Chapter 1 Evenly POV

--

"Grandpa, are you okay?" I asked, my heart pounding as I watched him walk through the door. He looked terrible, covered in blood, his shirt torn.

"I'm fine, Evenly. Just a little accident at work," he replied, but I could see the pain and fear in his eyes.

"That doesn't look like an accident!" I shouted, rushing to his side. "What happened?"

He sat down on the old, worn-out couch, breathing heavily. I could hear his heart racing so loudly. "I got into trouble, sweetheart. It's... complicated."

I hated that he worked for the mafia. I didn't understand why he did it, but he always said it was the only way to pay for my education. "You don't have to do this, Grandpa. I can help. Please, just tell me what's going on."

He looked away, his face filled with worry. "I can't tell you everything, Evenly. You're too young to understand."

"But I want to understand! You're hurt!" I cried, tears forming in my eyes.

James Audsoton, my grandfather, was the only family I had left. He raised me since I was five when my mother left without a word. I loved him more than anything, but I hated the life he chose.

"I'm in debt," he finally confessed, his voice cracking. "I was supposed to deliver something for the Taskolonia family. A package worth thirty million dollars."

My eyes widened. "Thirty million what?" I paused for a moment, but I could not catch my breath. "What kind of package?" I asked in fear, mentioning the Taskolonia family, the most ruthless and wicked mafia family in Europe; even NATO feared them.

He shook his head, looking ashamed. "It doesn't matter now. I lost my men, and now they want something from me."

"What do they want, Grandpa?" I asked, fear creeping into my voice.

"They want you," he said, his face pale.

"Me? Why?" I felt my stomach drop.

"They see you as a bargaining chip, Evenly. If I can't pay them back, they will take you."

Panic filled my heart. "No! You can't let them take me! I'll do anything!"

James took my hands in his, his grip tight. "You must listen to me. If you don't go with them, they will hurt me. You have to be brave."

"But I don't want to be brave! I want to stay with you!" I shouted, tears spilling down my cheeks.

Suddenly, there was a loud knock on the door. My grandfather's face turned white, and he whispered, "They're here."

"Who?" I asked, my voice trembling.

"Just stay calm, Evenly. Promise me you'll be brave."

I nodded, but fear gripped my heart. The door burst open, and two men in dark suits stepped inside. Their faces were cold as ice, and I felt a chill run down my spine.

"Time to go, sweetheart," one of them said, a smirk on his lips, as if my fear amused him.

"No! I won't go!" I cried, my heart racing as I tried to pull away from their grip. My body felt heavy with panic, and all I wanted was to run back to my grandfather.

James stood up, his body shaking with anger. "Leave her alone! You can't take her!" His voice was fierce, but I could see the worry etched on his face. It made me feel both scared and safe at the same time.

The men laughed, a cruel sound that echoed in my ears. One of them grabbed my grandfather, yanking him closer. "You made a deal, old man. Now you pay the price." The way he said it made my stomach twist. I could see the fear in my grandfather's eyes, and it broke my heart.

"Grandpa!" I screamed, reaching for him, desperation flooding my voice. I wanted to pull him away from these monsters, to protect him like he had always protected me.

"Evenly, don't fight them! Please!" he shouted, desperation in his voice, his eyes pleading with me to listen. I could feel my heart shattering, knowing that he was trying to keep me safe, even when everything felt so dangerous.

They pulled me toward the door, and I kicked and screamed. "Let me go! I won't go with you!" My voice cracked, and I felt tears streaming down my cheeks. The more I struggled, the tighter their grip became, and I felt so helpless.

"Stop it, girl!" the second man growled, his patience wearing thin. "You're only making this harder." His tone was sharp, and I felt a chill run down my spine. I was trapped, and the darkness around me felt suffocating.

I glanced at my grandfather one last time, his face a mix of fear and determination. I could see how much he loved me, and it gave me a tiny spark of hope. I had to be strong for him, even if it felt impossible. I wouldn't let them take me without a fight.

They dragged me outside into the cold night. I felt like I was in a nightmare. A black limousine was waiting at the curb, its windows dark and menacing.

The Taskolonia family logo was embroidered on it, a white horse holding a piston.

"Get in," the first man ordered, shoving me toward the back seat.

"No! I won't!" I yelled, trying to pull away.

They pushed me inside, and I stumbled, falling onto the soft leather seat. "Blindfold her," one of them commanded.

"Please, don't do this!" I begged, tears streaming down my face.

They tied my hands behind my back and placed a blindfold over my eyes. Panic washed over me as I realized I couldn't see anything. The car door closed with a heavy thud, and I felt completely trapped.

"Welcome to your new life," a voice said from the front seat. It was deep and cold, sending shivers down my spine. "You're going to hell, little girl. I hope you survive."

The car started moving, and I felt my stomach twist. I wanted to scream, but no sound came out. All I could think about was my grandfather and how I might never see him again.

What would happen to me? Where were they taking me? My heart raced as I tried to calm myself, but fear was overwhelming. I couldn't let them take away my hope.

I took a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts. I had to be strong. I had to find a way to escape. I couldn't let them win.

As the limousine drove through the dark streets, I thought about my grandfather and all the times he had protected me. I remembered how he taught me to be brave, to stand up for myself.

I might be scared, but I wouldn't give up. I would find a way to fight back. I wouldn't let the Taskolonia family break me. I had to believe that I could escape this nightmare and return to my grandfather.

I just had to wait for the right moment.