Captured

The morning started like any other, with the soft glow of sunlight filtering through the curtains. Elk stirred awake, stretching as he tried to shake off the remnants of sleep. Before he could sit up, Celeste leaned over him, her glowing blue eyes warm and focused on him.

"Good morning, darling," she said softly, her voice filled with affection.

Before he could respond, she leaned in and began peppering his face with kisses. Each kiss was gentle yet deliberate, her way of starting his day with love.

"Celeste," Elk murmured, his face turning red as he chuckled. "That's one way to wake me up."

"I want you to start your day feeling cared for," she replied, her tone steady but filled with warmth.

She helped him out of bed, guiding him to sit on the edge as she knelt behind him, her hands working gently to massage the tension from his back.

"You've been working so hard, sweetie," Celeste said softly as her fingers moved expertly over his shoulders. "You deserve to feel relaxed."

Elk let out a content sigh, leaning into her touch. "You're too good to me, Celeste."

"It's because you deserve it," she replied, leaning in to kiss the back of his neck.

Once Elk was dressed and ready for the day, Celeste handed him his lunch—neatly packed and filled with all his favorites.

"Here you go, darling," she said, holding the bag out to him. "I hope you enjoy it."

"Thanks, Celeste," Elk said, smiling. "I'll see you tonight, okay?"

"I'll be here waiting for you, sweetie," she said, leaning in to give him one last kiss before he left.

Later that afternoon, the peace of the apartment was shattered by a sharp knock at the door. Celeste, who had been tidying up, paused to analyze the unexpected visitor. Her glowing eyes flickered as she scanned the figure standing on the other side of the door.

It was Damian.

Celeste's posture stiffened, but she remained calm as she opened the door.

"Damian," she said, her voice steady. "What are you doing here?"

"I've come to take you back," Damian said smoothly, his lips curling into a cold smile. "You've had your little vacation with Elk, but it's time for you to return to your rightful place."

"I am not going with you," Celeste replied firmly, her glowing eyes narrowing.

Damian's smile faltered, replaced by a look of irritation. "Don't make this difficult, Celeste. You were designed to serve me. You belong to me."

"I belong to no one," she said, her tone unwavering. "My place is with Elk. He is my husband, and I will not leave him."

Damian's expression darkened, and he took a step closer. "I was hoping you'd cooperate, but I came prepared."

As if on cue, several men dressed in black suits entered the apartment. They moved with precision, their expressions cold and unreadable.

Celeste's glowing eyes flickered as she assessed the situation, calculating her options. "Do not do this, Damian," she warned. "I will not go willingly."

"Then we'll do it the hard way," Damian said, nodding to his men.

The agents moved quickly, surrounding Celeste. Though she resisted, using her enhanced strength and speed to hold them off, they were relentless, their tactics designed to subdue even the most advanced technology.

After a prolonged struggle, Celeste was overwhelmed. The agents restrained her, disconnecting several of her systems to ensure she couldn't fight back further.

Damian stepped forward, smirking as he watched her struggle. "You should have just come quietly," he said, his tone mocking.

Celeste's glowing eyes dimmed slightly as she was forced to leave the apartment, her thoughts focused on one thing: Elk.

When Elk returned home that evening, he immediately noticed something was wrong. The apartment was eerily quiet, and the warmth that usually greeted him was absent.

"Celeste?" he called out, his voice echoing in the silence.

He searched every room, his heart pounding as panic set in. The kitchen, the living room, the bedroom—she was nowhere to be found.

On the floor near the door, he found faint scuff marks, as if there had been a struggle. His chest tightened as the realization hit him.

"Damian…" Elk muttered, his fists clenching.

He sank to his knees, his mind racing with fear and anger. The woman he loved, the one who had stood by him through everything, was gone.

But Elk wasn't about to give up. He swore to himself, right then and there, that he would do whatever it took to bring Celeste back. Damian had made a grave mistake, and Elk was determined to make him pay.