The Love From Vengeance

128 IN THE DARK

LUKE’S POV

My hands were trembling as I looked down at the blood dripping from the gunshot wound. The gun slipped from my grasp, clattering to the ground. I wanted to scream to let out the agony I was feeling, but I couldn’t find the strength. The pain was overwhelming, radiating through my entire body. I could feel my hands shaking as I tried to hold myself together. The intense pain was almost unbearable, but I knew I had to stay strong.

After hearing the sounds of rustling bushes, I turned around, only to see a group of men coming out of the bushes, treading in our direction. Sort of many, I’d say. I noticed that each one of them was armed with a gun, pointing at me and Andre, who I could tell was shocked and afraid. We were completely outnumbered, right at the mercy of these strangers. It was clear that we were in a dangerous and potentially life–threatening situation. I wasn’t going to let fear take over. Letting this woman win was definitely not it.

“What are you going to do now, Pushki?” My mother asked, smirking. I could only glare at her. The moment she snapped her fingers, I was hit from behind. And I didn’t know how they did it or what they used. But the strike had caused me to lose consciousness.

****

MASON’S POV

I made my way through the crowd, scanning the room for Ariel. I swear I had seen her some minutes ago. Like, she was really in this building, relishing the party. But now, as I looked around, I couldn’t spot her anywhere.

I approached Lisa, who was talking to a group of friends. Not my concern anyway. “Hey Lisa, have you seen Ariel?” I asked, trying to keep my voice calm.

Lisa turned to me with a confused expression. “Ariel? No, I haven’t seen her. I did have a conversation with her, but I haven’t seen her since then. Why, is everything alright?”

I shook my head. “No, I just can’t seem to find her.”

Lisa shrugged. “Maybe she’s gone out with the kids. You know how much they love moving with each other.”

One of Lisa’s friends grinned at me. “Is this your brother, Lisa? He is one dashing man.‘

THE DARK

-2/4

Ilaughed, shaking my head. “Thank you.”

“You know, we can hang out later.”

her a plastic smile before walking away.

Han, have you

“No, I haven’t. Maybe she’s playing with the kids. As you can see, I’m

off. “You can…

moment. “Okay, have fun finding

sighed, shaking my head as I muttered,

bye–bye,” Hannah said nonchalantly while I walked away from

gardens, searching every corner for Ariel. But she was nowhere to be found. Now, where the hell has that

and spotted my mother walking towards me. “Hey, Mom, have you seen Ariel?” I asked, trying to keep

looking concerned. “No,

I’m just looking for

mom began to call Ariel, but the lady was not reachable–piece of sh*t.

to a guest, and I had to

start showing concern for Ariel?”

to discuss something important with her,” I responded, holding both

what is

for seconds. “Have you seen

his head. “No, I haven’t seen her. Maybe she went to the kitchen to

asked him,

THE

be in the kitchen. I mean, have you tried the

the

winked at me. “Look, I genuinely have no idea why you’re so worried about Ariel. It’s kind of a new thing, really surprising. But you don’t have to stress yourself over that; Ariel is not a little kid. She’s alright, wherever she is. Now you need

good.” I feigned a smile

LUKE’S POV

pain in one of them was a constant reminder of the chaos that had led me here. I remembered the gunshot right in my hand and the part where I had

out my name. It was Andre; he

Luke. You’ve finally