Where are you taking her to?

Chapter 17:


A Night to Remember

EMELIA


As the music swelled, the room transformed into a whirlwind of color and sound.


Guests laughed and chatted, their faces aglow with candlelight.


The scent of exotic spices wafted through the air, mingling with the sweet aroma of wine.


I watched, mesmerized, as couples glided across the dance floor.


Their steps seemed to match the rhythm of my heartbeat.


Servants circulated, offering trays of succulent snacks and refreshing drinks.


I nibbled on a delicate pastry, savoring the flaky crust and tangy filling.


Keiden's hand brushed against mine, sending shivers down my spine.


"Enjoying yourself?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with amusement.


I nodded, feeling a little shy.


Just then, the music shifted to a lively tune.


Couples spun across the dance floor, their laughter echoing through the hall.


Keiden stood, his eyes locked on mine.


"I'll be back," he said.


"I need to check on some important things."


His gaze turned serious.


"Don't move from here."


"You might get lost."


"And don't drink too much."


"I won't be there to carry you."


I bristled at his tone.


"Who are you to tell me what to do?" I asked.


"Are you my parent?"


Keiden's expression turned cold.


"Coming from someone without a mother figure," he said.


"The only person you have is a stepmother and stepsister who make your life a living hell."


"You're lucky I'm giving you advice."


"Don't drink much."


His words cut deep.


I felt like I'd been slapped.


My eyes stung, but I refused to let tears fall.


I couldn't speak.


Keiden's brutal honesty had left me breathless.


He turned and disappeared into the crowd.


Leaving me stunned and silent.


The music continued, but the joy had drained from the evening.


I felt angry , I felt like using a brick on his head.

Since the beginning of today, Keiden has been a thorn in my neck.


A servant approached, offering a refill on my drink.


I shook my head, feeling a little nauseous.



I sat there, numb, as the music and laughter swirled around me.


Keiden's words still echoed in my mind, piercing my heart like a dagger.


Why did he always find ways to hurt me?


Did he enjoy seeing me in pain?


I thought of his own past, his parents gone, his friends dead.


Who was he to speak of mother figures?


Didn't he know what it meant to be alone?


To have no one?


And yet, he dared to throw my own struggles in my face.


I felt a surge of anger, mixed with sadness.


How could someone so broken, so alone, be so cruel?


Didn't he understand that I, too, knew what it meant to be orphaned?


To be left behind?


Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, but I refused to let them fall.


Not here, not now.


Not in front of all these strangers.


I took a deep breath, steeling myself.


I wouldn't let Keiden's words define me.


I wouldn't let his cruelty break me.


But the pain lingered, a hollow ache in my chest.


A reminder that, no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't escape the shadows of my past.


And now, it seemed, I had to contend with Keiden's demons as well.


The music shifted, the melody slowing.


Couples swayed together, lost in their own worlds.


I felt alone, adrift in a sea of strangers.


Keiden's absence felt like a weight, pressing down on me.


When would he return?


And what would he say next?


Would he continue to hurt me, or would he finally show some kindness?


I didn't know.


All I knew was that the next time he tries to downgrade me, I’m going to throw a brick on his head and I would watch him bleed.



Suddenly, a touch on my shoulder made me jump. I spun around, expecting to see Keiden's annoyingfamiliar face. But instead, I was met with a smirk.


Keiran.


My breath caught in my throat. His eyes gleamed with malice, and his smile seemed to grow wider.


"If you don't want me to disgrace you and tell the whole world that you're a killer, follow me now," he threatened, his voice low and menacing.


I scoffed, trying to hide the tremble in my voice.


"You think you can just threaten me?"


"You, of all people, who have done far worse?"


Keiran chuckled, the sound sending shivers down my spine.


"Ah, but that's where you're wrong, Emelia," he said.


"You see, I have the upper hand here."


"You have no one to back you up."


"No one to protect you."


His eyes seemed to bore into mine, and I felt a chill run down my spine.


"It would be so easy to do," he continued.


"Easy to ruin your reputation."


"Easy to make everyone turn against you."


His smile grew wider.


"You're alone, Emelia."


"And I'm the one holding the strings."


I swallowed hard, trying to keep my composure.


"You wouldn't dare," I spat.


"But I would," Keiran countered.


"And I will."


"Unless you follow me."


"Now."


His eyes seemed to gleam with excitement.


"Or perhaps you'd rather face the consequences?"


"Getting stoned to exile?"


His voice dripped with malice.


I felt a cold sweat break out on my forehead.


Could he really do that?


Was he capable of such cruelty?


I knew the answer.


Yes.


He was.


And I had no choice but to follow him.


For now.




"I'm not afraid of you, Keiran," I lied.


But my voice trembled.


Keiran's smile grew wider.


"We'll see about that," he said.


"Let's go."


He grasped my arm, his grip tightening.


I tried to shake him off.


But he held firm.


"You're not taking me anywhere," I hissed.

“I won’t let you take me anywhere.”


"Until Keiden returns and I would tell Keiden what you are planning about him.”


Keiran's smile faltered for a moment.


But then he laughed.


"Keiden?"


"Ha!


He's not going to save you."


"In fact, he's the reason I'm here."





I looked around, searching for an escape.


But the crowd seemed to close in around us.


And Keiran's grip remained unyielding.


I had no choice.


I had to follow him.


“Good girl.” He said to me as he dragged me with him.



Just as I thought I'd lose all hope, a voice cut through the din.


"Where are you taking her to?"