Fallon
Mikhail’s cruel smile lingers for a second, hanging over me like a storm cloud ready to break. His gaze sweeps over me one last time, savoring the fear etched across my face. He doesn’t need to say anything more—his silence is just as terrifying.
Two of his men grab me by the arms again, yanking me to my feet. My legs feel like they’re made of lead, I force myself to walk, to move with some semblance of dignity as they drag me toward the mansion.
The door slams shut behind us, the echo reverberating through the empty halls, and the air grows colder, heavier, as they pull me down a narrow staircase. The descent feels endless, each step taking me further from the light, from any hope of escape.
Finally, we reach the bottom, and the men throw open a heavy door. The darkness beyond
