Chapter 15: Trial by Fire

Chapter 15: Trial by Fire

This house wasn't a home—it was a battleground.

Every step I took felt like I was walking through a minefield, the tension pressing on my chest like a weight I couldn't shake. They weren't just controlling me anymore. They were circling me like wolves, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

I didn't know what I'd done this time. Maybe it didn't matter. Maybe they didn't need a reason anymore.

The Summons

Leo's voice echoed through the mansion.

"Sophia, get down here. Now."

I froze at the top of the staircase, my heart pounding in my chest. His tone was calm, too calm, and that scared me more than if he'd been yelling.

I forced myself to move, my legs trembling as I descended the stairs. They were waiting for me in the grand hall. All three of them.

Leo stood near the center, his icy-blue eyes locked onto mine as I approached. Adrian leaned casually against the banister, his storm-gray eyes glinting with amusement. And Nico... Nico was seated in one of the armchairs, his emerald-green gaze unreadable, his presence heavy and suffocating.

"What's going on?" I asked, my voice trembling.

"You tell us," Leo said coldly. "You've been testing boundaries again."

"I haven't done anything," I said quickly, my chest tightening.

"Lying doesn't suit you, sweetheart," Adrian said, pushing off the banister and strolling toward me. "You've been stepping out of line for days now."

"I haven't!" I insisted, my voice rising.

Nico stood suddenly, the movement sharp and deliberate. "Enough," he said quietly, but the authority in his voice silenced the room.

He stepped closer, his emerald gaze piercing as it fixed on me. "Do you think we're stupid, Sophia? Do you think we don't notice every little thing you do?"

"I'm not trying to—"

"Quiet," Nico interrupted, his voice cutting through me like a blade.

The Punishment

"Take her," Nico said, stepping back slightly.

Leo grabbed my arm before I could react, his grip unrelenting as he pulled me forward.

"Let me go!" I cried, struggling against him, but it was useless.

"You don't listen," Leo said sharply, his icy-blue eyes narrowing. "You don't follow the rules. You need to learn."

Adrian was suddenly in front of me, his hand gripping my jaw as he tilted my face up. His smirk was gone, replaced by something darker, more dangerous.

"You think you can just keep defying us?" Adrian asked, his voice low and menacing. "You think there won't be consequences?"

"I'm not—"

The slap came without warning, Adrian's hand connecting with my cheek hard enough to send me stumbling back into Leo.

Tears stung my eyes, but I refused to let them fall.

Leo caught me, his grip tightening as he steadied me. "This is what happens when you push too far, Sophia," he said coldly.

Before I could respond, Leo's hand came down hard on my other cheek, the sting sharp and unforgiving.

"Do you understand now?" Leo demanded, his voice icy.

I nodded quickly, my head spinning from the force of the blows.

"I can't hear you," Leo snapped.

"Yes," I choked out, my voice trembling.

Nico's Turn

I thought it was over, but Nico wasn't finished.

"Bring her here," Nico said calmly, his emerald gaze unyielding.

Leo dragged me forward, shoving me toward Nico, who remained seated in the armchair.

Nico grabbed my wrist, his fingers curling tightly around it as he pulled me closer.

"You think you're strong," Nico said quietly, his voice almost a whisper. "You think you can fight us."

"I'm not trying to fight—"

Nico's hand shot out, his palm connecting with my cheek in a slap that was precise and deliberate. The force wasn't as sharp as Adrian's or Leo's, but it was enough to make me gasp.

"You don't get to make excuses," Nico said softly, his voice laced with menace. "You don't get to play the victim here."

Tears streamed down my face now, hot and relentless, as Nico released my wrist and leaned back in his chair.

The Aftermath

I was left standing there, my body trembling, my face burning from their blows. They didn't say another word, their silence heavier than any threat.

When they finally walked away, I collapsed onto the floor, the sobs wracking my body as I clutched my knees to my chest.

They wanted to break me. And maybe, just maybe, they were starting to succeed.