♥ Chapter 43♥

10:20 '' Horizonte Penitentiary. '' Warden's office. '' Zefíria.

Aurelia Dusk.

After the incident in the bathroom, I left in a daze, fighting the confusion that had settled in my mind. Contradictory feelings swirled around me, making me question every interaction with Lucian.

I kept walking, trying to clear away the tumultuous thoughts that haunted me, until I was abruptly stopped by two guards who blocked my path.

"The director wants to see you in his office.

His voice was firm, with no room for argument. Surprise showed on my face as I tried to process the unexpected summons.

''See me? Now?" I asked, surprised by the sudden invitation.

''Yes, turn around. '' The second man replied firmly.

I obediently turned around, feeling the handcuffs close around my wrists. A wave of curiosity and apprehension ran through my body as we were led out of the prison. What did this man want with me now? I had never been called to meet him before, so why suddenly now?

'' Why does he want to talk to me now? '' I asked the guards, searching for answers on their imperturbable faces.

''Don't ask questions we don't have the answers to, girl.'' The second guard replied harshly, and my discomfort increased. It seemed that, as well as Lucian, I now had to deal with an equally rough guard.

I sighed as we continued down the familiar corridor. When we finally stopped in front of a door, the first guard knocked twice, announcing our arrival.

'' Come in! '' The order came from inside the office, and my heart raced with the uncertainty of what was to come.

The guard opened the door and pushed me inside brutally.

''Here she is, director. '' The guard's tone was firm, almost harsh.

''All right, uncuff her, that won't be necessary.'' The warden ordered, while I massaged my aching wrists. ''You can wait outside.

The guards nodded and left the room, leaving me alone with the principal.

'' There's no need to be nervous, young Aurelia. I just want to talk to you, please sit down. '' He indicated a chair with a gesture.

I approached cautiously and sat down. I couldn't help but feel a mixture of distrust and disgust for the principal.

''I've been watching you carefully. '' His words were icy, sending an uncomfortable shiver down my spine. ''I've also noticed that you've become quite close to Lucian. '' I was surprised that he knew his real name. Of course, he knew, after all, he was the prison warden.

''W-What do you want?'' I asked, wanting to put an end to the discomfort.

I knew he had an intention behind that sudden invitation. It couldn't be something simple or benign.

''I see you're clever, your teachers at college should be proud of you.'' He let out a small smile, making me swallow.

How did he know that? A shiver ran down my spine.

"H-How do you know that?" My voice came out shaky, and I involuntarily squeezed my thigh out of nervousness.

''Why, young Aurelia. I know many things, and I also know that you're innocent. '' Her eyes had a calculating glint that made me even more uncomfortable.

Innocent? Those words sounded like a light at the end of the tunnel, but at the same time, they triggered an avalanche of questions and suspicions.

"And why are you keeping me here? Why am I in prison if you know I'm innocent? '' My voice overflowed with anger and frustration at this revelation.

He smiled, but the gesture only increased my suspicion.

''I can set you free.'' I looked at him with total suspicion. ''You can be a free woman.

That offer sounded too good to be true. There was something behind those words, something he wasn't revealing.

''W-W-What do you want?'' I asked, my nerves on edge.

'' Really clever. '' He opened a drawer and placed a small knife in front of me.

My heart raced at the sight of that sharp object in front of me. What did he intend to do?

'' What is this? '' My voice trembled with apprehension.

''Well, you may be a free woman, but... I want you to kill Lucian for me. '' My breath caught in my throat at those words.

Kill Lucian? That was insane!

'' What!!? I'm not an assassin!!!'' My indignation burst into a scream.

I would never be able to commit such an act.

'' Calm down, no one will know that you killed him. As soon as you've completed your task, I'll release you, claiming that you'll be transferred to another prison. In fact, you will be released.

I looked at him incredulously.

"Why me?" The question escaped my lips, wanting to understand his insane logic.

He ran his hand over his chin, pondering.

''Because you're the only one who's close to him, who sleeps next to him. It will be easy. Besides, he's becoming a nuisance, causing me a lot of work.

'' You work for him! '' My tone was incredulous.

He just laughed, as if it were a bad joke.

''Do you really think I work for a crook? Of course not, I just let him do whatever he wants, so I don't get into trouble, but I want to get rid of him. That's my proposal to you: do you want to be free from prison? Kill Lucian.

I looked at the knife in front of me, feeling the weight of the choice.

"What if I refuse?" My voice came out shaky.

He crossed his arms, his countenance impassive.

''Well, then you'll stay in prison, no one knows you're innocent. That won't be a problem for me, one more prisoner, it makes no difference.

You bastard! How can you be so cruel?

'' It's your choice, young Aurelia. '' He thrust the knife towards me. ''Take it or leave it. Which will it be, young lady?

I bit my lips and picked up the knife, feeling disgusted.

''Excellent, I hope to hear good news from you, young Aurelia. You can come back. You'd better keep the knife in the pocket of your overalls.

I nodded without saying a word, hiding the knife in the pocket of my overalls as he ordered. He called the guards back.

''The conversation was very good, young man.'' He smiled at me, as if it were a benevolent act.

Bloody hell!

The first policeman handcuffed my wrists, and we started to leave the damn director's office.

What am I going to do? I can finally be free, just kill Lucian and this hell will be over forever.

I don't feel anything for him, just relief. Furthermore, I won't be forced to do what he wants anymore, I won't be treated like a toy anymore. '' I'll finally be able to go back to my home.

He gave me blood and took care of me, but only to get his little toy back. ''I'll be able to go home, rebuild my life, finish my studies and get a good job. I can have my life back.

All I have to do is kill Lucian and all this will be over.