One Name

Lilia hissed in pain as her hair was yanked back harshly, her scalp burning from the brutal grip.

Her breaths came in short, uneven gasps, her throat tightening as she fought against the pain. She barely had time to react before his cracked, amused voice sliced through the thick silence of the night.

His voice dripping with cruel amusement.

"Jake found her. Found the bitch," the man muttered under his breath, almost laughing to himself. His fingers dug into her scalp, twisting the strands between his rough hands, sending sharp waves of pain through her skull.

She clenched her teeth, willing herself not to make a sound. Not to give him the satisfaction.

Then, as if suddenly realizing something, he lifted his head and turned slightly, his grip never loosening.

"Jake," he called out, his tone more serious now.

For a brief moment, there was no response.