Chapter 41: Kidnap
(Eden's POV)
The tension in the house was unbearable. Everywhere I walked, I felt the weight of invisible strings tying me to this place, to him, to the upcoming ceremony that I dreaded as much as I resented. But I had no choice for now.
I sat cross-legged on my bed, scrolling through documents about the European Pack Alliance healing program on my phone. Each detail about the prestigious protocols and academic responsibilities made my chest lighter, a sliver of hope breaking through the gloom. This program was my key—a future far from here, far from him.
But my momentary reprieve dissolved the moment my phone vibrated.
A notification. Unknown sender.
I frowned, instinctively wary. The message contained a single photo.
Victoria. Bound, gagged, and slumped a
