Chapter 3: Moonlit Rescue
918 Words
After making her heartfelt wish, Cia felt tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. As she raised her hand to wipe them away, strong arms suddenly clamped around her neck, making her shriek in fright. She struggled to free herself, gasping for breath, but her vision began to blur and the light faded.
Cia slowly opened her eyes to find herself on the cold, hard floor in a dark, dingy room. Groaning in pain, she struggled to get up, only to realize her hands were pinioned to the wall with thick, coarse ropes. Panic set in.
" Help!" she yelled in frustration, trying to free herself, but her hands were hurting, and her voice was hoarse.
The room remained shrouded in darkness, until gradually, a faint, dim light flickered to life in the corner. Cia's eyes adjusted, revealing a masculine figure wearing a black mask that obscured his face.
His presence alone sent shivers down her spine, exuding an aura of danger and menace.
"You're awake," he said, standing up, his voice low and gravelly. "Good."
Cia's heart raced as he grabbed a pocket knife and began walking towards her, the glint of metal sending fear coursing through her veins.
"Who are you?" she demanded, trying to keep her voice steady. "Where are my bodyguards?"
He chuckled, squatting beside her, his eyes glinting with amusement. "They're deep asleep. Don't worry, they won't sleep forever."
"What do you want?" Cia pleaded, desperation creeping in. "I'll give you any amount of money. Just let me go."
He raised her face to his, his grip firm. "I don't need your wealth, Miss Star," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "I need your life."
With a swift, deadly motion, he slid the pocket knife across the rope, tearing it apart. Cia shrieked at the speed.
He threw a dagger at her, but she dodged, the blade slicing through the air mere inches from her face. Rising quickly, she tried to escape, only to face another flying dagger. She screamed in shock.
"Who are you?" she cried, her voice trembling.
The masked man stepped closer, his eyes gleaming. "Someone who can't wait to watch you die."
Another dagger flew towards her. Cia dodged, her heart racing, and it stuck to the wall beside a tall, brooding figure with glowing amber eyes.
Her confusion deepened. Was he part of the plan?
The figure remained still, eyes fixed on Cia, his face impassive.
Cia's eyes darted between the two men, her mind racing. Who were they? What did they want?
*
Damien's instincts screamed warning as he arrived at the dimly lit room. Danger lurked, its presence palpable. Earlier, at the party, he'd sensed a menacing aura, but the culprit had vanished. Now, he stood face-to-face with the threat.
Cia, once haughty and dismissive, now trembled before him, tears streaming down her face. The transformation was almost...amusing.
"Save me, please," she implored, grasping his suit sleeves.
Damien raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a sly smile. "Does that mean you need my help?" he teased.
Cia's eyes locked onto his, desperation shining in their depths. "Yes, help me," she cried.
Just then, the masked man lunged forward, dagger raised. Damien swiftly pushed Cia behind him, positioning himself as the target.
The attacker's ferocity was...entertaining. Damien had witnessed countless attempts on his life, and these "heroes" never failed to amuse. Their bravery was admirable, if misguided.
With ease, Damien deflected the dagger, his movements fluid and calculated. The masked man stumbled back, surprised by the sudden counterattack.
Cia peeked from behind Damien, her eyes wide. "Who are you?" she whispered.
Damien's gaze never left the attacker. "Someone you shouldn't underestimate ".
The masked man regained composure, charging forward. Damien welcomed the challenge, his smile growing.
Damien's eyes narrowed, his gaze locked onto the masked man. He stepped forward, his movements fluid and deliberate.
"You're not taking her life tonight," Damien growled, his voice low and menacing.
The masked man sneered. "And who's going to stop me?"
Damien's smile was cold. "I am."
With lightning-fast reflexes, Damien dodged the masked man's dagger and countered with a swift punch. The masked man stumbled back, but quickly regained his footing.
The two engaged in a fierce battle, their movements a blur of fists and feet. Cia watched in awe, her heart racing.
Damien's skills were impressive, his precision and strength overwhelming. The masked man was skilled, but Damien was superior.
With flashy moves and defty skills, Cia believed he could be something else, and not human. The way he smiled and the dark aura he possessed.
As they clashed, Damien's eyes flicked to Cia, ensuring her safety. The masked man exploited this momentary distraction, landing a solid blow which was dodged.
Damien smiled at his attempt. His anger fueled his determination. He was sure this man knew nothing about him
With a powerful kick, Damien sent the masked man crashing to the floor. The dagger slipped from his grasp.
Damien stood over him, the smile never leaving his face "You have no idea of who you're trying to hurt ."
The masked man glared up, hatred burning in his eyes.
Damien turned to Cia. "Are you okay?"
Cia nodded, still shaken. She felt weak and dizzy. Her legs trembled and when it couldn't support her anymore, she fell into Damien's arms.
Her head was spinning. As her eyes locked onto the piercing eyes of the her mysterious saviour, her eyes gradually closing, light fades out again.
- Writer
