I woke up to a stabbing pain coursing through my body. My head throbbed, and there were sharp aches in places I couldn't even pinpoint. The room around me was dim, the cold air biting at my skin. As my eyes struggled to adjust, I saw the blurry outline of someone sitting across from me. My body felt stiff, and when I tried to move, I realized my wrists were tightly bound to the chair beneath me. I'd been kidnapped.

I tried to steady my breathing, forcing myself not to panic. In front of me sat a man, his eyes fixated on me with a cold, cruel intensity. His face was rough, his expression hard, and his black uniform told me exactly who he was. Sierra One. He wasn't someone who could be swayed with charm or pleasantries. I had heard his name somewhere—one of their most ruthless agents.

"Finally awake," his voice was flat, but there was tension laced through each word. His eyes tracked my every move.

My heart pounded faster, but I forced myself to remain calm. Don't let them see your fear, Abby, I reminded myself. I knew that showing any sign of weakness would only make things worse.

Taking a deep breath, I tried to smile, though my lips barely curved. "Good morning," I said as casually as I could, as if I had just woken up from a peaceful nap in my own bed. "Are we going to have a chat, or are you just going to keep staring at me all night?"

Sierra One's lips twitched into a small smirk, clearly surprised by my nonchalant attitude. But inside, anxiety was creeping up on me, gnawing at the calm front I was trying so hard to maintain. I fought to ignore it, keeping my mind sharp.

"You're pretty calm for someone in an interrogation chair," he said coldly, his tone designed to rattle me. But I knew this game. They wanted me to break, to lose my composure. Not today.

I shrugged as much as the restraints on my wrists allowed. "This isn't exactly my first rodeo," I said flatly. "I've been in worse."

Worse? Who was I kidding? Inside, my heart was racing with fear. I had never gotten used to terror like this. Sierra One was a monster. Archemidas, where are you?

"You may be used to it," he said, stepping closer, his eyes narrowing. "But I assure you, this time will be different." His voice carried a sinister edge now.

I knew he meant it. And the longer I stayed silent, the more he would push me to speak. But I wasn't going to give him anything. Not because I was brave or strong, but because I knew that anything I said could put Archemidas in danger.

Sierra One fired off another question. "Tell me who you work for. Who ordered you to protect Archemidas? How many people are involved in this operation?"

I let out a small laugh, trying to maintain my composure. "Do you really think I'll just tell you all that because you asked so nicely?" I shot him a mocking look, even though I was trembling inside. Fear clawed at me, but I had to hold on.

His lips curled in irritation, and without warning, he swung his fist at my face. The blow sent my head snapping to the side, pain exploding across my cheek. I bit down on my lip to keep from crying out. Don't show weakness, Abby. Don't let him win.

"I told you," he said, his voice harsher now, "this time will be different."

I tasted blood in my mouth, but I stayed quiet. I wasn't going to give them anything. All I could do was pray that Archemidas was on his way. Each second felt like an eternity in their hands.

Sierra One stepped closer again, roughly grabbing the collar of my shirt. "Don't play games with me. I know you're more than just a hired hand. You have connections, deep ones. And you will tell me."

He shook me hard, nearly knocking me off balance in the chair. My head spun, but I forced myself to hold on. Stay strong, don't fall apart, I repeated in my mind.

I laughed weakly, even though the pain was nearly unbearable. "Connections?" I stared him in the eyes, defiant, though inside I felt like crumbling. "You don't know a thing, do you?"

His anger flared. His hand moved again, ready to strike, but someone beside him—Beta—intervened, catching his arm.

"Sierra One, don't rush. The girl is still useful," Beta said calmly.

I realized then that they intended to use me as bait. They wanted to lure Archemidas out. The thought made my heart race even more. Archemidas, don't come. Don't fall into their trap...

Sierra One scoffed, shoving me away roughly before stepping back, his eyes simmering with restrained rage. "We can't play nice forever," he muttered to Beta.

I watched them both, feeling the weight of fear pressing heavily on my chest. But I couldn't give in. You can do this, Abby. You have to.

"We won't harm you further, at least not for now," Beta said, his gaze sharp. "But if you try anything, don't expect any mercy from us."

I took a deep breath. Despite the pain in my body, I had to stay strong. "Fine," I replied quietly, trying with all my strength to suppress the terror that was rising within me. "But don't think I'll give you what you want that easily. You'll have to work a lot harder than this."

Behind my weak smile, my heart pounded furiously. I was scared. But I couldn't give up. I had to be strong—for Archemidas.

***

My body felt utterly exhausted. My head throbbed, and my entire being wanted to give in to the relentless pain tearing through me. Sierra One and Beta had tortured me for hours without end. My wrists, bound tightly, were stiff and aching. I tried to keep my mind clear, to calm myself, but this had gone on for far too long.

I felt so helpless. Deep down, a small part of me just wanted it all to stop. I was tired. They kept asking the same questions, hoping that I'd break. But I couldn't give in—not because I was strong, but because I was terrified of what would happen if I spoke.

I was worried about Archemidas. If they found out where he was, what would happen to him? Archemidas was more than just a friend to me. He had taught me so much, but this time, he wasn't here to save me. I could feel the tears welling up, but I held them back. Don't cry, Abby. Don't show weakness.

"Still not talking, huh?" Sierra One's cold voice snapped me out of my thoughts. He stood in front of me, glaring with hatred. I could see the frustration twisting his face.

I sighed softly, managing a weak smirk despite the pain crushing my body. "If you already know the answers, why do you keep asking?" I responded calmly, trying to appear indifferent. Deep down, I knew he wouldn't stop until I talked. But I also knew that if I gave in now, they'd get what they wanted, and that meant Archemidas would be in danger.

"Damn it!" Sierra One shouted, his anger boiling over. He raised his fist again, slamming it into my stomach with full force. I gasped, the sharp pain radiating through my body, but I bit my lip, refusing to make a sound. He wanted me to cry, to beg, but I wouldn't give him the satisfaction.

I'm not strong. That thought echoed in my mind. I was just an ordinary girl caught in this dangerous game. No one had ever prepared me for this. I wanted to cry. I wanted to give up. But at the same time, something inside me kept pushing me to hold on. Maybe it was because I knew Archemidas would never forgive himself if something happened to me. And that, more than anything, made me keep fighting.

"Stop playing games with me!" Sierra One yelled again, his face flushed with rage. "I've given you a chance. If you keep this up, you'll lose more than just your freedom."

I chuckled weakly, though inside, I was terrified of what he might do next. "Freedom?" I croaked. "You've already taken everything from me. What else is left?"

He didn't respond with words. Instead, he pulled out his gun. I swallowed hard, trying to hide my fear. He aimed it at my knee, and I knew what was coming. But I kept my expression calm, even though my heart was screaming.

"I don't want to do this," he said, his tone eerily cold, "but you're forcing my hand. Talk now, or I'll shoot."

I stared at the gun. My breath caught in my throat. I couldn't move. There was nothing I could do to protect myself. In those long, agonizing moments, I wondered what would happen next. If he shot me, maybe I wouldn't last much longer. But I knew that giving up wasn't an option either.

I forced a faint smile, though my lips were numb. "You really think a threat like that will make me talk?" I whispered. "You're dumber than I thought."

Sierra One's anger erupted. Without hesitation, he pulled the trigger.

The gunshot echoed through the room, and the searing pain in my leg was unbearable. I couldn't hold back the scream this time. My body jerked, but the ropes kept me in place. I felt the blood pouring from my wound, but the worst pain came from the sense of powerlessness that washed over me.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

I gasped for air, struggling to breathe through the overwhelming agony. I could feel Sierra One's cold gaze above me, but I couldn't meet his eyes. My vision blurred. My body trembled, cold sweat drenching my face.

"Now," he said, his voice even colder than before, "what's your name, and what's your mission? Where is Prince Archemidas?"

All I could do was gasp, trying to hold back the waves of pain that were overwhelming my body. I couldn't answer—not because I was trying to be strong, but because I had no strength left to speak.

"Damn it!" Sierra One kicked my chair, nearly knocking me over. "Don't you realize the situation you're in?"

I didn't know how much longer I could hold on. Every breath felt like a battle to stay conscious. My body grew heavier by the second, and the pain in my leg pulsed relentlessly, sending burning waves through my nerves. The bullet wound, though small, felt like it was scorching everything it touched. Cold sweat dripped from my forehead, mixing with the dried blood on my face from the earlier beating.

Sierra One crouched in front of me again, his face so close to mine that I could feel his breath. His eyes were piercing, filled with hatred that sought to destroy me, to break me completely. He grabbed my chin roughly, forcing me to meet his gaze. I couldn't stop the tears that welled up in my eyes. Someone, please, end this. I don't know how much longer I can hold on.

"You hear that, don't you?" his voice was sharp, cutting into me. "Your friend is coming for you... if he cares enough."

Archemidas... is he coming? Or was I clinging to a false hope? I knew he would do anything for me, but what if they were right? What if I was too insignificant in Archemidas's eyes? What if this was all for nothing?

No, I whispered to myself, fighting against the fear closing in on my mind. Archemidas had always been there for me. He had never left me alone, and I knew he wouldn't let me fall into enemy hands without a fight. He would come. I had to believe that. Even though my body grew weaker, I had to hold on. For him.

But my heart hovered on the edge of despair. I was just a normal girl. I wasn't strong. I was afraid. That fear was so real, so deep. I felt so small in the face of someone like Sierra One—a man who wouldn't hesitate to hurt me, to kill me. But I couldn't give up, could I? I had to stay calm. I had to.

Sierra One grinned, satisfied at the fear flickering in my eyes. He stepped back slowly, keeping his gaze locked on me, ready to strike again. His gun was aimed at my uninjured leg. I knew what was coming. I saw his finger begin to tighten on the trigger.

God, please stop him. I can't bear this pain any longer. I've reached my limit.

"Maybe he'll come faster if he knows you won't be able to walk anymore," Sierra One sneered, his voice icy and filled with malice.

My heart pounded. The fear I had tried so hard to bury surged to the surface. What if he really did it? What if I couldn't walk anymore?

For a few agonizing seconds, my mind raced with thoughts of everything I could lose—not just the fear of death, but the fear of what life would be like afterward. What if I survived this, but I was never the same? Never able to run again, never free?

I wanted to scream, to beg him to stop. But no sound came out. My mouth stayed closed, even though inside I was pleading. Stop… Please… Stop…

But I couldn't show that weakness. I couldn't let him see the fear. If I did, they'd win. They'd get what they wanted—whether that was the information I held or the satisfaction of breaking me.

"Do you really think that will make him afraid?" My voice came out weak, barely a whisper. I almost didn't recognize it myself. It sounded hollow, like I had nothing left. "Archemidas isn't just some cowardly prince. He will come… and when he does, you'll be the one who's scared."

Sierra One let out a cruel laugh, a mocking sound. "You're awfully confident for someone on the brink of destruction."

I held my breath. Yes, I was on the edge. Every second felt like the end. But I couldn't let him see that. Not yet.

Beta, who had been silent the whole time, stepped closer, shooting Sierra One a look of mild irritation. "Don't push it, Sierra. We need her alive. You can break her later, after we get what we want."

Sierra One huffed but lowered his gun. A small wave of relief washed over me, though the pain still gripped me tightly. They weren't going to shoot me now, but I knew that moment would come. If Archemidas didn't get here soon… I wasn't sure how much longer I could hold on.

Sierra One moved closer again, his face calmer but still filled with hatred. "You can keep holding onto that hope, Abigail. But in the end, that hope will be the thing that destroys you. We have time. And sooner or later, you *will* talk."

I stayed silent, staring at the floor, trying to ignore the fear crashing through me like waves. Inside, I was begging, praying for this to end soon. Not with death, but with rescue. Archemidas, please, come quickly. I'm too tired, too weak to hold on much longer. But I can't give up. Not yet. I have to survive, for him, for that sliver of hope.

Every breath hurt, each one heavier than the last, like my lungs were giving up. The pain, the fear, the confusion—it all swirled together, clouding my mind. I squeezed my eyes shut, fighting back the sob that threatened to escape. Enough. I can't take this anymore.

In the corner of the room, Sierra One and Beta moved around, readying their weapons, preparing for whatever came next. I heard their heavy footsteps, the scrape of boots on the dusty floor. When would this end? In my helplessness, doubt began to creep in.

Where are you, Archemidas? I screamed silently, but even that scream was fading, drowned by the despair that was quickly taking over. I wanted to believe he would come. I wanted to believe he would save me. But every second that passed felt like a needle, slowly piercing my heart, more painful than the last. I began to doubt everything—myself, my hope, and worst of all, Archemidas.

What if they were right? What if I didn't matter to him? What if he chose not to come?

I looked up at Sierra One, still standing tall, a cold smile etched on his face. Maybe it would be better like this, I thought bitterly. Maybe it would be easier if this all just ended. I was exhausted, terrified, and I didn't know how much longer I could fight.

I let my body go limp in the creaky chair holding me. If Sierra One pulled the trigger now, maybe I wouldn't feel anything. Maybe all the pain would stop. I could end this right here. I'm sorry, Arche... I give up.

But just then, a deafening explosion shattered the fragile peace. The wall behind Sierra One and Beta blew apart, debris flying everywhere as dust filled the air. I jolted, my eyes wide in shock. A massive motorcycle crashed through the rubble with unstoppable force.

What was that?

In the chaos, I saw him. The figure I knew so well, leaping from the bike with swift, sure movements. His eyes locked onto mine instantly. Archemidas! My heart leaped between disbelief and overwhelming relief so fast I could hardly process it.

I stared at him, dazed, not sure if this was real or just another figment of my battered mind. But then he moved, striking Sierra One with a powerful kick that sent him flying into the wall.

It was real. He had really come.

I couldn't speak. I could only watch as he faced Beta, throwing a knife that lodged into Beta's hand, making him drop his gun. Beta screamed in pain, and for the first time, I saw fear in his eyes.

Archemidas rushed to me, his movements quick and purposeful. "Abigail, I'm here." His voice cut through the chaos, the only thing I could focus on.

Once the ropes binding me were gone, I tried to stand, but my legs buckled under me. I would have fallen if Archemidas hadn't caught me, holding me with strong yet gentle arms. In that moment, I felt all the weight lift from me, if only for a moment.

His arms wrapped around my weakened body, warmth and strength pouring into me. I knew I was safe with him, even as danger still lurked all around us. My eyes grew heavy, my body even weaker, as if now that I knew he was here, all my strength left me.

"Arche…" I whispered, barely audible. "You came…"

He looked at me, his smile soft and full of affection. "Of course I came. I would never leave you behind."

And in that moment, I knew everything would be okay. The burden that had crushed my chest lifted, if only for a little while. I knew I was safe. I knew I could leave it all to Archemidas now.

My eyes closed slowly, my body sinking fully into his embrace. It felt peaceful. Finally, I could let myself drift away, filled with the relief I had desperately needed.

***