Invisible Chains

**Angel**

The time in Lucian’s captivity seemed to stretch endlessly, each minute an eternity of fear and uncertainty. What once were hours now felt like days, and the oppressive silence of the environment made me feel as though I was buried alive. The only thing keeping me sane was the image of my son, his innocent face and smile shining in my mind, a light in the overwhelming darkness that surrounded me.

My head throbbed with pain, and thirst began to set in, leaving my throat dry and rough. I tried to stay calm, take deep breaths, and think of a way out, but the chains binding me, both physically and mentally, seemed unbreakable.

I knew Lucian was playing a psychological game, trying to break me before even attempting to extract any information. He was cruel, calculating, and knew exactly how to manipulate his prisoners. But I needed to be stronger, to find a way to resist, to stay firm.

The sound of footsteps echoing again in the hallway made my entire body tense up. The door creaked open, and the dim light that entered revealed Lucian’s imposing figure once more. This time, he wasn’t alone. One of his henchmen accompanied him, a wolf I didn’t recognize, but whose eyes gleamed with the same malice as Lucian’s.

“How are you feeling, Angel?” Lucian asked, his voice laden with false concern. “I hope you’re comfortable in your new accommodations.”

I didn’t respond, keeping my gaze fixed on the floor. I didn’t want to give him the pleasure of seeing the fear in my eyes.

“Silent, I see,” he continued, circling around me like a predator playing with its prey. “But that won’t last long. You know Dimitri won’t come for you anytime soon. He’s too busy dealing with the… distractions I’ve prepared for him.”

My heart tightened at the mention of Dimitri’s name. I knew Lucian was trying to provoke me, to plant seeds of doubt and despair. But I couldn’t allow myself to give in, not now.

“What do you want, Lucian?” I finally asked, my voice firm despite the situation. “If you think breaking me will help you, you’re mistaken.”

He stopped walking and leaned in, bringing his face closer to mine. “I want many things, Angel. I want to see Dimitri destroyed, I want to see his pack in ruins, but most of all, I want the Heart of the Moon. And you can help me get it.”

I had heard of the Heart of the Moon, a powerful artifact, whose legends claimed it granted its possessor unparalleled power. But the stories also warned of the dangers of trying to control it. It was a dangerous relic, something that should never fall into the hands of someone like Lucian.

“I don’t know anything about it,” I lied, trying to steer the conversation away.

Lucian smiled as if he knew I was lying. “Maybe you don’t know where it is, but you have something I need. You have access to Dimitri, his trust, and that’s what interests me.”

“He’ll never betray me,” I retorted, my voice trembling slightly.

“We’ll see,” Lucian said, straightening up. He motioned to the wolf who accompanied him, who quickly left the room and returned with a glass vial containing a dark red liquid.

My stomach churned when I realized what it was. Blood. And it wasn’t just any blood. There was something wrong with it, an aura of darkness and disturbance emanating from the vial.

“Do you know what this is?” Lucian asked, holding the vial in front of me.

I shook my head, trying to hide the disgust and fear that were welling up inside me.

“This is an ancient poison, made to weaken wolves like you. A few drops are enough to paralyze your abilities, to make you vulnerable.” He took a step closer, bringing the vial near my face. “And if you don’t cooperate, I can guarantee that every drop will be used on you.”

I knew he wasn’t bluffing. Lucian was known for his cruelty, and I was in his hands. But giving in wasn’t an option. I couldn’t betray Dimitri or the pack, no matter what Lucian did.

“You won’t break me,” I said, my voice finally showing the strength I felt growing within me. “No matter what you do, I won’t betray my people.”

Lucian narrowed his eyes, his smile disappearing for a moment. “Brave, but foolish. You’ll see, Angel. Everyone has a breaking point. And I will find yours.”

He gave me one last look before turning and leaving the room, plunging me back into darkness. But this time, the fear was replaced by a fierce determination. I had to survive. Not for myself, but for those I loved. And I would do it, no matter what it took.

The chains that bound me physically might be strong, but my will was stronger. And as long as I breathed, I would fight against Lucian and the cruel fate he wanted to impose.