Chapter Eleven

Natalie POV

I was lying in the dark, trying to think of a way out. Aria had held me tightly, her magic shackling me like a pair of shackles.

But I was not going to give up. I needed to return to my son in order to shield him from the lady who had ruined our lives.

My senses were alert to the smallest sounds around me as I pretended to sleep. The sound of faraway crickets chirping outside, the quiet hum of Aria's magic, and the creak of the ancient wooden floorboards.

I waited for the perfect moment to strike. It came when Aria's attention slipped, her gaze turning to the door as footsteps approached.

I channelled all of my will and strength into a tremendous blast that broke the binding spells and propelled me in the direction of the door.

My legs were weak from days in captivity, I staggered, but I wouldn't give up. I lunged into the hallway, heart thumping in my chest as I pushed ahead. I ignored the sound of Aria's scream of wrath echoing behind me.

A faint whisper in the distance called out to me: it was my son's voice. "Mommy?" With optimism in my heart, I followed the sound.

I turned a corner and there he was, his small hands reaching out to me, his little eyes wide with fright.

I pulled him into my arms and held him tight while I made my way down the dim, twisting hallways.

We needed to leave immediately in order to avoid Aria catching up to us. Her magic was drawing near, and I could feel her rage and resolve. I wouldn't allow her to take us again, though.

I wouldn't allow her to prevail. I pulled open the door to the outside world with a rush of adrenaline, and we staggered out into the brilliant sunshine, finally free.

We stepped out into the brilliant sunlight, me holding my son tightly and my pulse pounding. Aria's hideaway was dank and dark, so the fresh air was a wonderful change of scenery.

I glanced about, flitting between the far-off buildings and the trees. We needed to get going quickly.

Aria's men would be upon us in no time. A split second later, I decided to take the small path that wound between the trees. I murmured to my son,

"Come on, baby, we have to go." My son's little hands gripped my neck as I darted between the trees as I started to run. Deeper into the trees, the trail meandered and turned.

Behind us, Aria's men were closing in on us, as I could hear their screams and footsteps. My breath came in sharp spurts as my heart thumped in my chest.

I exerted more effort, causing my legs to burn as I jumped over roots and avoided low-lying branches. With his small frame quivering with terror, my son's face was buried in my shoulder. But I was not going to give up.

I wouldn't let Aria take us anywhere else. I shot through the trees and onto a small road with a sudden fervour of determination. As I heard a rusty old truck rolling down the highway, I quickly decided what to do.

I sprinted in its direction, wildly waving my arms and yelling at the driver to stop. The truck came to a screeching stop a few inches away from us, and I quickly pulled open the door and bundled my son inside.

"Please," I pleaded with the driver, "you must assist us. They are attempting to kidnap my son." I caught a glimpse of comprehension in the rearview mirror as the driver's gaze darted there. He said,

"Get in, and I'll get you out of here." After our narrow escape, my heart was still pounding when I slammed the door behind us.

I saw a glimpse of recognition in the rearview mirror when the driver's eyes locked with mine. "Who are you?" With a tighter hold on my son, I made a demand.

The driver had a composed face and a smooth, low voice. "My name is Ryder . I'm... Tristian 's pal."

As I assimilated this knowledge, my mind raced. My former spouse, Tristian , had previously pledged his love and protection for me.

What did he have in common with this man? Ryder went on, his eyes never taking off from mine.

"I've been keeping an eye on Aria's activities, waiting for the ideal opportunity to act. And then, Natalie , I noticed you. I realised I had to take action." A wave of conflicting feelings washed over me: dread, fury, and gratitude.

To what extent did I truly understand Tristian 's intentions? Was this just another piece of deception, or did he truly care about our son and me? I stopped Ryder just as he was reaching for his phone.

"Don't give him a call. I have no desire to owe him anything. All I want is for my son to be protected."

Ryder 's gaze became doubtful as his eyes narrowed. "Natalie, you're not understanding. Tristian is able to assist you. He is capable of protecting you and your son and has the means to do so." I tightened my hold on my youngster and shook my head. "I'm not able to trust him. He has often demonstrated that. All I need to do is leave this place and avoid Aria and her soldiers."

Though Ryder 's face remained expressionless, I could see some understanding in his gaze.

"All right, Natalie . I'll drive you to a secure location. However, you must make one promise."

"What's that?"

My question was hardly audible above a whisper. "You have to swear to me that you'll think about getting in touch with Tristan. Maybe right now, he's the only one who can assist you."

I exhaled a breath of relief as we turned into the parking lot of the quiet hotel. Although it was a little, remote location, it seemed secure.

I had to believe Ryder when he said that it was a safe place. After we got comfortable in our room, I at last felt like I could breathe. Attempting to appear composed, I took out my phone and called my personal assistant's number.

"Hi Sarah. It's me. I require your assistance. I'd like to see California." Sarah has a comforting, warm voice. Naturally, Natalie . I will immediately arrange for a flight for you. Right now, where are you?"

Unsure of how much to reveal, I paused. "I'm in a secure location. Sarah, please just get me out of here. Please."

Although Sarah spoke in a professional manner, I could sense a trace of worry. "All right, Natalie . I will see to it. Is it true that you're alright, though? You seem a little trembling." I attempted to chuckle, but all I got was a trembling of nerves.

"Sarah, I'm good. Please let me leave this place." Sarah was about to reply when my phone beeped to let me know there was a message.

As I saw the words "You can run all you want, but you cannot hide from me" on the screen, my heart fell.

My heart felt icy. Aria. She had already located me. A sense of panic washed over me, and I realised I had to go quickly.