TAKEN BY THE ALPHA, FATED TO ANOTHER

ELIZA'S POV : The secret of the enemy Whispering, "Eliza, Lizzie, listen to me," Thomas held his daughter close. He ran a trembling hand through her pale hair, his breath coming in shaky gasps. He bent down to look her in the eyes. "Whatever happens tonight, do not leave this room," he urgently said in a low voice. "Papà, why? What's happening? Eliza asked as she gave him a hug in return, her tiny hands gripping his quivering body. She shuddered when she heard him say her entire name. He whispered, "Eliza, my sweet Lizzie," as he stroked her cheek. Tears started to well up in her vivid blue eyes. Her heart raced at the urgency in his voice. "Lizie, don't worry. Just assure me that you will remain where you are at all times." Eliza nodded, her tears deepening. "Papà, please don’t leave me." She clung to him, her small body trembling. He attempted to release her hold, but she resisted. She held fast because she was afraid of losing him entirely. "Lizzie, swear to me. Make me a promise. He joined her in tears, his voice breaking. His hands clenched around her petite frame as he shook his head and bit his lip. "I promise, papà," she muttered. She made a pinky promise to him, her hand shaking. A white piece of folded paper was pressed into her hand by Thomas. His words were, "Take this," Then he gestured to a corner of the room and produced a ring of keys. "Over there is a door. Go far away and take whatever's behind it. He can't find you somewhere." "Who? Eliza wrinkled her nose and furrowed her brow, saying, "Papà, I don't understand." "His name is Sebastian Blackwood," Thomas said, dabbing at his perspiration. "Who is he? Is he evil? "I apologize, kid. "Pardon me," Thomas muttered, avoiding eye contact. She begged, "Then why don't we leave together?" "No, Lizzie." He gave a soft shake of his head. "He'll find us both if we try. I won't allow him to touch you." He muttered, "My enemy has caught up with me," in a regretful tone. "It’s time I face what I’ve done." He pushed her into the closet and closed the door softly. "Papà, don't leave me!" she yelled as she pounded on the wooden door. However, Thomas was powerless to avoid the impending peril. He looked at her hiding place, tears welling up in his bloodshot eyes. She wanted to call out to him, but her voice was cut off by a string of gunshots. She saw a tall man in a sharp black suit and several others enter through a gap in the wardrobe. In their hands, guns gleamed. Fear tightened her chest. Thomas pleaded, "Please, Sebastian, spare me," while on his knees. "I regret everything." "Bastard!" Sebastian ran a hand through his dark brown hair and yelled. His green, piercing eyes were fixed on Thomas. Watching him kick her father's stomach, Eliza bit her lip. Coughing, he doubled over. "Do you regret it now?" Sebastian had a harsh, icy voice with a lot of Italian accents. "I've been looking forward to this day for years. I was plagued by your betrayal every night. Eliza's hands were on the closet door. Despite her desire to run, she kept her word. "You know, I dreamed of getting even every night? I witnessed what you stole from me every night due to your avarice." Sebastian's eyes sparkled as he leaned closer. "You probably felt you did a good job hiding your daughter. I'll track her down. She'll go to hell with you." Eliza shuddered. He meant it. His words pierced her deeply, and she realized the threat was genuine. "Please, Sebastian. You want me. Take me; don't bother the girl. With blood dripping from his lips, Thomas gasped. "Spare?" Sebastian sneered. "Why would I spare the man who destroyed my life's child? Have you ever hoped that I would pardon you? Thomas gave a sharp cough. Whispering, "Papà, please," Eliza covered her ears with her hands. The words "You made my life a nightmare," snarled Sebastian. "You caused me to suffer every night. And now you plead for your daughter's forgiveness? It's too late. You two will cover the cost. Thomas's head was pressed against the gun. Eliza's heart pounded as she tightly closed her eyes. There was a loud gunshot. She was immobilized. Her father was lying in a pool of blood on the ground when she opened her eyes. His body remained motionless. Tears were streaming down her cheeks as she tried to breathe by clasping her throat. She felt pain, fear, grief, and then hate. She detested him. Sebastian Blackwood was hated by her. He made a sound like ice scraping metal as she watched him laugh. He appeared less like a man and more like a predator. In front of her, alive and triumphant, was her worst nightmare. Everything had changed that night. The only person who ever gave her a sense of security, her father, was gone. She sobbed and clenched her tiny hands, whispering, "I will make him pay." Sebastian glanced at the closet. With a chilly smile, he seemed to be aware of the fear he had instilled. Trembling, Eliza squeezed herself into the corner, her thoughts racing. She was aware that this was just the start. Is she going to live long enough to fulfill her commitment to Thomas? Or would everything end tonight when Sebastian Blackwood finds her? The room went silent, save for her labored breathing and the soft trickle of blood, and the question replayed itself in her mind. The outside world was gone. Sebastian's threat and Thomas's memory were all that was left. And vengeance was a thought that was hotter than fear. Would she have the opportunity to exact revenge on her father? Or would she be completely engulfed by Sebastian's shadow before she could move at all? Eliza squinted her eyes. She vowed that she would always remember his face. Sebastian Blackwood was his name. She was terrified of him. She would also hold him accountable, but would she live to do so? Thomas had pressed a folded piece of paper into her palm, and her tiny hand reached for it. There were instructions, keys, secrets, and a lifeline inside. She inhaled tremblingly. "Go far away, Lizzie," her father's final words resounded in her ears. He won't ever find you, somewhere. Would she be brave enough to walk away? Or would she be caught before she could do anything by the man who had stolen everything from her? It was far from the end of the night. And in the shadow of the closet, Eliza clung to her father's memory, allowing sorrow and hatred to blend into a silent vow. a pledge that Sebastian Blackwood would eventually be held accountable for everything. Would revenge find him first, or would he get away with it?