The Shadows We Keep

Chapter 5

The Awakening

I knew that something was seriously wrong. What was Victor playing? And why was Dorina complying? The sense that I was in serious danger persisted when we sat down to dinner. Furthermore, Victor Vex was only the first step.

It seemed like I was stuck in some kind of deranged game when we sat down to dinner. I could tell Victor Vex was hiding something, even though he was laughing and smiling. As she talked endlessly about her most recent fashion designs, Dorina appeared unaware of the tension.

However, Louis remained silent while focussing on Victor. I tried to strike up a conversation, but my thoughts were racing. What did Victor intend to do? And why did Dorina agree to play along so readily? With a smug expression on his face, Victor reclined in his chair as the main course was presented. "So, Dior," he murmured, his tone brimming with hatred. "I hear you're quite the heiress."

A wave of terror swept over me. How was he aware of that? What was he going to do with that knowledge? Louis, however, interrupted me before I could reply, his tone harsh. His words were, "Victor, that's enough," Victor's smile widened. "Oh, I'm just getting started," he said, taking a little folder out of his pocket like that. As soon as he slid the folder over the table, I got a shiver.

A number of pictures that depicted me in compromising situations were inside. It made my heart sink. He got these from where? What was his intention towards them? But Victor revealed something shocking before I could respond. He continued, "You see, Dior," in a tone that was brimming with hate.

"His voice was brimming with hate as he said. In order to destroy Kreed Montagro's empire, I have a small plan. You will also assist me. It made my heart sink. I'd never assist Victor Vex. Louis and Kreed Montagro would never be betrayed by me. Before I could reply, though, Victor's eyes met mine, a gleam of laughter deep inside them. "You don't have a choice, Dior," he added. "Look, I have something that is yours. Something you're really craving.

." My thoughts were racing as I tried to figure out what I desired that Victor might have. However, he revealed yet another shocking revelation before I could ask any questions.

His words were laced with hate. "I have your sister," he declared. Everything turned dark for me.

My stomach churned miserably, the shade of my eyes , taking a darker form.My sister? What was going on between my sister and Victor Vex? I managed to sit up, but Victor's men restrained me. "Let me go," I spit out, wanting to escape. But the cunning Victor will not .Victor simply bt his bottom lips —a cold, cunning smile.

"Not until you agree to submit ," he answered, amusement detectable in his eyes. A wave of anguishswept over me. What was Victor asking of me? What was he planning to do to my sister? What the hell does he want.?

However, Victor revealed yet another shocking disclosure before I could ask any questions. He continued, "You see, Dior," in a tone that was glimmering with disdain. "Your sister is not who you think she is." With my heart thumping in my chest, I gazed at Victor while my head reeled.

What was his meaning? My sister, what secrets did she have to hide? I had some questions for Victor, then his phone rang. Listening intently to the caller, he answered it. When we looked into one other's eyes, a glimmer of pleasure appeared in the depths. "It seems we have a visitor," he said in a particularly hateful tone.

Louis entered into the room as the door fung open, his eyes flaming with rage. "Let her go now”

I was in a dark, wet cellar when I came to. Louis stood before me, chained to a chair, his eyes blazing with anger. "Louis," I said, my voiceslightly beyond a whisper , quivering with relief. "Thank god you're here."Louis softened his smile and softly brushed a hair away from my cheek. "I'm not going to allow anything happen to yoas far as

I live , Dior," he murmured in a muffled, low but husky voice which sent chills over myspine . However, before he could untie me, Victor Vex appeared out of the shadows with a sly smile.

He said, "Ah-ah, Louis," with an extreme disdain in his voice. "I’m not certain you're going to be able to save her this time." With his eyes steaming with anger and his hands clenched into a blow, Louis took a step forward. "You're not going to get away with this, Victor," murmuring.

But all Victor could do was laugh coldly and scornfully . "Let's see about that," he answered sternly, taking a little gadget out of his pocket. When he pushed a button, a bright light flooded the room.

Everything grew gloomy, and I experienced Intense anguish and anger. I found myself in an unfamiliar room as I flipped my eyes opened. As I laid on a bed, Louis sat next to me and held my hand. "Dior, are you alright " His voice was calm and relaxed as he asked. I tried to sit up and nodded. But I was feeling dizzy and had to lie down again. What took place?" I enquired, feeling lost and bewildered. Louis's expression was glum. "Victor Vex injected you with a serum," he explained. It's a serum that controls the mind. His goal is to dominate your thoughts. In terror, my eyes grew wide. "What?" "Oh!" I cried.

However, a voice in my thoughts interrupted Louis before he could respond. The statement read, "Dior, you will do as I say," "You will obey me."

A wave of fear swept over me. What was going on with me? Was I going crazy? Everything turned black after that.

I saw myself in a large, empty room when I woke up. I have no idea what was happening or how I got there. Then, echoing from the walls, I heard Victor Vex's voice. "Dior, you'll follow my instructions," he said.

"You will obey me." A wave of terror swept over me. What had happened to me? Did I go crazy?

Louis, however, was standing in front of me, staring at me. "Dior, fight it," he whispered in a quiet, desperate voice. "Don't let him control you."

In an attempt to resist the mind control serum, I tried to concentrate. But it was really difficult. The voice of Victor Vex was reverberating in my head, instructing me on what to do and how to think. I had the impression that I was losing myself and becoming into a puppet that he could manipulate.

Then I had a memory, though. I recalled my mother's words, the ones she had told me just before she passed away. Her words, "You are strong, Dior," "You're courageous. Never allow someone to rule you.

In an attempt to resist the mind control serum, I repeatedly said those words to myself. And I started to feel myself returning, slowly, slowly. I started to feel more like myself. I noticed the relief in Louis's eyes as I gazed up at him. "Dior, you're fighting it," he added with optimism in his voice. "You're winning." But then, with a cunning smile on his face, Victor Vex materialised by our side."We'll see about that," he answered, pulling a little device from his pocket.

A dazzling light flooded the room as he clicked a button. Everything turned black as I experienced a sharp agony.