CHAPTER:12

Chapter:12

"Zayden"

After giving permission to Harper, I expected him to carry out his duties with precision. But what I didn't expect was the strange feeling that settled in the pit of my stomach as I watched him depart.

*€___________________________€*

All these days went I didn't go back cause of issue in company .

But the thought of Nala being alone with Harper is somehow didn't put me at ease .

Harper is the whom I trained . Whom I taught every brutal way to torture enemies. I hope he knows that he can't do much .

"Harper says he will just get the truth but with ease ," I said to myself, trying to shake off the feeling of unease.

But as the days wore on, I found myself growing increasingly restless. My mind wandered back to Nala, wondering what she might be going through.

I hope Harper did not cross the limits. I should go myself to see it but it's important for me to be in office right now .

I hate it that I can't think straight now. She's just a girl why ? Why am I thinking about her?

She's my enemy.

She'smy prisoner.

She's my toy to play .

I have to let my anger out on her .

I have to hate her..

With these thought in mind I did not know when did my eyes close .

There's Nala . But there's darkness to .

Its similar. Environment is similar .

Darkness swallow everything suddenly and then, it hit me – her screams, her begging for mercy. I suddenly open my eyes .

And then reality hit me. it's just a dream a nightmare it's not reality . But I also didnot hear from Harper it's been many days .

And then I felt a pang of guilt, wondering if I had made a terrible mistake.

But I pushed the thought aside, focusing instead on the task at hand. I had to find out what Nala knew, and I had to do it quickly.

As the hours ticked by, I grew more and more agitated. Where was Harper? Why hadn't he returned?

His phone is off to . I didn't even know how many the mana he take .

And then, just as I was starting to lose hope, I heard the sound of footsteps echoing through the hallway.

I stand up waiting to hear some news.

Harper appeared in the doorway, a look of grim determination etched on his face.

Finally he's here .

"She's still not talking," he said, his voice low and even.

It's been many days .

I have given him many days but all I get to hear is not talking .

I felt a surge of anger, a burning rage that threatened to consume me whole.

"How is that possible?" I thundered, slamming my fist on the desk.

Harper took a step back, his eyes widening in surprise.

"I don't know, boss," he said, his voice shaking slightly.

So, I was just worrying that he will torture her to much maybe he just . Just talk to her .

I glared at him, my anger boiling over.

"Get out," I spat, my voice venomous.

"Believe me I have tried everyway but still she's not talking" he says.

"Get out" I shout again .

Harper nodded hastily and backed out of the room, leaving me to seethe in silence.

As I sat at my desk, my mind racing with possibilities, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease.

I had given Harper permission to do whatever it took to get Nala to talk.

He says that he try every way . I am sure he torture her to hell but still she ...she she . She didn't speak a word. A single word .

Does something happen to her before . The memories of that day when I took her flash back her crying and begging for her assistant to wake up .

I wonder what the hell have happened to her .

What have made her like this .

How can she endure such pain and still not talk .

I told Harper to went easy maybe he was really easy on her .

But now, I wasn't so sure.

Had I made a terrible mistake?

As the hours ticked by, I grew more and more agitated.

I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.

No,no I have to go myself .

I will make her speak .

I'm not going to show mercy Nala be ready .

I stand up from my chair and walk staright to my office door .

I pushed open the door and then walk through the corridor toward parking. I start my car and drive straight to my house .

I will do everything.

I will make a hell out of her.

I will torture her untill she speak.

I will do everything it take .

For my parents , My family, For justice

and for myself .

For the innocent zayden. Who was killed by these monster .

They are devil's in the human body .

*Animals are better then humans at least they kill only when they are hungry*".

*They only hunt there prey not there friends , family*.

*€____________________________€*

I park my car and pushed open the door of my mansion , My house covered in the dark black color . It the best shade in this world that feel real .

I walk straight toward kitchen .

"How's she"I ask my maid .

"Boss , she asleep" she said .

"Okay " I said .

She doesn't know what the hell is going to happen . She sleeping even in this ...

Whatever .

I will see her wait .

I went straight to my room I took a shower , change clothes .

I came down

"Is she still asleep " I ask my maid .

She remain silent . Which cause my anger level up ."I'm asking you . Is she still asleep!"

"boss... Bosss I don't know . I was busy in the house chores. since your ..your assistance went in again" she hesitantly said.

"what harper is here but I didn't ask him to come bac_"

Before I finish my sentence I hear scream .

Not one , not two continuously .as if someone is pulling off skin of someone . Someone who is girl ...girl .

I hurry to my basement I walk down stairs .

I didn't know but the screams make me nervouse and what I saw I can't belived .

Not one , not two but it's five man hitting someone .

Hitting a girl .

Hitting Nala .

I can't believe. Harper can be this cruel . He being this much shit .

"stop" I bark loudly .

"I said stop you fools"

"boss you..you are here" Harper said with fear in his eyes .

"what the hell is happening Harper I told you to not be to cruel . Not to cross your line" I said .

"well boss. She ….she" .

"She's what Harper .she's what" I bark .

"Boss, she did not speak and you were mad when I tell you so I . I. Just wanted to make her speak"

"Make her speak by using this much force on some.. weak girl".

"get out!" I said while trying to cool my anger .

Which I don't know why am I angery ?

"What,boss" Harper said confuseingly .

"I say get out, now!" I shout again .

In just some seconds all of them leave there nothing .

No one is here .

Except for me and her.

I walk closer to her .

There blood everywhere.in her clothes,in her hairs, even her faced in covered in red .

Now right now when I hold her face up and take a look at her pretty pale face which is messed up now .

I saw her eyes . there's pain, sadness , fear , betrayal and darkness .

Her brown eyes seems to turn black and reds.

Just by looking at her now something hard broke inside me. I don't know what is it?.

I have never felt any emotion those past years .

I was just like a puppet doing his work .but now she ..she open those wounds again .

"are you okay" I worriedly says as I help her to sit on the chair .

"Never seen a hunter.... Hunter worried about his .... His prey" her words hardly leave her mouth . I can barely hear her whisper them but they are enough to make me think again about what's happening.

"well, you didnot look good .so I ask . I don't want you to die before getting any truth" I says as she look at me in eyes .

"well I better die . You better kill me .keeping me alive means letting an ant escape from your land just to drown into the ocean"

She says . "I have to die sooner or later . I will be grateful to you if you kill me" .

What is she saying?

Is she in her mind .

Psychopath .

"Well I will grant your that wish to . If you tell me all the truth and location of kaiden's" I say hoping she speak now .

"well, what if I say I don't know . And even if I know I will never tell you" she say and then she spit blood . Oh god she not in good condition .

.

"Just kill me" she says .

Oh fine I will kill you . I also wanna kill some one .

I repeat these word again and again in my brain . To be distracted .

I wanted to punch her but seeing her condition I don't think I will do that .

So I just stand straight walk toward stairs and walk upwards .

I closed the door of basement and locked it .

My phone ring I pick my phone and put basement key in my pocket .

"yes what happen?" I ask .

"Zayden , we get a clue . A hint" Aidyn says happily .

"What is it ?" I ask with a bored tune .

"I think I saw kaiden" he say

"what!" I ask .

"Wait , wait I'm coming office right now lets talk later."

I rushed toward my car and drive as fast as I can .

After some minutes I reach my office .

I run toward Aidyn office .

"What happened tell me now" I ask Aidyn rushly . " well wait a bit . Sit down first" .

And then he tell me all about what happened.

He was just searching about those cars in the parking of the seaport where I capture Nala .and then he sew a strange cars . He followed it . And saw a man wearing black long coast .

As soon as he stand out of his car. His man shout "hello kaiden boss" .

"What .what did they says" I ask confusingly.

"Kaiden's , yes he's there now I'm tracking his cars" he says .

"great work Aidyn. I really appreciate to have an employee and a friend like you" I says .

*€______________________________€*

I went back to my office .

As I sat at my desk, engrossed in my work, I couldn't shake off the feeling of exhaustion that had been building up over the past two days. I had been so caught up in my tasks that I hadn't even had a chance to go back home.

Just then, Harper's voice broke into my thoughts. "Sir, sir…" he said, his tone hesitant.

I looked up, my mind still foggy from the intensity of my focus. "Yes?" I replied, my voice a little gruff.

"Boss, we're saying that it's getting harder to track Kaiden right now, so why don't we take a break?" Harper suggested, his eyes filled with concern.

"Everything was going smooth what happened now?"

"Boss it's seems like they get a clue about us . Now, they are being super cautious. We can't find them"

"So"

I frowned, my initial instinct to push through and keep working. "Well, it's getting hard, so we should try harder," I said, my voice firm.

But Harper's expression remained worried. "Boss, it's completely out of our reach. We can't locate him for now. Everyone's working hard, but how about we all take a leave for one day?" he asked, his tone laced with a hint of desperation.

I glanced around the room, taking in the exhausted faces of my team. I knew they were all running on fumes, and a break would do them good. "Fine, let's take a break," I said finally, my voice a little softer.

As I stood up and began to walk towards my office, I heard Aidyn's voice calling out to me. "Zayden, Zayden…"

I stopped and turned around, my eyes meeting Aidyn's. "What?" I asked, my tone a little curt.

Aidyn's expression was serious. "Well, all of us are tired. How about we go home first?" he suggested.

I hesitated for a moment before responding. "Well, I have given permission to Harper," I said, my voice a little defensive.

Aidyn's eyes locked onto mine. "Well, I know, and I think you should go back and rest too," he said, his tone firm.

I sighed, feeling a twinge of frustration. "Well, Aidyn, look – I'm not tired, and I still have some work to do," I said, my voice a little testy.

But Aidyn's expression remained unconvinced. "But Zayden, there's someone you have to see. And take care of, right?" he said, his eyes glinting with a knowing light.

I felt a jolt of recognition, knowing exactly who Aidyn was referring to. Nala she was in bad state the last time I visit her. I haven't been back for days is she fine .

Yeah she will be fine . Maid sure have taken good care of her .

"Fine," I said finally, my voice a little softer.

I walked with Aidyn towards my car, my mind already turning towards the task ahead. As we drove to my house, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had been building up inside me.

When we arrived, I walked towards the kitchen, my stomach growling with hunger. My maid was busy with her chores, and she looked up as I entered. "I'm hungry," I said, my voice a little gruff.

"Yes, boss just sit down and I'll serve you. Dinner is ready," she replied, her eyes smiling.

I sat down, picking up my spoon as she served me. But as I began to eat, my mind wandered back to Nala. I had been so caught up in my work that I had forgotten all about her.

"Did she eat?" I asked my maid, my voice a little sharper.

My maid looked at me confused. "Who, sir?" she asked.

I frowned, feeling a twinge of irritation. "Well, my prisoner, the one in basement" I said, my voice a little testy.

My maid's expression changed, her eyes widening in surprise. "Sir, you have locked the basement when you went to the office two days ago. I thought she was dead and you took care of her," she said, her voice trembling.

I felt a cold dread creeping up my spine as I realized the truth. I had forgotten about Nala, I was angry at her and zayden of Aidyn call I forget about keys .

I left her to rot in the basement. And now, I had no idea if she was even still alive.

I pushed my chair back, my heart racing with anxiety. "I'll go check on her," I said, my voice tight with worry.

"Boss, is she alive . She will be dead by now" my maid says

"Mind your own business . I didn't ask for your advise . Did I ?

" I says

My maid nodded, her eyes filled with concern. "no no.. boss," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

I rushed towards the basement, my heart pounding in my chest. My hand shook as I opened the lock, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios.

As I walked down the stairs, my legs trembling beneath me, I couldn't help but pray that Nala was still alive. Please, I thought, please let her be okay.

The darkness of the basement seemed to closing in around me as I stood there, frozen in time. It had been two days since I'd last set foot in this damp, dingy space. Two days since I'd last checked on my prisoner, Nala.

A wave of guilt washed over me as I gazed down at her motionless form. She lay on the cold, hard floor, her fragile body battered and bruised covered in dry blood . I felt a pang of regret for having forgotten about her, for having left her to suffer in this bleak, unforgiving environment.

"Nala," I whispered, my voice barely audible over the sound of my own ragged breathing. "Nala, can you hear me?"

But there was no response. No flicker of movement. No indication that she was even still alive.

I felt a cold dread creeping up my spine as I realized the true extent of my negligence. I had left her to die, alone and unattended in this damp, dark basement.

With a sense of urgency, I turned and made my way back upstairs, my heart heavy with regret. I needed to get help, and fast. I needed to find a way to make things right, to undo the damage that I had done.

As I emerged into the bright, sunlight-filled world above, I felt a sense of disorientation wash over me. The contrast between the darkness of the basement and the warmth and light of the outside world was jarring, to say the least.

I took a deep breath, trying to clear my head. I needed to focus, to think clearly. I needed to find a way to save Nala, to make things right.

With newfound determination, I set off to find the doctor, my heart heavy with regret and my mind racing with thoughts of what could have been.

I call my personal doctor. Luckily she was nearby . She came here hurriedly.

"What happened" she ask .

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine but she... she's not" I says trembling.

"Where's she" She ask .

"Basement" she run there .

On the ways she shout .

"Call my assistant and tell her to take everything. It's an emergency" she shout .

I call her assistant.

After some time her assistant came with some large stuff .

I show them the basement. I can't find enough courage to go there.

As I stood anxiously out of the basement, waiting for the doctor to emerge with news of Nala's condition, I couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. After some hours doctor's footsteps echoed up the stairs, and I felt my heart racing with anticipation.

As she appeared before me, I searched her face for any sign of hope. "Please, doctor, tell me she's alive," I begged, my voice barely above a whisper.

I can't be this weak but it's my fault .

The doctor's expression was somber, but she nodded reassuringly. "Well, I've taken care of her. She's out of danger," she said, her voice measured.

But then she paused, her eyes clouding over with a hint of uncertainty. "But," she continued, her voice trailing off.

My heart sank, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios. "But what?" I pressed, my voice tight with anxiety.

The doctor's eyes met mine, filled with a deep sadness. "I don't have much courage to say that she can live now," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

I felt as though I'd been punched in the gut, my breath knocked out of me. "What do you mean?" I asked, my voice shaking with fear.

The doctor's expression was grim. "I mean, she's out of danger, but if she doesn't wake up by morning, it will be hard to say that she can live," she explained, her words dripping with a sense of hopelessness.

I felt a cold dread creeping up my spine as I processed the doctor's words. Nala's life hung precariously in the balance, and I was the one responsible for putting her there.

The doctor's voice broke into my thoughts, her words a stark reminder of the reality of Nala's situation. "Well, sir, I have a question to ask," she said, her tone measured.

I nodded, my mind still reeling from the news. "Yes?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

The doctor's eyes met mine, filled with a deep concern. "There are many wounds on her body. Can I ask what happened?" she asked, her voice gentle but probing.

I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. I had never intended for things to go this far, for Nala to suffer so greatly at my hands. "Well, she's one of my enemies," I said finally, my voice tight with emotion. "But I didn't intend to do that much."

The doctor's expression was skeptical, but she said nothing. Instead, she asked, "For how many years she been here?"

I felt a twinge of guilt, knowing that I had been responsible for Nala's suffering for so short a time. "Not years," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "Just twenty-four or twenty-five days, I guess."

The doctor's eyes widened in shock, her expression a picture of horror. "But sir, her body is full of scars. Not just deep, but ruthless. What happened to her?" she asked, her voice trembling with emotion.

I felt a cold dread creeping up my spine as I realized the true extent of Nala's suffering. The doctor's words painted a vivid picture of a girl who had been through hell, a girl who had been subjected to unimaginable cruelty and abuse.

As I stood there, frozen in shock and horror, the doctor's words echoed in my mind. "Each scar is filled with hatred," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "And in my whole career, I've never seen cuts like these. I'm shocked to see that she's still alive."

I felt as though I'd been punched in the gut, my breath knocked out of me. What had I done? What had I subjected Nala to? The thought of it was too much to bear, and I felt my knees buckle beneath me.

The doctor's voice broke into my thoughts, her words a stark reminder of the reality of Nala's situation. "Can I see her?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

The doctor nodded, her expression somber. "Yes, but you have to take care of her more than anything," she said, her voice firm.

I nodded, my mind still reeling from the news. As I walked downstairs to Nala's room, I felt a sense of trepidation. What would I find? Would Nala be okay?

As I entered the room, I was met with a sight that took my breath away. Nala lay motionless on the bed, a drip attached to her hand and an oxygen mask covering her face. Her eyes were closed, her chest rising and falling with each shallow breath.

I felt a cold dread creeping up my spine as I took in the sight before me. What had I done to her? What had I subjected her to?

I walked slowly towards the bed, my heart heavy with regret. As I reached out to take Nala's hand.

I remember doctor words.

I roll her sleeves up and she's...she for real .there are scars deep , ruthless in criss cross pattern especially at her wrist .

Memories of her crying flash back . Her screams full my mind . I can't think of other things . I fell like it's not her . It's me myself . It's the torture i gone through. What if she goes throught the same .

What if I ... I ... Include more ..

That's the reason when was begging for death .

Oh no no no . I ..I turn into a complete monster .

No .

I held Nala's hand, my voice cracking with desperation as I begged her to wake up. "Please, please wake up. I promise I will never hurt you. Please, Nala, please. I beg you, please. Wake up and tell me. Tell me everything about these scars. I want to listen to your story, please," I pleaded, my words tumbling out in a frantic rush.

I begged her for what felt like an eternity, but she didn't wake . Her body remained still, her chest rising and falling with shallow breaths. I continued to beg her, my voice growing hoarse, until the darkness finally claimed me, and I fell asleep.

A ray of sunlight streaming through a small window woke me up, and I opened my eyes to realize what had happened. I sat up with a start, my heart racing with anxiety, and looked around frantically for Nala. She was still unconscious, her heartbeat weak and irregular.

I shook her gently, my voice shaking with desperation. "Hey, hey Nala. Hey, wake up. Wake up," I shouted again and again, my words echoing off the cold, damp walls of the basement.

It was all because of me. I was the reason she was in this state. My revenge had consumed me, and I had taken an innocent life. I had made her like this. Even though Harper had tortured her, I was involved too. I was just as guilty.

I leapt to my feet, my mind racing with panic, and rushed to my study. I grabbed the phone and dialed the doctor's number, my hands shaking with urgency.

"Hey, hey," I said, my voice rushed and frantic. "She's not waking up. She's not waking up. What should I do?"

The doctor's voice was calm and measured, but her words were like a knife to my heart. "Well, sir, I'm afraid it's what was meant to happen. No one can work against destiny. I suggest you prepare yourself mentally."

I was left standing there, feeling helpless and defeated. So, she was just going to die like this? I felt a wave of frustration wash over me, and I slammed my fist onto the desk.

What had happened? Why had it happened? I hated myself for my part in Nala's suffering. I was the reason she was dying.