The Price of Sacrifice

A New Prison

The moment the door slammed shut behind her, Emma knew—

There was no going back.

The dimly lit hallway stretched before her, cold and unwelcoming.

Two guards flanked her, their grips like iron on her arms.

She didn't fight.

Didn't struggle.

Not because she wasn't terrified—

But because she knew it was pointless.

Moretti had won.

For now.

—

A Room Without Escape

They led her down a series of winding corridors.

The air was thick with dust, the scent of old metal and oil lingering.

Then—

A heavy steel door creaked open.

A single dim bulb flickered overhead.

Inside, a cot, a chair, and a small table.

No windows.

No way out.

The guards shoved her forward.

She stumbled.

Caught herself before she could hit the floor.

Then—

The door slammed shut.

She was alone.

—

The Weight of Silence

Emma's breath was unsteady.

She pressed her palms against the cold steel door.

Listened.

Nothing.

She turned.

The silence was deafening.

A lump formed in her throat.

She had chosen this.

She had saved Alexander.

But at what cost?

Her heart ached.

Would she ever see him again?

—

A Visit from the Devil

Hours passed.

Or maybe it was minutes.

Time blurred in the suffocating quiet.

Then—

Footsteps.

The lock clicked.

Emma braced herself.

The door opened, and Moretti stepped inside.

Smiling.

—

A Sick Game

"Comfortable?"

Emma's fists clenched.

She didn't answer.

Moretti chuckled.

"Brave little thing, aren't you?"

He stepped closer.

"You made a very noble decision, Ms. Carter."

Emma's jaw tightened.

"Get to the point."

Moretti's eyes gleamed.

"So eager to play, hmm?"

He leaned in.

"Tell me, do you think Kingston will come for you?"

Emma didn't blink.

"He will."

Moretti smirked.

"That's what I'm counting on."

—

A Threat That Cut Deep

Emma's stomach twisted.

"What do you mean?"

Moretti sighed.

"You see, I could kill you right now."

His gaze darkened.

"But where's the fun in that?"

He leaned against the table, watching her.

"I want him to suffer."

Emma's throat went dry.

"That's why you kept me alive."

Moretti smiled.

"Smart girl."

—

A Dangerous Bargain

Emma forced herself to stand taller.

"You don't have to do this."

Moretti laughed.

"Oh, I do."

He tilted his head.

"But I am a businessman, Ms. Carter."

His voice dropped.

"I could be persuaded otherwise."

Emma's blood ran cold.

"What do you want?"

Moretti's smile widened.

"A deal."

Emma's heart pounded.

"What kind of deal?"

He stepped closer.

"Break him."

Emma's breath caught.

"Excuse me?"

Moretti's voice was smooth.

"Convince him you don't love him. That you never did."

Emma's chest ached.

Moretti smiled.

"Do that, and I'll let you walk away."

—

A Choice She Couldn't Make

Emma's mind spun.

Betray Alexander?

Shatter him to save herself?

No.

Never.

She lifted her chin.

"Go to hell."

Moretti's eyes darkened.

"Wrong answer."

Then—

Pain.

A sharp slap across her face.

Her head snapped to the side.

Her cheek burned.

She bit back a cry.

Moretti exhaled.

"Think about it."

Then—

He was gone.

Leaving her in the dark.

—

A Heartbreaking Decision

Emma sank onto the cot.

Tears burned her eyes.

She wouldn't do it.

She wouldn't break Alexander.

But how long could she hold out?

And how long before Moretti decided he was done playing?

Her hands shook.

She had to find a way out.

Before it was too late.

—

A Message in the Dark

Days passed.

Maybe more.

Her body ached.

She barely ate.

Moretti didn't visit again.

Not yet.

Then—

A sound.

A soft knock against the wall.

Emma's heart leapt.

She pressed her ear against the cold brick.

Then—

A whisper.

"Emma?"

Her breath hitched.

That voice.

That deep, familiar voice.

"Alexander?"

—

A Desperate Reunion

Tears spilled.

She pressed both hands against the wall.

"Are you okay?" she whispered.

Silence.

Then—

"I will be."

Her throat tightened.

"You shouldn't be here."

His voice was rough.

"I had no choice."

Emma's heart ached.

"They're going to kill you."

A pause.

Then—

"Not before I get you out."

—

A Plan Takes Shape

Emma's breath was shaky.

"How?"

Alexander's voice was low.

"Listen carefully. We don't have much time."

She listened.

Every word.

Every detail.

Then—

A single promise.

"I'm coming for you."

—

A War Begins

The sound of footsteps.

Emma's pulse spiked.

"Go!" she whispered.

Silence.

Then—

He was gone.

The door creaked open.

Moretti's men stepped in.

Grinning.

"It's time."

Emma's hands fisted.

She wasn't afraid.

Not anymore.

Because now—

Now she had hope.

And hope was the most dangerous weapon of all.