His Perfection

My breath was heavy. My chest tightens at every second I make my way up the stairs,my heart beats rapidly against my ribcage. I hope and pray silently in my head that it wasn't true, what I heard wasn't real and that my parents are just trying to play a prank on me. But since when have they become a prankster?. I could feel my heart sinking while I grabbed the handle of the door and opened it. I raised my eyes to meet with that of my father. Dante Hernandez. "Dad," I let out. "Amelie" Dante said calmly but there was nothing calm about what I had just heard.

I moved closer to him, he was sitting on his chair across his study room. "What happened?" I asked my dad who looked exhausted. I could tell there was a lot he had to say but he just couldn't bring himself to say it. "Dad..." I called out again this time in desperation. "You are getting married" he finally said while getting up from his chair and turning his face away from me. Why? Maybe because he can say everything he wants to without staring at my face right now. "I don't think I understand you dad. Timothy and I haven't discussed anything about a marriage yet we had both agreed I finish my studies first" I rushed out hoping that was the case. Praying. "This has nothing to do with Timothy," Dante forced out. I blinked, twice. "What are you talking about? We are engaged, remember?" I almost screamed but bit my tongue down drawing blood in the process, I winced. "Not anymore. You are getting married" dad said more calmly now, I moved closer to him. "You're joking right? This is some sort of joke?" "Am afraid not Amelie, you are not a child anymore and have to bear your responsibility as a member of the Hernandez family" he said. I was too stunned to speak. Responsibility? "I have! I am still a college student dad but I have brought more in more deals to the company than anyone. Stepped on toes and created enemies for this family! Heck I even agreed to get married to Timothy because you ask dad, you said to strengthen our ground. I have done my best!" I cried out "Well seems your best wasn't enough, the company is going under, we have debts , huge debts that could kill us all..." dad paused for a moment. "....your sister was supposed to be the one but we can't find her. Afraid she had run off. This is the only way to help this family, trust me if there was another way, I wouldn't think twice before doing it" "Well look for her! Search for larina! Why do I have to do everything? Why am I forced against my wish dad?" "Because we are family and family look out for each other" I snorted. My eyes are getting teary, blurring my vision. "Or maybe because I am not your child!" I spat out angrily. "Amelie!" Dad yells angrily, he has always hated it when I remind him that I am not his child. But that's the truth. His daughter ran off while being used for deals and amends, now am about to be used to pay debts. His anger fades when he turns and sees the tears rolling down my face. "Amelie..." he calls more softly. "Larina isn't here because you don't want her here. Every single time you turn me into your pawn, your way out, larina hasn't ever been in the picture, it has always been me, me, and me! Now what should I say to Timothy? And his family?" I cried out bitterly. "Your mother is already talking it out with them" dad says " look Amelie, help your father just this once, please my child " he pleads. I stared at him with hot tears rolling down my check, I couldn't speak any other words. No, there was nothing left for me to say, what can I say? I am getting married, No, getting sold off for my father, for my family. I slowly turned around , my heart heavy and broken. I walked out of his study down to the stairs and out of the house. I got inside my car and dragged the seat belt across my chest but somehow it got stuck. I dragged and pulled but it won't bulge, my emotions flying all over the place I let go of it and screamed. Hitting my hand on the steering wheel repeatedly. My heart was broken and my life falling apart and there is nothing I can do about it. Nothing. I rode off to school but my mind was elsewhere, while still inside the car and at the school parking lot, I decided to go look for Timothy. I had dialled his number a couple of times but he wasn't picking up. I started the car and rode off to our normal hanging spot hoping to find him there. The drive from the school to the Rave was a quick one. I got to the entrance and said a few words with the bulky men at the entrance . We were regular here. They allowed me in while I ignored the low groaning of the others behind me. Entering inside, I was welcomed with loud music. I made my way through the swearing drunk dancing crowd. My eyes caught a dark haired guy sitting by the bar and I smiled faintly while I made my way toward him. "Hey Alex"I called as he whips around and smiles at me. "Amelie.. we heard...." "I'm fine" I lied through my teeth. His eyes held mine for a second before gulping down his drink. "Have you seen Tim?" I asked, looking around the crowd. "Ummmm.... Yeah. Him and Kim were just here . How about you check the rooms huh?" He said softly. "Kim?" I asked unsure. Kim is my best friend and she was the first I told about what happened. Alex nods. I smiled at him before walking off. I made my way upstairs. Rave is one of the biggest clubs around. I walked to the VIP rooms area and opened the first door to my right. It's our normal room for hanging out whenever we come to Rave. But nothing could have ever prepared me from what I saw. I cover my mouth with trembling hands, a little gasp escaping from my lips making Kim and Timothy turn toward me. Kim's face was pale white as she hurriedly got up from Timothy's laps. "Amelie.... It's... why are you here?" Timothy asked, feeling annoyed. Is he kidding me right now? Kim made an attempt to move closer to me but I stopped her. "Amelie is not what you think seriously" Kim said desperately. "You are my best friend" was all I could say before dashing out of the room. I can hear Timothy's voice calling me but I don't stop. I couldn't. . My legs kept moving, my vision closed with tears. I couldn't breathe. I reached for the next door knob and opened it, stepping inside I closed the door behind me and slipped to the ground slowly, my back gliding against the door. And my eyes closed and hurt. I let out a cry . A cry of betrayal, regret , hurt, pain. I screamed.

I slowly peeled my eyes open and blinked a few times while taking in my environment. Where am I? Still in Rave? I got up from the sofa carefully, the room looking like any other room in the VIP lounge. I searched for my phone and sighed in relief when I finally found the memory from last night opening like a fresh wound. Never in my life will I have imagined Kim and Timothy betraying me. For how long has that been going on for anyways? Feeling irritated at the thought, I made my way to the door but paused.

I clearly remember coming inside this room but can't seem to remember how I got on the sofa? Not thinking too much about it, I walked out and went out of the Rave. I got inside my car and turned on my phone. Series of texts and missed calls pops up. I sighed while tossing the phone on the passenger side of my car before heading back home. When I got home, mom was pacing in the living room, but stopped when she saw me. She walks towards me hurriedly, eyes filled with worry. I mentally roll my eyes. Like she cares. "Where the hell have you been? Why weren't your phone going through?" She asked. Fiona isn't my mom. They adopted me after my parents met their tragic end. "I was asleep, didn't know my phone was dead," I replied softly. Fiona took in a deep breath Before continuing. "We are having guests today" she says "Okay great" "They are your guest Amelie, you should be ready when they come" At this point it was exhausting. "I don't want to see anyone. I don't care" "Amelie! This is also for your own good, we will all be dead if we refuse their proposal" she says her voice making my skin crawl. "Was that why you asked Larina to run?" I asked and watched as she stared at me in disbelief. "That night I was wondering why you were in her room, turns out you didn't want this for your child,she deserves better and I don't?!" I yelled but felt a burning sensation on my face in return. "You will lower your tone and dare not say a word to anyone" Fiona spat angrily. She looks away from me. "The Genovese family will be coming and you will be a good girl and welcome them with your father and I" she adds curtly. I stared at my mom, my eyes wide with horror, as she delivered the news with a calm, collected tone. My mind reeled as I processed her words. The Genovese family is coming here. A ruthless mafia leader is going to be my husband. I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. I thought back to that fateful night, the thrill of the heist, the rush of adrenaline...and the devastating consequences. I had never meant to cross Marco, again my dad had put me in the line, I had to pretend just to get some dirt on the Genovese family and tell the cops all I know because he made me believe they were after us and now he's getting me married into that same family? My mom's expression was unyielding, her eyes cold and calculating. She showed no remorse, no regret. They had sold me out to protect themselves and I knew it. I felt a wave of anger wash over me, but I knew I was trapped. I had no choice but to accept my fate. "Why?" I spat, trying to keep my emotions in check. My mom shrugged. "You are the one they asked for Amelie. Specifically. They know you told the cops about it already. Yet they still asked for you." I try to rack my brain for any possible reason why all of these are happening. I had only double crossed a crime family because of my family, the same one that didn't think twice before selling me out , the same one that didn't care about what the Genovese family might do to me. The Genovese crime family was a name that sent shivers down the spines of even the most hardened criminals. They were a force to be reckoned with, a ruthless and efficient machine that crushed anyone who dared to stand in their way. Their leader, Cody Genovese is a man of few words but many actions. He is a calculating and cunning individual who would stop at nothing to protect his family's interests. His reputation for brutality is legendary, and those who crossed him lived to regret it - if they lived at all. And his son is just like him. My throat felt dry and my heart was hammering against my rib cage. The Genovese controlled a vast network of illegal enterprises, from extortion and loan-sharking to narcotics and human trafficking. They are the puppet masters, pulling the strings from behind the scenes, and their influence reaches into every level of society. Their soldiers were loyal only to Cody and the family, and they would carry out his orders without hesitation or mercy. They are the enforcers, the ones who made sure that debts were paid and respect was given. The Genovese are also known for their ruthless tactics, using violence and intimidation to get what they wanted. They had no qualms about using torture, murder, or destruction to achieve their goals. Their power was absolute, their reign unchallenged. They are the ones who made the rules, who decided who lived and died. And those who dared to cross them were dealt with swiftly and brutally. The Genovese crime family was a name that inspired fear, a name that commanded respect. They were the ones who ruled the shadows, and those who entered their world did so at their own peril. And I have walked into their den. My legs threatened to give away as I tried to find a meaning to why my parents would want me to get married to a familiar enemy. I raised my eyes to meet with dad . How long has he been standing there for? "I'm sorry, Amelie," he says. His voice was so low that it could pass as a whisper and I couldn't stop the tears from falling any longer. Everything I have even known has been snatched right out from me. Everyone I loved and trusted had betrayed me for their own Selfish reason. I stared at my parents one last time before running to my room and closing the door after me. What was I going to do now? I fell on my bed, my eyes heavy and tired. When I opened my eyes again,it was almost dark. I sat on my bed and ran my fingers through my hair. A faint knock came on my door and my heart jumped. I was reluctant to open it but I did anyway. It was mom. "Get dressed, they are almost here" she says Before walking away. I close the door lightly. I swallowed the lump forming in my throat as different thoughts run through my head, I peeled my clothes off then entered the bathroom. Of what use is it fighting? Shortly after, I walked out of my walk-in closet with a flare black dress with a strap. It was knee length and comfy. I style my hair into a messy bun and apply lip gloss on my dry lips. My eye briefly caught the bracket on my wrist. It was a gift from Timothy. His initials and mine. Not dwelling too much on it, I grabbed my phone and searched for his number but couldn't bring myself to press the call button, sighing, I pressed delete instead . And walked out of the room. As I walked down the stairs, I could hear voices and know the Genovese family had just arrived. I walked slowly to them. "Oh, this is our daughter, Amelie," mum's high pitched voice said as I froze. All eyes were on me now. I bit the inside of my cheeks nervously. In front of me was Mr Cody and his wife. "Hello dear, am Amira," his wife says in all smiles. One I couldn't tell if it was fake or not. "Hi," I replied. "Well, this is my husband, Cody," she further introduced. I forced a smile as I made eye contact with Cody Genovese. We both shared a knowing look. They will forever see me as an enemy so why are they hell bent on marrying me? "Well, let's move to the dinning now, hopefully we can talk some more till your son comes" my dad said happily. I felt sick to the stomach. Soon, we were all seated in the dining area and they talked as if they'd known each other for a while. I drank some water feeling too stuffy and uncomfortable. I excused myself from the table and stepped outside. I stood outside, my feet shoulder-width apart, and my arms crossed tightly over my chest. I huffed out a frustrated breath, my eyes fixed on some point in front of me. I stamped my foot on the grass, the soft earth giving way beneath my heel. The small action was a release of the pent-up anger and frustration that had been building inside of me. I felt trapped, like my life was being dictated by forces beyond my control. My eyes narrowed, my jaw clenched, as I thought about my upcoming wedding to a Genovese family. I don't want to marry anyone, I don't want to be tied to a family like that for the rest of my life. I knew I had no choice. "Those poor grass blades would be wondering what they did" I spun around, my heart skipping a beat as I took in the sight of a tall, dark-haired man standing behind me. His piercing eyes sparkled with amusement, and his full lips curved into a sly smile. "Those poor grass blades would be wondering what they did," he repeated, his deep voice sending a shiver down my spine. I felt my face flush with embarrassment as I realised I had been caught stamping my foot like a petulant child. I tried to brush it off, but his gaze made me feel like he could see right through me. "What's wrong?" he asked, his voice low and husky. I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal to this stranger. But there was something about his eyes that made me feel like I could trust him. "I'm just... frustrated," I admitted, feeling a lump form in my throat. He raised an eyebrow. "Frustrated?" I nodded, feeling tears prick at the corners of my eyes. "I don't want to get married," I blurted out. His expression changed, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You don't want to get married?" he repeated. I shook my head, feeling a sense of desperation wash over me. "No, I don't. But I don't have a choice." He took a step closer, his eyes locked on mine. "Why don't you have a choice?" he asked, his voice low and intense. I felt a shiver run down my spine as I realised who he might be. "Who are you?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. He smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I'm your fiancé," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Alessandro Genovese at your service." My heart sank as I realised the truth. This was the man I was being forced to marry. The man I had heard so many terrifying stories about. I looked up at Alessandro , hoping to see a glimmer of understanding in his eyes. Maybe, just maybe, he felt the same way I did - trapped and desperate to escape. "Please," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "Call off the wedding. I don't want to do this any more than you do." He raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. "What makes you think I don't want to marry you?" he asked, his voice dripping with amusement. I took a deep breath, hoping to appeal to whatever humanity was left in him. "Because I know I'm not what you want. I'm not going to be some obedient mafia wife And I know you don't want to be stuck with me any more than I want to be stuck with you. I don't want to be with someone I don't love" He chuckled, the sound sending a shiver down my spine. "You're right," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I don't want an obedient wife, But I do want you, Amelie. And I always get what I want." My heart sank. His expression turned cold, his eyes flashing with anger. "You think I'd let you off that easily, Amelie?After what you did?" I felt a surge of fear as I realised where this was going. "What are you talking about?" I tried to play dumb, but I knew exactly what he was referring to. "Don't play games with me," he sneered. "You know exactly what I'm talking about. You know what you did. You thought you could take us down and get away with it?" I swallowed hard, trying to defend myself. "I was trying to protect my family. Your family was going to hurt us." He laughed, the sound cold and mirthless. "You think we would have hurt you? Or your family? You're valuable to us,You and your family are pawns in our game. And pawns don't get hurt, they get used." I felt a chill run down my spine as I realised the truth. I was trapped, and he had no intention of letting me go. "So, you're getting married to me because of that?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. Alessandro's smile was ruthless. "Your father owns me, Amilie, So You have no idea what I have planned for you." His eyes locked onto the bracelet on my wrist, his gaze intensifying as he took in the initial "T". His expression remained calm, but his eyes betrayed a different story - a storm of possessiveness and jealousy brewing beneath the surface. He reached out, his movements deliberate and controlled, and gently grasped my wrist. His fingers wrapped around it, his touch warm but firm. With a swift, precise motion, he cut the bracelet off, the metal snapping softly. His eyes never left mine as he dropped the broken bracelet to the ground, his gaze burning with an unspoken message. The calmness of his actions belied the intensity of his emotions, making the moment feel even more unsettling. His voice was low and even, "You won't be needing that anymore." His words were laced with a subtle hint of warning, his eyes still flashing with a fierce possessiveness that made my heart skip a beat.

I sat in the car, my father's proud smile a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside me. My mind raced with thoughts of Alessandro, his piercing gaze, and the possessive grip he had on me. I felt like a trapped animal, dressed up and dolled up for the slaughter. The elaborate wedding dress suffocated me, its tight corset and layers of tulle a constant reminder of the prison I was about to enter. My heart pounded in my chest as I thought about the vows I was about to make, the promises to love and obey a man who terrified me.

My father, oblivious to my distress, chatted excitedly about the ceremony, the guests, and the reception. I nodded and smiled, pretending to share his enthusiasm, but my thoughts were consumed by fear and uncertainty. What lay ahead? Would Alessandro's possessiveness turn violent? Would I ever be able to escape? The questions swirled in my mind like a vortex, making my head spin. As the car pulled up to the entrance, my father turned to me, his eyes shining with happiness. "Ready, kiddo?" he asked, his voice filled with excitement. I forced a smile, my heart heavy with dread. "Ready," I lied, my voice barely above a whisper. As I stepped out of the car, the bright sunlight and bustling atmosphere of the wedding venue enveloped me. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart, and began my walk down the aisle alongside my father. My eyes scanned the crowd, taking in the familiar faces of our friends and family, but one person stood out - Alesandro. He stood tall and imposing, his eyes fixed intently on me, his gaze burning with an unnerving intensity. He was dressed impeccably in a tailored suit, his dark hair perfectly styled, and his chiselled features radiating an aura of power and control. His eyes, however, told a different story - they seemed to bore into my soul, as if daring me to try and escape. As we approached, Alessandro's gaze never wavered, his eyes locked onto mine with an unspoken message: you're mine now. I felt a shiver run down my spine as my father released my hand, and I took my place beside him. The priest began to speak, his words a distant hum as I felt his eyes still fixed on me, his presence suffocating me. I couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead, trapped in a marriage with this man who seemed to hold such power over me. As the priest pronounced us husband and wife, I felt a sense of trepidation wash over me. The moment of truth had arrived - the kiss. I had been dreading this moment, fearing Alessandro's lips on mine, his touch, his possessiveness. But instead, he surprised me. He leaned in, his eyes never leaving mine, and gently kissed my cheeks, one and then the other. The soft brush of his lips was almost tender, a stark contrast to the fierce intensity I had expected. I felt a wave of relief wash over me, mixed with confusion. Why had he spared me the intimate kiss? Was it a sign of mercy, or just a calculated move to keep up appearances? As he pulled back, a small smile played on his lips, and I wondered what he was thinking. Was he enjoying my discomfort, my fear? Or was there something more to this enigmatic man? The crowd erupted into applause, and we turned to face them, hand in hand, a perfect facade of happiness and unity. But I knew the truth - I was trapped, bound to this man by vows and circumstance, with no clear escape in sight. As the car pulled away from the wedding venue, I felt a sense of desperation wash over me. I was trapped, married to a man who terrified me, with no clear escape route. I knew I had to think fast, come up with a plan to free myself from this toxic union. I glanced over at him. his eyes fixed on the road ahead, his expression unreadable. I knew I couldn't trust him, couldn't rely on his mercy. I had to take matters into my own hands. My mind raced as I thought of possibilities. I could try to reason with him, appeal to whatever humanity was left in him. But I knew that was a long shot. He had made it clear he wouldn't let me go easily. I thought of running, making a break for it at the next stop. But where would I go? I had no money, no resources, no allies. I was completely at Marco's mercy. As the car sped on, I knew I had to think of something, anything, to escape this nightmare. I couldn't give up, not yet. I would find a way out, no matter what it took. I began to subtly scan my surroundings, taking in every detail of the car, the road, the passing landscape. I knew I had to be prepared, and had to seize any opportunity that came my way. I was a prisoner, but I was determined to break free. I cleared my throat, trying to sound as natural as possible. "Excuse me , I need to use the restroom. Could we please pull over?" Alessandro's eyes narrowed slightly, but he nodded curtly. "Very well. Enzo, pull over at the next convenient location." Enzo nodded and pulled over a few minutes later. Marco turned to me, his voice firm. "Enzo will accompany you. Don't try anything foolish." I nodded meekly, trying not to show my desperation. As I stepped out of the car, the driver Enzo followed closely behind me. We got to a secluded spot in the woods, my heart racing with anticipation. I had to act fast, before Alessandro became suspicious. As we walked, I pretended to pee and asked for some privacy , using the momentary distraction to grab a nearby rock. I turned to the enzo whose back was turned to me, and swung the rock with all my might. Enzo crumpled to the ground, unconscious. I quickly frisked him, my hands shaking as I retrieved his gun. I hid it under my torn dress, the weight of it a reassuring presence. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. I had to make it look like I'd been attacked, or Alessandro would suspect something. I tore my dress further, ripped my hair loose, and smudged dirt on my face. As I made my way back to the road, I tried to look dishevelled and frightened. I knew he would be suspicious, but I hoped my disguise would hold. I had to get back to the car, had to get away from him before he discovered what I'd done. I saw the car in the distance,his eyes scanning the horizon for me. I took a deep breath, preparing myself for the act ahead. I had to convince him I was still under his control, still trapped. But I knew the truth - I had a gun, and I was ready to fight back. "ALESSANDRO!" I screamed, tears streaming down my face as I stumbled towards him. I could see the worry etched on his face, his eyes scanning me frantically for any sign of injury. "Amelie, what happened?" he asked, rushing towards me, his voice laced with concern. I sobbed, trying to maintain the charade. "Enzo.....he tried to rape me," I lied, my voice shaking with false fear. His expression darkened, his eyes flashing with anger. "Where is he?" he growled. I pointed back towards the woods, trying to keep up the act. "I hit him...I had to defend myself." Marco's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in rage. "Wait here, Amelie," he said, his eyes still scanning me with concern. "I need to make a call." He turned and started walking towards the direction I had come from, his phone already in hand. I knew this was my chance. I slowly reached under my torn dress, my fingers closing around the gun I had hidden. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. I aimed the gun at his back, my heart racing with fear and adrenaline. Then he turned abruptly Alessandro's eyes locked onto the gun in my hand, his expression calm and collected. He didn't flinch, didn't try to run or attack me. He simply stood there, watching me with an unnerving intensity. I expected him to be angry, to try and overpower me, but instead, he seemed almost...amused. His eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze never leaving mine, as if he was studying me, waiting for me to make my next move. The silence between us was oppressive, heavy with tension. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, my hand trembling slightly as I held the gun. But he just stood there, his eyes fixed on me, his expression unreadable. For a moment, I wondered if I had underestimated him, if he was more in control than I thought. But I pushed the thought aside, gripping the gun tighter. I had to see this through, and had to take back control of my life. "Get on your knees," I said finally, trying to keep my voice steady. Alessandro raised an eyebrow, but slowly, he sank to his knees, his eyes never leaving mine. I could see the calculation in his gaze, the wheels turning as he tried to figure out his next move. But I was ready for him. I had the upper hand now. I pulled the trigger, the sound of the gunshot echoing through the air. His hand jerked back, a red stain spreading across his palm. I pulled the trigger again, this time hitting him in the chest. He slumped forward, his eyes wide with shock. I dropped the gun, feeling a mix of emotions: fear, adrenaline, and a sense of liberation. I turned and ran to the car, not looking back. I didn't care if he died or not. I didn't care about the consequences. For once, I was taking control of my life. I started the car and sped away, leaving him behind. I felt a sense of freedom I had never known before. I was finally breaking free from his grasp, from the toxic cycle of abuse and fear. As I drove, I felt a sense of determination wash over me. I would start anew, leave the past behind. I would create a life where I was in control, where I was safe. Tears streamed down my face as I drove, a mix of relief and fear. I knew I had crossed a line, that there was no going back. But I was ready. I was ready to face whatever came next, to fight for my I was doing this for myself, because I deserved to be happy, to be safe, to be loved. I deserved a life where I could thrive, where I could be me without fear of judgement or reprisal. And as I drove into the unknown, I knew that I would face challenges, that I would stumble and fall. But I also knew that I would get back up, that I would keep moving forward. Because I was finally doing something for myself, and that was the most powerful thing of all. As the sun began to set on the second day of my escape, I spotted a motel in the distance. The neon sign creaked in the gentle breeze, reading "Riverview Motel" in faded letters. I felt a wave of exhaustion wash over me, my eyes heavy from the constant driving. I pulled into the motel's parking lot, the gravel crunching beneath my tires. I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. I had made it this far, and now I could finally rest. I grabbed the wand of cash I had seen in the car and stepped out of the car, stretching my stiff limbs. The motel's office was a small, dingy room with a worn counter and a friendly-looking clerk. "Room for the night, please," I said, trying to sound casual despite my frazzled nerves. The clerk nodded, handing me a key. "Room 17. Down the hall to your left." I took the key and made my way to my room. As I entered the motel room, I was met with a scene that made my blood run cold. Four men were lounging on the beds and chairs, their eyes fixed on me with a mixture of curiosity and malice. At first, I thought I had made a mistake, that I had entered the wrong room. "I'm so sorry," I apologised, trying to back out of the room. But it was too late. One of the men was already behind me, his hand clamping down on my shoulder. I felt a sharp pain on my neck, and my vision began to blur. I tried to struggle, but my limbs feel heavy and unresponsive. The last thing I heard was a menacing whisper in my ear: "Sleep well, princess." Everything went black.