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.”

I gave her a plastic smile before

Hannah, who was busy standing at the entrance. “Wassup, Han, have you seen Ariel?” I asked, hoping for a different answer.

she’s playing with the kids. As you can see, I’m waiting for Felix. He says he will be

okay.” I cut her off. “You can… keep

for a moment. “Okay, have fun

as I muttered, “It’s useless talking to you.”

nonchalantly while I walked away from her.

made my way to the gardens, searching every corner for Ariel. But she was nowhere to be found. Now, where the hell has that lady gone? I needed to ask her some questions concerning

“Hey, Mom,

head, looking concerned. “No, I haven’t.

really. I’m just looking

to call Ariel, but the lady was not reachable–piece of

and I had to stop him. “Dad, I can’t find Ariel

when did you start showing concern for Ariel?”

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

what is the

him for seconds. “Have you seen her?‘

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

I asked him, raising

IN THE

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

can’t be in the kitchen right now.‘

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 to go get yourself some food, grab some drinks, and enjoy

I feigned a smile and

LUKE’S POV

out some shapes in the room. I tried to move my hands, but they were bound together, and the pain in one of them was a constant reminder of the chaos that had led me here. I remembered the gunshot

name. It was Andre; he was also in

Luke. You’ve finally regained