Chapter 18

Lucian

I finally open my eyes, when my brain focuses on one key component to the entire thing.

Isabelle.

I fight the bright light and force my eyes to adjust to them. I have to make sure that she’s okay.

Instead of me to find her probably tied with me in some other chair or something, she rushes to me completely free, inspecting my eyes and sighing with relief.

“Oh my goodness, thank God you’re awake.” She cries before she is pulled back by a force. “Hey, let go of me, you asshole!” she screams, obviously at the man holding her. I can’t see him properly because of the light.

“Relax, Izzy. You’ve confirmed that he’s awake. Can we begin the negotiations now?” a slurry, commanding voice steps forward.

Negotiations… I don’t like this.

“Isabelle? What is going on? Are you alright?” my eyes finally adjust to the blinding light and I can make out a few men here and there, all with malicious intent etched into their faces.

“There