He held her tightly in his arms, gently pulling her into slumber. Once she drifted off, he carefully placed her in the car, ensuring she remained undisturbed.
When she awoke, she found herself lying on a bed, disoriented and uneasy. Her eyes widened as she realized she was wearing nothing but a bra and panties. Hastily, she grabbed a nearby shirt and slipped it on before cautiously beginning to explore her surroundings.
Suddenly, she caught sight of him.
Her breath caught in her throat. She instinctively backed away, her steps slow and silent—until a surge of panic overwhelmed her. Without warning, she turned and bolted, darting through the grand corridors in a desperate search for escape.
Hours passed. The mansion seemed endless—a maze designed to trap rather than shelter. She was exhausted, her body trembling with fatigue.
At last, she stumbled upon a narrow stairway leading underground. Hope flickered in her chest as she descended, but it quickly faded into dread. Darkness enveloped her, thick and suffocating. And then—blood.
Her eyes locked on the horrifying sight, and fear consumed her. Her voice broke as she cried out into the void,
"I'm a terrible daughter... and a failed sister. I tried—God knows I tried. I'm sorry. Please, just leave me alone. Don't hurt me... please..."
He heard her cries and rushed to her, pulling her into a tight embrace. "It's okay," he whispered, holding her as if she might shatter. She clung to him, her trembling arms wrapping around his neck. Without a word, he lifted her gently and carried her into the room.
Just as her sobs began to quiet, she suddenly looked up at him, confusion clouding her teary eyes. "How did you find me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
He paused, taken aback by the question, then softly replied, "You were screaming... crying. I followed your voice."
But she only frowned. "I don't remember that," she murmured. "Stop joking... put me down. I want to go home."
He set her down carefully and knelt in front of her, searching her face. "Are you sure you don't remember anything?" he asked gently.
She shook her head, lost and distant. And in that moment, he understood. The sight of blood must have triggered something deep inside her—a memory too painful to bear. She had panicked... and the past had taken over.
"Put me down and stop asking me!" she snapped.
"Don't you dare leave me again, Lila," Astor said firmly.
"How do you even know my name?" Lila demanded, eyes narrowing.
"What a foolish question," Astor replied with a faint smirk.
"Screw you! You're a damn kidnapper!" she spat.
[He loosened his tie.]
"What are you doing? I swear, if you're thinking what I think you are—don't even try it!" Lila exclaimed, backing away slightly.
"Do you really think I'd stoop that low?"Leans closer. "Dirty thoughts, babygirl. But I'm a gentleman, remember?"
"Then why are you undoing your tie?" she asked, suspicious.
He smirked again. "Whatever. I made you dinner."
"Oh, I'm sure. One bite and I'll be floating off to the afterlife!" Lila scoffed.
"Why not try it first?" he said smoothly, then effortlessly lifted her again and carried her to the dining room, where a warm meal awaited.
"I'm not hungry! I don't wish to eat," Lila said, her voice laced with defiance.
Without warning, she turned and bolted, desperate to escape. She raced up the stairs, eyes darting wildly in search of a way out. But fate was cruel—she found herself cornered, no exit in sight. The only path to freedom lay beyond the edge... a perilous drop to the ground below.
Her heart pounded. She drew in a deep, trembling breath—and jumped.
"I've got you, babygirl. Don't you dare try to hurt yourself," Astor's voice rang out as he caught her mid-fall, arms strong and steady.
But the fear, the chaos—it was all too much. Lila's strength gave out. Her world tilted, blurred, then vanished.
And everything dissolved into darkness.
She awoke at 3 a.m., finding herself lying on a soft bed—Astor asleep beside her. Carefully, almost soundlessly, she slipped out of the room.
With cautious steps, she wandered through the vast mansion, exploring its silent halls. Eventually, she discovered a large door. Heart racing, she opened it—and was greeted by the early morning sky, painted in soft hues of dawn.
Without hesitation, she ran. She didn't stop until she was far from the mansion's shadow. The moment she realized she had escaped, a joy bloomed within her—so immense, so pure, it couldn't be put into words.
High above, Astor stood silently on the balcony, watching her silhouette fade into the horizon. He said nothing aloud, but to himself he murmured, "How could I ever think of caging a bird like her? How cruel I've been."
A faint smile tugged at his lips, but it was no match for the sadness in his eyes. She was gone now. That laughter, that fire, her beauty—all of it had vanished from his world.
And in the stillness of dawn, he was left with silence.