The Bound Between Us

The man's curt words and the tension in his body made it suddenly, horribly clear

to Anastasia what was about to happen.

In that instant, her world seemed to collapse into darkness.

Someone was here to ruin her-completely, irreversibly.

But she knew, almost by instinct, this wasn't Asher's doing. If Asher wanted the

chip, he wouldn't take this risk, not in such a brazen way. He was too careful-a

guy who knew how to disappear the second things got messy. Besides, these

men hadn't mentioned the chip at all.

Anastasia screamed for help, her voice bouncing off grimy walls, but it was like

one of those nightmares where you shout and nothing happens. No one heard.

No one was coming.

She was helpless a lamb led to slaughter.

Not even when Harmon had kidnapped her had she been this scared.

With no way out, she started bargaining. "Please, let me go. I'll give you anything

-money, whatever you want!"

Pride and dignity didn't matter anymore. All that mattered was survival.

She understood, deep down, if these men did what they wanted, her life would be

shattered forever.

"Save your energy for later," the man said, voice flat and cold.

No taunting, no threats-just the cold, hard truth.

"Who sent you?" Anastasia croaked, her throat raw. "If you're going to kill me, at

least tell me why."

"You don't need to know," he answered. "Just cooperate. We'll take some pictures

the job, then we're gone. Relax,

sure you

away. To be sure

down

useless, a bitter taste foaming in her

they'd made

tried to pull off the blindfold, but hands

hit her as they tore

blurred. She slipped in and out,

let me go... please..."

a

sick certainty, she'd live with this

world spun. She couldn't tell

nightmare.

hours, she had no idea. Maybe she only

suddenly she heard a voice: "Anastasia, run! Snap out of it!

me-just run!"

She couldn't be sure. The world was

and tearing voices.

another, softer voice: "Anastasia, don't be scared, it's

I'm so sorry I'm

Herman was crying.

Why was he crying?

wishing she would

her eyes again, reality wouldn't let

hour, word of her disappearance hit the news.

started cropping up

usually as

night, was suddenly

storm. Rumors flew-everyone

talking about the Elysian

Technologies boss's wife missing

hour, and

happened in that time.

story grew, twisted, and

didn't wake up for

did,

alive from

memories crashed over her,

and raw. She

howling in grief.