chapter 11: Enemy

Rory's mind was a blank. What did she really know about Julian? She had always thought of him as a monster, a shadowy figure who haunted her dreams.

But as she looked up at Marcus, she saw the intensity in his eyes. He needed to know more about Julian, and Rory was the only one who could provide that information.

She took a deep breath, trying to gather her thoughts. "Julian is... charismatic," she said finally. "He's charming and persuasive, but beneath that facade, he's ruthless and cunning."

Ethan's eyes widened. "That sounds like a classic sociopath," he said.

Rory nodded. "I think you're right. Julian has no conscience, no empathy. He's willing to do whatever it takes to get what he wants."

Marcus's expression was grim. "And what does he want?" he asked.

Rory hesitated, unsure of how to answer. But as she looked at Marcus, she knew she had to tell the truth.

"He wants me," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "He's obsessed with me, and he'll stop at nothing to make me his."

The room fell silent, the only sound the ticking of a clock in the corner. Rory felt a shiver run down her spine as she realized the true extent of Julian's obsession.

But as she looked at Marcus, she saw a fierce determination in his eyes. He would protect her, no matter what.

Rory had only met Julian for a while but it feels like she's been with him for years and for those years she was caged, and now the only thing she wanted was freedom from Julian.

And in that moment, Rory felt a spark of hope. Maybe, just maybe, she could escape Julian's clutches and start a new life.

Marcus's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in determination. "We'll do everything we can to keep you safe, Rory," he said. "But we need to know more about Julian's operation. Can you tell us anything about his associates or his plans?"

Rory thought back to her time with Julian, trying to remember any details that might be useful. "There was a woman named Sophia," she said. "She was Julian's assistant, and she seemed to be deeply loyal to him."

Ethan's eyes lit up. "That's a great lead," he said. "We can try to track down Sophia and see if she's willing to talk."

Marcus nodded. "I'll get started on that right away."

Rory felt a sense of relief wash over her. Maybe, just maybe, they were getting closer to taking down Julian.

But as she looked at Marcus, she saw a hint of concern in his eyes. "What is it?" she asked.

Marcus hesitated. "I'm not sure if we can trust Sophia," he said. "If she's as loyal to Julian as you say, she may not be willing to cooperate with us."

Rory nodded, understanding. "I see what you mean."

Ethan stood up, his eyes sparkling with determination. "Don't worry, we'll figure out a way to get to Sophia. And when we do, we'll make sure she tells us everything she knows."

Rory smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Ethan. He was so optimistic, so determined. She couldn't help but feel a little hopeful.

But as she looked at Marcus, she saw a hint of warning in his eyes. "We can't get too confident," he said. "Julian is a powerful enemy, and we need to be careful."

Rory nodded, understanding. She knew that they were in for a tough fight.