103.

As Murad anchored the boat in the shallow waters, the adrenaline coursing through his veins sharpened his senses. The beach house stood isolated, its windows dark against the moonlight, an ominous silhouette against the starry sky. He stepped out of the boat, the cold water biting at his ankles as he waded toward the shore, every muscle in his body tense and alert.

He had trained for moments like this, but nothing could prepare him for the wave of fear that washed over him at the thought of Taliya in danger. The thought of her being trapped, vulnerable, ignited a primal instinct within him—a need to protect, to fight.

With every step he took on the sand, Murad scanned the area, searching for any sign of movement. The waves lapped softly at the shore, a stark contrast to the storm brewing inside him. He crouched low, moving stealthily toward the house, using the shadows for cover. His heart raced as he neared the entrance, each beat echoing his determination.

As he approached the front door, he noticed it slightly ajar, a chilling sign that something was amiss. Murad hesitated for a brief moment, catching his breath and mentally preparing for what lay ahead. Then he pushed the door open, its creak reverberating through the silence like a warning bell.

Inside, the air was thick with tension, every shadow seeming to pulse with potential danger. Murad stepped into the foyer, his senses on high alert. The dim light from a single lamp illuminated the room, casting long shadows across the floor. He could hear voices drifting from somewhere deeper within the house, a mix of familiarity and threat.

“Do you really think you can turn him against me, Taliya?” Faraz’s voice rang out, laced with amusement and something darker.

“I’m not afraid of you, Faraz. You can’t control me,” Taliya replied defiantly, though her voice trembled slightly, revealing her vulnerability.

Murad’s heart clenched at the sound of her voice. He moved quickly, quietly, following the sound until he found the doorway to a larger room. Peeking inside, he saw Taliya standing near the far wall, her posture rigid, eyes blazing with defiance. Faraz stood just a few feet away, a menacing grin on his face, arms crossed over his chest, an embodiment of arrogance.

“Let her go, Faraz,” Murad’s voice boomed, cutting through the tension like a knife.

Both Taliya and Faraz turned to him, shock registering on Taliya’s face, while Faraz’s grin widened. “Ah, the brave hero arrives,” Faraz mocked, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “I was wondering when you’d show up.”

“Release her, now,” Murad commanded, stepping fully into the room, ready to confront the man who had put Taliya in danger. The sight of her—proud yet trapped—sent a surge of anger coursing through him.

“Why would I do that?” Faraz replied, amusement dancing in his eyes. “She’s been quite entertaining, wouldn’t you agree? Besides, I have plans for her that don’t involve letting her walk out of here.”

Murad’s fists clenched, his heart racing. “Your plans are twisted, Faraz. You think this is a game, but it’s not. Taliya is not a pawn for you to manipulate. You’re sick for even thinking that.”

“Is that so?” Faraz replied, stepping closer to Taliya, who glared at him, a mix of fear and determination in her eyes. “She seems to be quite cooperative. Aren’t you, Taliya? You’re smart enough to realize which side your bread is buttered on.”

“Shut up!” she spat, her voice fierce. “I’ll never join you, Faraz. I’d rather die than be part of your sick games.”

Murad’s heart swelled with pride at her words, but his resolve was tempered by the danger that surrounded them. “Taliya, just hold on. I’m here to get you out,” he said, his voice steady.

“Get me out?” Faraz laughed, a sound that sent chills down Murad’s spine. “You think you can just walk in here and take her away from me? You have no idea what you’re up against.”

“Then show me,” Murad challenged, stepping forward, refusing to back down. “You want a fight? Let’s do this. But know that I’ll do whatever it takes to protect her.”

Faraz’s expression shifted, the amusement fading as his gaze hardened. “Very well. If it’s a fight you want, then a fight you shall have.” He gestured toward the room, a sinister glint in his eyes. “But know this—if you lay a finger on me, she suffers the consequences.”

“Let her go, and we can settle this man to man,” Murad insisted, his voice steady but filled with an underlying fury.

“Tempting,” Faraz said, tilting his head in thought. “But why would I want to do that? You see, Taliya here is my insurance. You’ll do anything to protect her, and that gives me the upper hand.”

Taliya moved, trying to reach for Murad, her eyes pleading. “Don’t listen to him, Murad! He’s trying to manipulate you!”

Faraz chuckled, relishing the tension. “Ah, but it’s so easy to play with emotions, isn’t it? And you, Murad, are just the puppet I need.”

Without warning, Murad lunged forward, adrenaline surging through him as he charged at Faraz. Taliya’s scream echoed in the room, but Murad couldn’t stop now. He needed to put an end to this. Their bodies collided, the impact sending them both to the floor.

In that moment, all that mattered was Taliya—her safety, her freedom. They rolled, grappling for control, and Murad could feel the adrenaline pumping through his veins, pushing him to fight with everything he had.

“Get off me!” Faraz shouted, attempting to shove Murad away, but Murad tightened his grip, refusing to let go. “You’re making a mistake!”

“Let her go!” Murad roared, fueled by rage and desperation, and with one final push, he pinned Faraz to the ground.

Just as he prepared to strike, he felt a sharp tug on his shoulder, pulling him back. Taliya was there, her hands gripping him, panic in her eyes. “Stop! Don’t hurt him, Murad! Please!”

“Why?” Murad demanded, breathless and confused. “He’s the one who’s hurt you! He’s the reason you’re in this mess!”

“Because he’s sick, Murad! Hurting him won’t change anything! We need to get out of here together!” she urged, her voice trembling but resolute.

The realization hit him hard. Taliya was right. He couldn’t let his anger cloud his judgment. Faraz might have her trapped, but they could still escape together.

“Let’s get out of here,” Murad said, finally releasing Faraz and standing up, pulling Taliya close.

Faraz lay on the floor, breathing heavily, his expression one of disbelief and fury. “You think this is over?” he spat, scrambling to his feet. “You have no idea what I’m capable of. This isn’t the last you’ll see of me.”

Murad didn’t respond. He turned to Taliya, determination flooding his veins as he led her toward the door. “We’re leaving. Now.”

As they stepped outside into the cool night air, the weight of the world seemed to lift slightly off Murad’s shoulders. They had fought their way through the darkness, but the battle was far from over.

Taliya looked up at him, her eyes filled with gratitude and something deeper. “Thank you for coming for me, Murad.”

“Always,” he replied, the promise resonating in the air between them. They would face whatever came next together, and no matter what Faraz had planned, they would find a way to overcome it.