Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

If it weren't for that broken railing, Heather wouldn't have been so panicked. But now, she was utterly at a loss, teetering on the brink of hysteria.

She gripped the sleeve of her shirt tightly, forcing herself to stay calm. Aurora had always warned her: no matter what happens, never lose control. Panic only makes mistakes more likely.

Even though Heather kept telling herself this, it was easier said than done. Aurora was never a frivolous person. She didn't enjoy flattery, let alone entertain random advances. It wasn't like her to wander off without reason.

"Mr. Warden, I'm with Miss Montgomery. We've met before. Please open the door-I need to speak with you." Heather's voice trembled from nervousness.

"Ugh, how annoying," Mr. Warden's female companion complained irritably.

"Don't worry, darling. I'll be right back. Miss Montgomery is not someone to offend. If someone from her party comes looking for me this late, it must be serious." Mr. Warden hurriedly reassured the woman, threw on a robe, and rushed to open the door. "What's going on?" Mr. Warden asked, clearly concerned as he looked at Heather.

"Miss Montgomery was outside earlier, enjoying the sea breeze. She said she would return to her room soon, but when I went back to check, she wasn't there. To be precise, she never returned. I've searched everywhere, but I can't find her. I'm worried something might have happened to her."

"What could possibly happen? There are so many handsome, successful men on this ship. Maybe she hit it off with one of them and went to his room. Why are you overreacting?" A woman in a towel stepped forward, her tone dismissive.

Heather knew exactly what the two had been doing before she interrupted, but the urgency of the situation left no room for propriety.

"That's not possible. Miss Montgomery isn't that kind of person. She left earlier because too many people were trying to flirt with her. While I was searching for her, I noticed that some of the ship's railings had been tampered with-several were broken. I can't find Miss Montgomery anywhere. I'm afraid she..."

Heather's voice broke as tears welled up in her eyes. At this point, she didn't care where Aurora was, even if it meant finding her in another man's room. She just wanted her safe.

principle, not someone who

the railings while I was searching for Miss Montgomery. Please, help me find her. Mr. Barnet will be back tomorrow, and if something happens to her..." Heather couldn't

all to see. Aurora couldn't afford to have anything happen to

have to. We'll find her. Please, calm down."

Aurora was well-known. If anything happened to

even changing out of his robe, Mr. Warden

began checking rooms

were either deeply asleep or engrossed in more intimate activities. Normally, Heather would have

of that night-the wild

for now, room after room turned up nothing. Not even a strand of Aurora's hair. They even checked the control

was starting to panic. How could a person just

overboard?" Heather's face turned pale as fear gripped her

the main hall. Let's see if anyone else is missing," Mr. Warden ordered, trying to stay composed despite

went missing on his yacht-especially

passengers began gathering in the hall, yawning

Are you throwing a midnight party or

apologize for the disturbance," Mr. Warden addressed them. "I need to ask if anyone has

seen her all evening.

phrase

just disappear? We're on

she have fallen overboard?" someone suggested, and the room fell silent as the horrifying