going to make sure you never get the chance to make another decision."
One of the other men started to reach for a weapon, and Blaze didn't hesitate. The crack of his gunfire shattered the night, the bullet hitting the ground at their feet as a warning. The men froze, their faces paling as they realized how serious Blaze was.
Oliver snarled, gesturing to his men. "Grab her!" Blaze took a step forward, his gun unwavering. "I wouldn't try it," he warned, his voice low and dangerous. "You're outnumbered, and I don't miss."
Oliver's face twisted into a snarl, but he made a snap decision. "We're not finished here," he growled, "but it looks like I've got to take a rain check."
But before he could take a step, Blaze's men burst into the clearing, their weapons drawn and faces set in grim determination. The kidnappers were surrounded, their bravado crumbling under the weight of Blaze's numbers. Oliver's eyes widened in panic as he realized the situation had turned against him.
Blaze's men moved with practiced efficiency, closing in on the kidnappers. Oliver tried to fight back, but he was quickly overpowered, his attempts to escape thwarted by the coordinated effort of Blaze's crew.
Within moments, the clearing was a flurry of movement as Blaze's men subdued the captors, securing them with ropes and handcuffs. Oliver was pinned to the ground, his face a mask of rage and disbelief.
"You thought you could run from me?" Blaze growled, stepping over the fallen bodies. The forest seemed to hold its breath as Blaze made his way back to Savannnah, ensuring she was safely in his arms. Blaze's anger was a cold, relentless force now. He'd get her out of this hellhole, no matter what.
As Blaze carried her through the forest, the darkness was still thick around them, but he no longer felt lost. He had his path now, driven by a single purpose: to keep her safe and make those who dared threaten her pay dearly. This forest might have been a labyrinth, but he was a hunter, and no amount of darkness would keep him from his prey.
Baldwin's Mansion
(One day later)
Savannah stirred slowly, consciousness creeping back like sunlight through a dusty window. The first sensation was the softness of the sheets-smooth, luxurious, but strangely unfamiliar. Her eyes fluttered open, squinting against the gentle light filtering through heavy, ornate curtains. She lay still for a moment, trying to piece together the fragments of memory that seemed to be slipping through her fingers.
The room around her was nothing like her own. It was grand, almost opulent, with high ceilings and walls adorned with rich tapestries. A chandelier hung from the center of the ceiling, its crystals catching the light and scattering it in a kaleidoscope of colors. The furniture was antique, elegant-an old-fashioned four-poster bed, a large mahogany wardrobe, and a plush armchair by the fireplace. The room smelled faintly of cedar and lavender, a subtle, calming aroma that did nothing to ease the disquiet in her chest.
Savannah tried to sit up, her body feeling heavy and sluggish. The movement brought a wave of dizziness, and she had to steady herself against the headboard. Her heart was racing as she glanced around, taking in the opulence of her surroundings. The stark contrast between the luxury of the room and the nagging sense of unease was jarring.
Where was I? How had I ended up here?
The last thing she remembered was being in a dark, deep forest-her mind flashed with fragments of fear and confusion. There had been voices, rough hands, a sense of being dragged away...Oliver. Panic surged in her chest as she tried to piece together the events leading up to this moment, but they eluded her, like trying to catch smoke with her bare hands. Is it Oliver again? Has he again succeded in caoturing her? Did he got Theo?
She glanced around the room, looking for any clue to explain her situation. The door was closed, and there was no obvious way out. She could see a small desk with a vintage lamp, a leather-bound journal resting atop it. It seemed out of place in the otherwise untouched room, its presence a silent witness to her predicament.
Suddenly her legs pang with a pain and she saw the warpped leg and she remembered how she got her legs trapped into the animal trapper. The effort made her lightheaded, and she gripped the edge of the bed to steady herself. She needed to figure out where she was, who had brought her here, Oliver? and most importantly, how to get out.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching. Is it Oliver? Her breath caught in her throat as the door creaked open, and a figure stepped into the room. The person was dressed impeccably-a well-tailored suit, a calm demeanor that belied the gravity of the situation. Blaze?
"You're awake," balze said, his voice smooth and controlled. "I was beginning to worry, savannah"
She heaved a sigh, it's not Oliver, it's Blaze "Where am I?" I questiomed Blaze because this whole environmet was new.
Blaze's expression remained impassive, though there was a flicker of something-curiosity, perhaps in his eyes. "You're in a safe place," he said, his tone soothing but with an underlying edge that made Savannnah think, what is it? "We're in a mansion Savannah, it's a different part of the mansion."
"Yeah?" Savannah looked again around her surrounding "How come I'm here?" Savannah questioned him looking abit lost "I remember being in the middle of woods with.....Oliver hunting me down" Saying his name Savannah looked a bit resented, hate, that Oliver actually tried pulling all these, not even in entire dream she thought he could do this, more like meet him after so long was just a salt on the wounds.
Blaze took a step closer towards her, his gaze assessing her with a mixture of sympathy and something more calculating. "Savannah, you need to rest and regain your strength. I'll explain everything in due time." he added "Focus on yourself now, Savannah."
"Where's Theo?" Savannah asked taking a step towards him about Theo when her all focus shifted on her son, she was worried that Oliver might have done something to him while she was dep in sleep, her face showed the fear and worry about her child.
"He is-" Blaze got intruppted when the door swings open and a small figure ran inside and hugged Savannah "Mommy" it was Theo who came to check up on his mom, so he can talk to her even if she doesnt answer.
Mom!" His voice was a mix of relief and worry, and it nearly broke Savannnah. The sound of his voice, so sweet and innocent, was the most comforting thing she'd heard in what felt like an eternity. His little face was pale but unscathed, and seeing him unharmed was a balm to her frayed nerves. She tried to sit up, her body protesting with aches and stiffness, but she didn't care. The only thing that mattered was that he was alright. She pulled him close, wrapping her arms around him as best as she could. His warmth and the steady beat of his little heart against her chest were all the reassurance she needed.
"Are you okay? Savannah whispered, her voice cracking. Her tears flowed freely now, mingling with the relieved laughter that bubbled up from within her.
The weight of of fear began to lift, replaced by the immense joy of seeing her son safe and sound. She brushed her tears away, her fingers still lightly clasped around his. "I'm so glad you're alright," Savannnah said, her voice filled with emotion. "I was so worried about you."
Theo looked up at his mom with a mixture of relief and confusion, as if he was still trying to process what was happening. His tiny hand reached up to brush away a stray lock of hair from Savannah's face. "I knew you'd wake up. You're strong, Mom."
His innocent faith in Savannah made her heart ache with love. She held him closer, letting the comfort of his presence wash over her. They stayed like that for what felt like a long time, just holding each other, absorbing the overwhelming relief and gratitude of being reunited.
The room around them as well as the person Blaze seemed to fade away in the light of their embrace. As she looked at her son, her fears melted into a profound sense of peace. She knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together. For now, all that mattered was that he was safe and in her arms, and that was enough to fill Savannnah's heart with boundless joy.
But that wasn't the case for Blaze. He was filled with jealousy, hatred and loathe. Watching them together, embracing each other wasn't something that Blaze could tolerate at all. If something belongs to him and is His, he doesn't like it to be shared. It fully belongs to him and only him. No one else. Not even her Kid, Theo.
To be continued
Author's Note :
Happy reading<3
There's a part two for this flashback, it's about what happened and how it all happened, all the Savannah's lost Memories.
Stay tuned ;)
Have a good day/night <3<3