Vow of Vengeance

Aurora's pulse pounded in her ears as she gripped the key Lorenzo had given her. It felt cold against her palm, a stark contrast to the heat rising in her chest. Was this a trick? A test? Or was he truly giving her a chance to escape?

She wouldn't waste time questioning it.

The mansion was eerily silent as she stepped into the dimly lit hallway. Every footstep felt deafening, her breathing shallow as she made her way toward the north wing. The long corridors twisted into unfamiliar territory, but she followed her instincts, heart hammering with anticipation.

She reached the door.

Sliding the key into the lock, she held her breath as it turned with a soft click.

Freedom.

With one last glance behind her, Aurora pushed the door open and stepped into the crisp night air.

For the first time since her kidnapping, she felt a surge of hope. The gardens stretched before her, the estate's high walls visible in the distance. Beyond those walls lay the city, her old life.

She ran.

Barefoot on the cold grass, she sprinted toward the pathway Lorenzo had spoken of. The silence of the estate was deceptive—she knew his men were out there. Shadows lurked near the gates, the distant flicker of cigarette embers giving away their positions.

She crouched behind a stone fountain, her breaths ragged. She had to be smart.

A car engine rumbled somewhere beyond the hedges. If she could make it past the guards, maybe she could slip away unnoticed.

The path Lorenzo had mentioned was just ahead.

One chance.

Her muscles tensed as she prepared to move, but then

"Going somewhere?"

The voice was smooth, dangerously close.

Aurora spun around, and her breath hitched.

Lorenzo.

He stood just a few feet away, dressed in a dark coat, hands casually in his pockets as if he had been waiting for this moment.

Her blood turned to ice.

She bolted.

She didn't care about consequences—her body moved on instinct, pushing past the hedges, dodging the marble statues that lined the garden.

Footsteps followed, steady, unhurried.

He wasn't running. He didn't need to.

Aurora made it to the gate, her fingers gripping the cold iron bars. She looked around desperately for a way to climb, but before she could even attempt it, a strong arm wrapped around her waist.

Her body was wrenched back, a gasp escaping her lips as she collided with a firm chest.

Lorenzo.

His grip was unbreakable, his breath warm against her ear.

"You really thought it would be that easy?" he murmured, amusement lacing his tone.

Aurora struggled, but he tightened his hold.

"Let me go!" she hissed.

Lorenzo chuckled. "You had your chance, tesoro. And now, I hope you understand—" He turned her to face him, his dark eyes unreadable. "I decide when and if you leave."

Her chest heaved, fury and helplessness clashing inside her.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out the key she had used.

Her heart dropped.

Lorenzo smirked. "Did you really think I'd give you the real one?"

The realization hit her like a punch.

This had been a lesson.

A cruel, calculated lesson.

Aurora clenched her jaw as he leaned in, his voice a whisper against her skin.

"You belong to me now, Aurora. The sooner you accept that, the easier this will be."

The night air suddenly felt suffocating.

Lorenzo loosened his grip but didn't release her completely. "Come," he ordered, his voice leaving no room for argument.

Aurora had no choice but to follow.

As they walked back toward the mansion, her mind raced.

She might have lost this battle.

But the war was far from over.