The night was colder than usual, a chill creeping into Sophie's bones as she walked through the dimly lit parking garage. The air felt heavier, thick with the weight of unspoken tension that had been hanging around her for days.
She had to get away, even if it was only for a few hours. Victor and Leo's twisted power games were suffocating, and she felt like a puppet on a string, constantly being tugged in different directions.
She had just stepped into her car when she heard the sound of footsteps. Slow, deliberate steps echoing from behind her. Sophie froze. Her heart skipped a beat as she slowly turned, her hand instinctively reaching for the door handle. She had a feeling—something in her gut—that she was being watched.
But before she could react, a shadow moved swiftly from the dark corner of the garage. Strong hands grabbed her from behind, covering her mouth, yanking her backward with enough force to knock the air out of her lungs. Panic surged through her body, and her breath became shallow, trapped under the grip of someone far stronger than her.
She tried to scream, but the hand over her mouth was relentless, muffling any sound she could make. Her body was lifted off the ground as her abductor dragged her into the shadows.
A wave of fear washed over her. Who was this? Was it Victor or Leo? Was it someone else entirely? She didn't know, but all she could do was struggle, kicking and squirming in their grip.
But the more she fought, the stronger the hold on her became. She couldn't breathe, couldn't think clearly, couldn't escape.
Her world spun as she was thrown into a van, her head slamming against the cold, metal interior. The door slammed shut, and Sophie found herself in darkness. Panic overtook her, and she gasped for breath, the adrenaline coursing through her veins like wildfire.
Her hands were bound tightly, and she could feel the ropes digging into her wrists. Who had done this to her? Was it Leo, trying to take control? Or was it Victor, punishing her for her defiance?
She closed her eyes, the fear turning into frustration. She had no idea what was happening, and she didn't know who she could trust anymore.
Suddenly, the van's door swung open, and Sophie was dragged out into the harsh light of a streetlamp. Her head whipped around, trying to make sense of her surroundings, but everything was blurry, spinning too quickly.
Then, through the haze, she saw a familiar face—Victor.
He stood there, tall and imposing, his jaw clenched in frustration. His eyes were dark, filled with something she couldn't quite identify. For a moment, Sophie thought he was going to say something, but then, a voice that wasn't his cut through the tension.
"She's ours now, Victor. No more games."
Sophie's pulse spiked as another figure stepped into view. Leo. His expression was unreadable, his eyes locked on her like a predator sizing up its prey.
She took a step back, fear tightening in her chest. This couldn't be happening. They were supposed to protect her, not turn against each other. But now, it seemed like she was caught in the crossfire of a war she didn't understand.
"I didn't have a choice, Leo," Victor said, his voice cold. "She's the key to everything."
"Key to what, Victor?" Leo's voice was dangerous, barely contained. "Don't tell me you think she's the answer to all of this. You've been playing this game for too long."
Sophie's eyes darted between the two men, her mind racing. This wasn't just about them. There was something bigger at play here, something that tied her to this mess in ways she hadn't yet understood.
Then, before she could process what was happening, she heard another voice. A voice she hadn't expected.
"Let her go!"
The words came like a strike of lightning, sudden and powerful. Sophie's heart skipped a beat as the man who had spoken came into view—Leo. His dark eyes were fixed on her with intense determination. He didn't hesitate. He moved toward the kidnappers with an animalistic intensity that left no room for doubt.
Leo's presence filled the air. His presence had always been magnetic, but now it felt like a shield, a barrier between Sophie and the threat that loomed.
One of the men turned toward Leo, but before he could react, Leo moved like a shadow. He was fast, his movements fluid, and Sophie's eyes widened as she watched him fight. The men who had taken her were no match for Leo's power and precision.
He dispatched one with a swift blow to the jaw, sending him sprawling to the ground, unconscious. Another one lunged at him with a knife, but Leo was quicker. He grabbed the man's wrist and twisted it, making him drop the blade before throwing him against the van.
The third man didn't even have time to react before Leo slammed him into the metal side of the van, knocking the wind out of him.
Sophie stood there, frozen in shock, watching Leo take control of the situation with terrifying efficiency. For a moment, she forgot to breathe. It was almost like she was witnessing a different version of him—someone far more dangerous and powerful than she'd ever imagined.
When the last man was knocked out, Leo turned back to Sophie. His eyes softened, and for the first time in what felt like forever, he stepped toward her, his hands reaching out as if to comfort her.
But before he could touch her, Sophie took a step back. She wasn't sure what to feel anymore. Relief, yes, but also confusion, anger. Victor had been in on this. Why had he allowed this to happen?
Leo's face darkened, his jaw clenched. "They don't control you anymore," he said, his voice low. "I'll make sure of it."
Sophie swallowed hard. The intensity of the moment was too much for her to handle, but she couldn't deny the way Leo's words made her feel. Safe.
Leo reached for her again, this time gently. "I won't let anyone hurt you, Sophie."
She stared at him, her heart torn in two. She wasn't sure what to do, but for the first time in days, she felt like there was someone in her corner.
But as Leo's hand touched hers, a distant, almost imperceptible sound broke through the air. Sophie turned toward the sound, her heart racing again.
Victor.
He stood a few steps away, watching the scene unfold, his face unreadable. His lips parted as if to say something, but nothing came out. His eyes burned with a mixture of frustration and something darker.
For a brief moment, Sophie wondered if she would ever be free of the games they played. But in that moment, she made a decision.
She wasn't a pawn anymore. And she wasn't going to let them use her.