Ashes, Oaths and Bond That Burn

Sienna Hayes sprang awake, her body tense from a nightmare that haunted her for seven years. She saw the blood on prom night, heard the screams, and felt Jaxon Wolfe’s cold gaze as she ran away. Her mind burned with sharp images, blood on her hands, footsteps pounding behind her, a body lying on the floor. Memories of that night were cloudy, only a terrible image and a sense of loss remained. Her mind had splintered the details, but her fear stayed with her like an invisible noose tightening around her neck. Her whole body shakes as she sits up, sucking in short gulps of air, tousling her sweat-soaked hair. The city sounds outside her apartment, honking cars and distant sirens, offered little comfort for her tight chest. She looks at the clock, she’s behind schedule. Again. Groaning aloud, she propels herself out of bed, shaking off the memories of her dream as if they were a cold blanket. Each step toward the bathroom is heavier, her muscles sluggish from sleep that was not all that restful. There’s little time to reflect on the past when reality is already intolerable. The mirror startles her, the sight of her own reflection, the haunted eyes, hollowed cheeks, the faint dark smudges beneath her lashes. A woman’s face, still caught in yesterday’s tragedy. She snatches a piece of toast on the way out, nearly dropping it when she collides with her elderly neighbor in the hall. "Late again, dear?" Mrs. Anthony inquires with a knowing smile. Sienna suppresses a weak laugh, struggling to conceal the quiver in her voice. "You know me," she says, rushing to the elevator. Her heels click on the floor. Arriving at Wolfe Pharmaceuticals, she faces its large glass front. The building often reminds her that she feels stuck. This place serves as both her personal torment and a vital lifeline, standing as the sole barrier between her and total destruction. While she harbors resentment towards every step leading to its entrance, she recognizes that she has no alternative. Debt from her father's death and her mother's hospital stay is a burden. Her brother's legal issues add more weight. This financial strain feels like it will pull her under. She hates her job. However, it is the only way she can survive. She arrives at the building's glass doors, struggling to breathe. Her chest feels tight. Despite her anxiety, she forces a smile. She shows her ID to the security guard. Her fingers shake as she enters the elevator. The atmosphere today is charged with an unusual intensity, thicker than on other occasions. An impending storm fills the air. A painful knot tightens in her stomach. She remembers why she feels this way. This day bears significance beyond the ordinary, it marks the arrival of the corporate team from headquarters, whose assessment could influence the futures of numerous employees. More critically, at the helm of this team is none other than Jaxon Wolfe. The mere mention of his name evokes a bitter sensation in her tongue. Upon entering the conference room, she is immediately struck by an electric tension, a cold shiver of unease surging down her spine. The air conditioning does nothing to ease the shiver. Jaxon’s cold and penetrating gaze ensnares her like a blade poised against her flesh. His sharp features appear even more pronounced than she recalls, his presence an overwhelming blend of suffocation and magnetism. He swiftly recognizes her, the girl who once fled from him in dread years before. Within his gaze lies a dark glimmer, seemingly concealed underneath the frigid exterior, implying that he recalls every moment quite vividly. Sienna forces herself to stay still. Her heart races so fast; she wonders if others can hear it. She stares at the papers in front of her. She ignores the sweat on her hands as Jaxon leads the meeting. His voice was steady, calm, and commanding. He commands attention without trying. His words about efficiency, profit, and expectations are clear, but they quickly turn into a mumble. Sienna found it hard to breathe. She noticed his sharp stare shift towards her, like a predator watching its prey. He seems to test her, waiting for her response. Their eyes finally lock, making her stomach tighten oddly. A small smile touches his lips, but something dark hides underneath. It’s clear he remembers their past. Every detail seems to come back to him. The meeting feels endless. Each second drags painfully. Sweat slides down her back. Her fingers grip the table tightly. When it finally ends, she feels a wave of relief, like her torment is over. A breath of relief washes over her. Then he speaks again. “Sienna, stay behind,” Jaxon said softly. His tone was cool, almost boring, but edged with something sharper. It made her uneasy. The team leaves. Their voices fade into the background. She leans back against the table, feeling confident. He regarded her closely, enjoying her discomfort. Sienna tensed at his gaze. “You seem scared, Sienna. You look like someone who’s seen a ghost" he stated. Though soft, his words carry a threat. “Or are you still running from one?” Her breath catches. The room feels smaller. Her heart races faster. "I don't understand what you’re implying," she replied. Her voice was tight but firm. Jaxon’s smirk grew sharper, like a knife. “Really?” He walked toward her slowly. The air crackles with tension. “Some things never change, even after seven years. Like that look in your eyes, fear and something more.” The air thinned, and her throat felt raspy. She swallowed hard, nails digging into her skin. "Speak if you have something to say," she stated, her voice firm. “If not, I have more important things to do.” He chuckles coldly. No warmth in it. “We’ll talk about that soon.” He moves closer, fixing his eyes on hers. “Just checking to see if you still remember what happened that night. I want to see how well you recall it.” Nausea rises in her stomach. Her breathing grows shallow. She hides how much his words shake her. "I do not recall anything." She said, trying to hide how deeply his words affected her. For an instant, something flits across his features, a fleeting shadow, swiftly concealed. Is that so?” She nods stiffly. Her back stays straight. She won’t break. His stare weighs on her. She stands her ground, determined.