The Cold Crystal Heart

Ep. 02-Trapped in Darkness

(The basement was divided into two parts, both swallowed in absolute darkness. Silence clung to the air, heavy and suffocating. In one locked room, Rose—still unconscious, unaware of where she was, or in what condition.)

After sometime, her lashes fluttered. Slowly, painfully, she opened her eyes. Confusion struck first, then terror. She found herself tied, her wrists bound tightly. The room was pitch black—so dark she couldn't even see her own trembling hands.

Her breathing grew shallow. Her chest tightened. Every nerve in her body shook violently.

(Because Rose' had always feared the dark.)

Rose'-

"No......—no....,"( her voice cracked, shaking with tears. She screamed into the suffocating blackness,)

"Is..... is anyone there? Please—someone help me! Let me out, I can't breathe! Please! I'm scared.... s-so scared...."

( Her cries echoed through the room, but no one came.)

( Then suddenly, the basement door creaked open. Heavy footsteps and cruel laughter filled the silence. The same mens who had kidnapped her walked in, their voice mocking, celebrating some cruel jokes.)

Rose lifted her head, her eyes swollen with tears. "Please...... please let me out!" (she begged).

But no mercy came. One of the men stood outside her locked door and spoke coldly, his tone dripping with mockery:

"Shut up, girl. This darkness... this is your life now. Until our boss comes and decides what to do with you, you'll stay right here, alone.

(Their laughter filled the basement as they walked away, leaving her behind once more.)

Rose broke down, her body trembling harder. Tears ran down her cheeks as fear crushed her from the inside. She felt helpless—lost in a nightmare she couldn't understand.

Why me? Why is this hopping to me?

...............................................................................................................................................................................................................

Next Day......

Time moved painfully slowly. Rose Criers grew weaker, fading into silence as her strength drained away. Another day slipped by, though she couldn't tell whether it was night or day—inside this endless darkness, time didn't exist.

The following morning, the rumble of cars echoed outside the basement. Doors slammed, and the sound of heavy boots followed. The kidnappers straightened, their laughter vanishing the moment they saw who had arrived.

'B-boss....." (One of them stammered.0

(Lucien. The man who ruled their world. A notorious drug smuggler, feared for his cruelty. He was also infamous for a dark business trafficking young women.)

His cold eyes swept over his men. - ( "The job i gave you.... is it done?")

Y-yes, Boss," (one of them quickly answered.) " The girl is here. locked inside that room." You can see her for yourself.

A cruel smile touched Lucien's lips. "GOOD''

HE STORED TOWARD THE LOCKED ROOM, HIS STEPS MEASURED AND HEAVY. THE KIDNAPPERS EXCHANGED NERVOUS GLANCES, THE WEIGHT OF HIS PRESENCE SUFFOCATING THEM.

The door creaked open.....

Inside, Rose lay on the floor — her wrists bound, her hair disheveled, her once beautiful eyes swollen from endless tears. She looked fragile, broken, yet still breathtaking.)

Lucien's smile widened as he walked closer. Kneeling down, he grabbed a fistful of her hair and yanked her up.

( Rose' screamed, her voice cracking with pain.)

Lucien only chuckled, his face inches from herrs. "Beautiful," ( he whispered darkly.) "A goddess, desperate and fragile." You'll fetch me a fortune.

He pulled her closer, inhaling her scent, his smirk seeping with sick satisfaction. Then, just as quickly, he shoved her back to the ground and stood. Without another glance, Lucien stepped out and shut the door, leaving Rose trembling in the darkness once more.

Lucien stepped out of the locked room, shutting the heavy door behind him. His men stood stiff, waiting for command.

" She's worth more than I imagined,"he said coldly, brushing his hands as if the rose were nothing more than merchandise. His lips curled into a sinister smile. " Keep her alive, but no one touches her." If even a single scratch appears on that girl, you'll all pay with your lives."

The kidnappers lowered their heads instantly. "Y-yes, yes Boss!"

(Lucien's gaze darkened further.) "She will be moved when the time is right." Until then.... let her rot in the darkness. Fear will break her faster than chains ever could.

With that, he turned sharply, his bodyguards following him up the stairs. The sound of his footsteps faded, leaving behind only silence and the echo of his cruel words.

Inside the room, Rose sat trembling on the cold floor. Her wrists ached, her throat burned from crying. She pressed her knees to her chest, tears streaming down her face.

The suffocating darkness pressed closer, feeding on her fear. Every creak, every distant sound made her flinch. She couldn't tell if it was day or night anymore. She only knew she was alone. Helpless.

YET..... NOT ENTIRELY.

Somewhere beyond the walls, unseen and silent, another presence stirred. Not Lucien. SOMEONE ELSE.......

AND WHEN HE CAME..... THE DARKNESS ITSELF WOULD BOW TO HIM............