97.

The sunlight poured through the wide glass windows, casting long shadows across the room as Taliya fought against the rising tide of despair. Each wave that crashed outside mirrored the tumult within her—a struggle between fear and the resolve to escape Faraz’s clutches. She felt trapped, but something within her flickered defiantly against the darkness he emanated.

Faraz moved back to the counter, pouring himself another drink, his eyes occasionally flickering toward her. “You’ve got spirit, I’ll give you that. But spirit doesn’t guarantee survival on this island.” He swirled the amber liquid in his glass, clearly amused by her defiance. “Tell me, Taliya, have you ever thought about the life you could have if you stop resisting?”

She narrowed her eyes at him, determination hardening her expression. “I’d rather live in a world with challenges than one ruled by you. You can’t buy loyalty with threats, Faraz.”

He chuckled, the sound low and dark. “Ah, but you underestimate the power of persuasion. Everyone has a price, even you. It’s just a matter of finding it.” He took a slow sip, seemingly enjoying the conversation more than he should. “What if I told you that I could give you everything you’ve ever wanted? A place in this world, a role in the family you’ve always longed for?”

Taliya’s heart raced, but she kept her composure. “I have a family. Haroon is my brother, and Murad… Murad is more than just a lover to me. You think I want anything to do with the likes of you?”

Faraz leaned against the counter, a predatory glint in his eye. “Haroon is not your only option, Taliya. You could be so much more than a pawn in their game. You could be my partner.”

“Partner?” she spat, incredulous. “You think I would ever stand beside you in anything?”

“Careful, little girl,” he warned, his voice dropping to a low growl. “That feisty attitude of yours could lead to serious consequences. You’re here because I allowed it, and I can just as easily make you disappear.”

Taliya felt a shiver run down her spine but refused to show fear. Instead, she pressed on. “If you think that’s how you’ll break me, you’re wrong. You may have taken me away, but you won’t take my spirit.”

Faraz’s demeanor shifted slightly, a flicker of respect glimmering in his eyes. “You’re not as naïve as I thought. But your stubbornness will only make things harder for you. I can make this island your sanctuary or your prison. The choice is yours, but know this: defiance has its consequences.”

He walked towards her, closing the distance, the scent of whiskey and danger wafting around him. Taliya stood her ground, though her heart raced at his proximity. “What do you want from me?” she demanded, summoning her courage. “You can’t just expect me to bend to your will because you think you’re powerful.”

Faraz’s lips twisted into a smirk, his gaze intense. “I want to know how far you’re willing to go to protect your brother and your lover. How much loyalty do you really have for them?”

“I will do anything for Haroon and Murad,” she replied, her voice unwavering. “You won’t win me over with your twisted games or empty promises.”

He stepped back, eyeing her thoughtfully. “Then this will be a game of patience. You’ll learn in time that loyalty can be a weakness, especially in our world. Murad will come for you, and I will enjoy watching how it unfolds.”

With that, Faraz turned away, returning to the kitchen. Taliya seized the moment, letting her gaze roam around the beach house. She needed a plan, and time was ticking away.

The vast ocean stretched out beyond the windows, a beautiful prison holding her captive. Taliya’s mind raced, envisioning the potential escape routes. The beach was deserted, and though Faraz claimed the island as his own, it was still surrounded by the unpredictable sea.

As she considered her options, the sound of a door creaking open caught her attention. Faraz returned with a small basket filled with fresh fruits and snacks, setting it down on the coffee table. “I thought you might be hungry,” he said casually, as if they were just having a casual afternoon together. “You’ll need your strength.”

Taliya eyed the food suspiciously, knowing well enough that nothing came without a cost from him. “I’m not hungry, thanks.”

“Suit yourself,” he replied, shrugging as he poured another drink. “But don’t think I’ll be keeping you here out of kindness. I have my reasons for bringing you to this island, and they don’t revolve around making your stay pleasant.”

As he settled back into the chair opposite her, Taliya sensed an opportunity. “What’s your endgame, Faraz? You clearly don’t need me here just to antagonize Murad. There’s more to this, isn’t there?”

He met her gaze with an unwavering intensity. “It’s simple, really. I need leverage. Murad is my half-brother, and this family is a power struggle. I intend to win it. You can either help me or be collateral damage.”

“Collateral damage?” she repeated, incredulous. “You think I’ll let you use me against Murad? I won’t give you anything.”

Faraz leaned forward, his expression darkening. “You’ll learn, Taliya. You may have the spirit now, but I promise you’ll break eventually. You’re in my territory, and I play to win.”

The tension in the room thickened, each moment stretching like a taut wire. Taliya knew that she was playing a dangerous game, but the fire in her heart refused to be extinguished.

As the sun began to set, casting an orange glow through the windows, Taliya resolved to keep her wits about her. She may be a pawn in Faraz’s game, but she wouldn’t play by his rules. She would find a way to escape this island, to reach Haroon and Murad, and expose the truth behind Faraz’s machinations.