Setting up traps

Jessica’s POV

The warehouse's air was heavy and moist. Every surface was covered with dust, and the air was slightly scented with mildew. My flashlight beam flashed across piles of abandoned containers, shattered glass, and broken furniture.

I walked carefully, looking around to make sure nothing was missing. Even so, what was I searching for? It was difficult to think that this abandoned structure offered any answers, yet the mysterious text had led me here.

I noticed a tiny metal chest buried beneath a stack of frayed tarps near the rear of the building. I prayed it open with trembling hands and found a worn leather diary inside.

The cover was engraved with the initials M.L.

"David's mom," I muttered.

I opened the journal and saw exquisite handwriting on its fragile pages. When I understood that this might contain the answers to everything, my heart began to accelerate.

I took a seat on the chilly concrete floor and started reading. The entries vividly depicted a woman caught between two strong males. She wrote about her escalating conflict with Victor and her affection for David's father.

Then I discovered it. The entry that broke my heart.

Victor's rage intensifies every day. He finds it hard to believe that I have selected William. I worry about David's future as well as ours. In what ways can I shield my son from his uncle?

The journal slipped out of my hands as I froze.

"Uncle?" With a trembling voice, I whispered.

The parts began to come together terrifyingly. David and Victor were relatives, not just rivals. Blood brothers, but ripped apart by hatred and treachery.

My mind was racing with a million questions. Was David aware? Did he despise Victor because of this? How come he hadn't told me?

The sound of footsteps cut through my thoughts.

The door exploded open before I could duck. With their spotlights piercing the darkness, Victor's soldiers poured into the chamber.

One of them smirked and said, "Found her."

Grasping the journal, I stumbled to my feet. "Remain back!"

Among the men, one moved forward. "We won't hurt you if you come quietly."

I stepped back and shot back, "Like I'd believe that."

I was pulled forward by another man who grabbed my arm. I tried but to no avail.

"Give me a break!" I let out a yell.

They paid no attention. I was pushed into a waiting automobile a few moments later. As we raced across the city, my heart was racing.

The car eventually stopped, and I was pulled inside a different building. This one had a frightening sense of power, nice furniture, and good lighting.

Then I caught sight of Victor.

He leaned back in a leather chair and murmured, "Well, well." "We're meeting again, Jessica."

I scowled at him. "What are you looking for from me?"

Victor grinned icily. "The reality. And maybe a little collaboration.

He gestured toward the diary I was holding. You've been reading, I see. What a tale, isn't it?

I gripped the journal more tightly and didn't respond.

Victor's face darkened as he arose. "You don't hear it all from David, do you? Did he ever bring up our relationship?

Even though I was terrified, I said, "He didn't need to," in a firm voice. "I worked it out on my own."

"Wise girl," Victor remarked. "But you won't be saved by knowing the truth."

His eyes were sharp as he took a step closer. "Although David and I are related by blood, that relationship is now meaningless. He stole everything from me, and I plan to give it back to him.

"You're crazy," I yelled.

Victor laughed. Maybe. But there are benefits to craziness.

Our chat was interrupted by the sound of gunfire outside. With their weapons drawn, Victor's soldiers immediately sprang into action.

Victor grinned. "On time. The time for your shining knight has come.

My heart jumped. David was present.

David's men stormed the building, causing chaos. Victor's hold on my arm was tight as I was pushed into a corner.

"Avoid getting any ideas," he said.

David stormed into the room a few minutes later, aiming his rifle at Victor. I felt a wave of relief wash over me as his eyes met mine.

"Give her up," David ordered in a cold tone.

Victor chuckled. "Brother, you have no right to make demands."

The word made David tense, and his face darkened. "Don't refer to me like that."

With their weapons pointed at David, Victor's soldiers surrounded us. David remained steadfast in the face of the odds.

"You were the one who was always obstinate," Victor remarked in a derisive tone. "But you've lost this time."

Victor turned to face me with a menacing grin. "Jessica, you have to decide now. You can either die with David or betray him and escape alive.

My blood froze. I glanced at David, who had a mute plea in his eyes. My thoughts were racing, caught between loyalty and dread.

Victor's command seemed to reverberate in my ears as the room closed in around me.

Knowing that my decision would alter everything, I inhaled deeply.