TIED AND LOCKED UP

When I opened my eyes, everything felt so wrong. My head was banging, my limbs were heavy,.I tried to understand where I was but I was so confused.

Slowly, the room around me came into focus. The place smelled of chemicals, it was completely dark and empty, the only window in the empty room was closed.

The last thing I remembered was stepping outside with my mom, preparing for my first day at NYU. Then the attack. The hands covering my mouth. The needle piercing my skin, and the moment before everything went black. I had no idea where I was, but I knew this was far from New York or the hotel. I could see the trees from the window so we were probably in the forest.

Mom.

I tried to breathe, but I couldn't, my throat suddenly felt tight. What had they done to her? Was she hurt? What did they do to her? I was about to shout but decided that would be of no help. I have to look for a way to get out of here.

My heart pounded wildly in my chest, and I struggled yet again to remove the rope on my hands and legs. But it was no use. They were too tight,my legs were already turning red. Tears stung my eyes, but I blinked them back. *Crying wouldn’t help me. Not now.*

I forced myself to breathe slowly, to focus. *Think, Freda.* You’ve been in worse situations. You survived Damien’s kingdom, the pack, everything. You can survive this.

Just while I was trying to remove the rope on my hand because the rope on my legs was not bulging. I heard footsteps from outside the room. I struggled more to remove the rope, my heart beating really fast. I was trying to prepare myself for whoever, or whatever, was coming.

A sick feeling twisted in my gut as the footsteps became louder. The door creaked open, and the light from the hall spilled into the room. I closed my eyes immediately trying to get used to the light. When I opened my eyes my heart froze in my chest.

It wasn't Damien.

It was Williams.

The fact I thought that Damien would kidnap me suddenly made me feel stupid. Damien wants me back as his queen and mate but will he actually kidnap me?

“Well, well,” Williams said, the sound of his voice pissing me off. “Look who’s finally awake.”

I didn’t say anything. I couldn’t. The only thing I want to do right now is cry. But that won't solve anything.

I just stared at him, my heart beating so fast, my legs and hand in pain and tears in my eyes.

Williams walked further into the room, his dark eyes sweeping over me like I was some kind of prize he had finally caught. “You’re probably wondering where you are,” he continued, “But don’t worry. You’ll be safe... for now.”

I swallowed hard, trying to keep my voice steady. “What do you want?”

His smile widened. “What do I want? Oh, Freda, it’s not about what I want. It’s about what I *deserve.*”

I narrowed my eyes, trying to mask the fact that I was afraid. I know that Williams won't hesitate to kill me. “I don’t care about your power plays. Let me and my mom go.”

He chuckled, a low, chilling sound that made my skin crawl. “Your mother? Oh, she’s safe. For now.” He stepped closer, towering over me, his presence suffocating me. “But whether or not she stays that way... well, that depends entirely on you.”

I suddenly became angry, how could he take my mom also, she did nothing wrong, she's not even involved in all this.
“You’re a coward,” I spat, glaring up at him. “ Damien will find me. He’ll—”

“Damien?” Williams interrupted, his eyes suddenly became darker which was really scary “You really think Damien can save you? You think he’s still your protector? Oh, my dear, you’re more naive than I thought.”

My breath hitched in my throat, but I refused to look away. “What are you talking about?”

Williams bent down in front of me, his smile fading away, putting on a straight face. “Damien is weak. His obsession with you has made him vulnerable. And now, with you in my hands, I will finally take what should have been mine all along, the throne. Damien’s time as king is over, and you, Freda, are the key to making it happen.”

I felt the blood drain from my face. He wasn’t just holding me captive. He was planning to use me to destroy Damien, to take the kingdom by force. My mind raced, panic rising as I tried to think of a way out, but the ropes were really tight, digging painfully into my wrists.

“You think I’m going to help you?” I said, my voice shaking with a mix of anger and fear. “I’ll never betray Damien.”

Williams leaned closer, his cold breath brushing against my cheek as he whispered, “Oh, but you will. Because if you don’t... I’ll kill your mother. And you’ll watch.”

My heart stopped. Every inch of my body froze as his words sank in. He would kill her. He would do it without hesitation. I could see it in his eyes, he wasn't bluffing. He would kill my mother I refuse to help.

Tears gathered up in my eyes, but I blinked them away, refusing to let him see me cry. “You’re a monster.”

He smiled again, “You and Damien made me the monster that I am. But I love it, I'm not as weak as Damien "

He stood up, stepping back and watching me for a moment before turning toward the door. “Enjoy your stay, Freda,” “It won’t be long before you realize just how pointless it is to resist.”

I watched in silent terror as he left the room, the door slamming shut behind him, leaving me alone in the dark once again.
This time I wasn't scared or bothered about what Williams will do so I screamed hoping that someone out there would hear me.