< INTRODUCTION >

In a world where witches secretly live among humans, sharing the earth with other powerful beings, danger and mystery are everywhere.

There lives a young man who stands out from the rest. He is dangerously charming just one look into his light blue eyes, as deep and calm as the ocean, and you could feel your heart melting. His smile is enough to send chills running down your skin, both beautiful and terrifying at the same time.

People whisper his name with fear. Some say he is the devil himself... others claim he is far worse. No one dares to cross his path, because those who do rarely live to tell the tale.

==================================

I stood in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection. I don't know how long I had been there, but I was completely lost in my own thoughts. A sad, broken smile tugged at my lips as I tried to fight back the tears threatening to fall. But no matter how hard I tried, they slipped down my cheeks, warm and silent.

Today is my birthday. I'm turning 20 years old. I should be happy... I should be smiling, celebrating, laughing like everyone else does on their special day. But I'm not. Because deep down, I know the truth... I only have a few months left to live.

Yes, you heard me right. My life is counting down.

This cruel disease has been eating me alive since I was eight. I remember that day so clearly, it's burned into my memory forever. I was playing in the backyard with my friends, laughing freely like a normal child... until I collapsed. The next time I opened my eyes, I was in a hospital bed, surrounded by machines, my parents sitting beside me with the saddest expressions I'd ever seen.

Weeks passed before I went home, but nothing was ever the same again. My parents never let me go outside, never let me play with my friends, never let me return to school. Dad started teaching me at home, and life became a cage of four walls and endless lessons. I forgot what the outside world even looked like.

Then, when I turned sixteen, I overheard a conversation that shattered what little hope I had left. My father's voice was heavy, broken, as he said the words that felt like a death sentence: "She only has four years and seven months left to live."

That day, my world crumbled.

They had taken me to countless hospitals, prayed, begged, cried for a miracle... but none ever came. Eventually, even they stopped hoping. And now, all that's left for me is to wait for the day I take my last breath.

I only have one true friend, Helen. She's been my childhood friend for as long as I can remember. Since I was never allowed to visit anyone, she would come to me. Every time she visited, she'd tell me stories about what was happening in the city the fun, the festivals, the life outside my small world. And sometimes, I felt this strange feeling deep in my chest. Should I call it jealousy? Maybe. Because I wished, more than anything, that I could be just a normal kid like her.

But my grandma always told me something I could never forget: "Death is something no one can escape. Everyone will die one day, it's just a matter of time." Her words hurt... but they were true. After hearing them over and over, I stopped being afraid. Maybe this was just my destiny.

Helen doesn't know about my sickness. It's a secret my family has kept from everyone outside these walls. And I'm glad they did... because the last thing I want is for Helen to look at me with pity. I just want to feel normal, at least in her eyes.

"Alina! What the hell is taking you so long to come out?" a voice yelled as the door to my room swung open.

I quickly wiped my tears and looked up to see Helen standing in the doorway.

"I thought you were dead or something, you're taking forever to get your ass out," she said, rolling her eyes playfully.

I forced a small smile and moved away from the mirror to grab my handbag. I was already feeling sad earlier, but hearing that word dead made my heart sink even deeper. I hate that word. It feels too close... like death is already standing right beside me, waiting. I know it's near, but I just don't like being reminded of it.

Still, I can't be angry at Helen. She doesn't know about my sickness. If she did, she'd probably cry herself to death. Sometimes I wonder why she's still my friend. Please don't get me wrong.... I mean, shouldn't she have made new friends by now, hung out with people who aren't locked away like me? But no, she chose to stay, to stick by my side all these years... and I'll forever be grateful. Even if I die, I'll never forget her.

"Sorry," I said softly, walking toward her. "I was just checking to see if I'm beautiful enough to go outside."

"Aww, my poor little thing," Helen said with a teasing grin. "You are beautiful. If this was a werewolf story, I'd say you're the Moon Goddess herself."

Her words made me blush a little.

"You didn't even put on any makeup," she continued, pretending to frown. "And yet you still look stunning. Unlike me, hiding behind layers of makeup."

"You're not bad either," I said with a small laugh. "You're beautiful even without makeup."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever," Helen said, waving me off. "Now hurry up, girl! I can't wait to show you around the city. I'm so happy you finally get to come out!" She grabbed my hand, already pulling me out of the room.

Oh, I forgot to say... My dad told me to ask for anything I wanted for my birthday, and I asked for just one thing, to go outside. Just once, to see the world, to breathe fresh air and look at the beauty I've been missing before I take my last breath. I was shocked when he agreed. Maybe... maybe he's thinking the same thing as me. Maybe he wants me to have one last taste of freedom before my time runs out.

Either way, I'm happy.

And when I told Helen, she was so overjoyed, you'd think she was the one being let out of a cage.

We reached the living room, and my whole family was sitting on the couch, chatting and laughing softly. The moment Mom's eyes landed on me, she stood up quickly, her smile warm full of love. She wrapped her arms around me tightly and whispered, "Happy birthday, my baby." Even though she tried to hide the sadness in her eyes, I could feel it... like a heavy weight pressing on my heart.

Grandma suddenly leaned forward, squinting at me playfully. "Well, well, look at the beautiful birthday girl !" she said, grinning. "Alina... you're shining so bright today, I almost need sunglasses just to look at you!"

Everyone burst into laughter at her words, the sound filling the room. Grandma always had a way of making us laugh, even in the darkest times.

Dad stayed quiet, his gaze fixed on his hands. He rarely looked me in the eyes anymore. I remember asking him once why he avoided my gaze, and his answer broke me: "Because every time I look at you, I feel like a failure... like I couldn't protect my little girl." I had held his hand and told him gently, "It's not your fault, Dad. This isn't something you could save me from... it's destiny."

Before I left with Helen, Dad finally stood, walked over to me, and kissed my cheek softly. "Enjoy your day, my princess," he whispered. Grandma followed, pulling me into a big warm hug and pressing a kiss on my forehead.

With a last glance at my family, I stepped outside with Helen.

The moment my feet touched the ground outside, I froze. The world felt so big, so alive, and I was just standing there, afraid to blink in case it disappeared. The soft breeze brushed against my skin, carrying scents of fresh grass, flowers, and life itself. It felt strange yet beautiful... like a dream I'd been waiting to wake up from for years.

I tilted my head up, staring at the endless blue sky. It was brighter than I remembered, stretching wide like freedom itself. The sun warmed my face, and for a second, I just stood still, letting the warmth sink deep into my bones. My heart raced not from fear, not from sickness but from pure excitement, like a child seeing the world for the first time.

I felt tears prick my eyes, but this time, they weren't from sadness alone. They were from the overwhelming beauty of being outside, breathing the same free air as everyone else. I wanted to run, to laugh, to spin around and scream that I was alive... even if my time was running out.

For years, I had only seen this world through a window. But now, standing here, I realized how much I had missed, how much life I had been locked away from.

Helen looked at me with a soft smile as we walked down to where her driver was waiting. "So..." she said, nudging my arm gently, "how does it feel to finally be outside after all these years?"

I stopped walking for a moment, my eyes wandering over everything the bright sky, the swaying trees, even the small butterflies dancing above the flowers. I took a deep breath, letting the fresh air fill my lungs before I whispered, my voice shaky, "It feels... unreal."

Helen tilted her head, listening closely as I continued, my words trembling with emotion. "It's like I've been trapped in a dark room for so long, and someone finally opened the door to let the light in. The air... the sun... even the smallest sound out here feels like magic." My lips curved into a small, sad smile. "I didn't realize how much I missed all this until now."

Helen's eyes softened, and she squeezed my hand gently. "Well," she said with a playful grin, trying to lighten the mood, "then we're going to make sure you see everything today-the city, the park... but guess where we're going first? The beach!"

Her words made my chest tighten, and before I could stop myself, a tear rolled down my cheek. But this time, it wasn't sadness-it was joy, freedom, and a little piece of happiness I thought I'd never feel again.

"Are you okay?" Helen asked, noticing the tears in my eyes.

"Yes," I said, smiling softly. "Just happy... Please, let's go. I can't wait anymore."

We continued walking until we reached the car. The driver stared at me for a long moment, almost forgetting himself.

"Yes, I know she's beautiful," Helen said, rolling her eyes. "But don't get lost staring. Open the damn door before I get you fired."

The driver quickly blinked and shook his head, snapping back to reality as he hurried to open the door for me. I smiled politely and got in, followed by Helen, who slid in beside me. Moments later, the driver got into the front seat and started the engine.

As we drove off, I couldn't tear my eyes away from the window. My heart was racing as I looked at the streets I hadn't seen in years. The people walking, the shops, the trees swaying gently-it was all so breathtakingly beautiful. For the first time in a long while, I found myself smiling without forcing it.

-----

The journey to the beach took three long hours, but the moment they arrived, As soon as they e stepped out of the car, Alina eyes went wide in wonder. It had been so many years since she last saw the ocean that she couldn't even remember the feeling of being near it. A wave of joy washed over her, making her heart race with excitement.

Without thinking, she kicked off her shoes and ran toward the water, her laughter carried by the wind. She stood at the edge of the sea, watching as the waves rolled in, kissed the shore, and pulled back again. The sound was calming, almost like the ocean was whispering to her. Slowly,  she dipped my feet into the water, shivering at its cold touch but smiling anyway.

Helen stood a little distance away, watching her quietly, her heart softening as she took in the sight. She didn't know why Alina parents had kept her inside for so many years, but one thing was certain-there had to be a reason. And until Alina was ready to tell her, she wouldn't push. She just wanted her to enjoy this moment.

Hours passed as they played like children, laughing, running along the shore, and letting the waves chase them. Finally, as the sun began to set, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, they sat on the sand, side by side, watching the horizon.

"I'll get us some cotton candy," Helen said, standing up and brushing the sand from her dress. "After that, we'll hit the shops and grab a few things before heading home."

Alina smiled softly, nodding, eyes still fixed on the endless waves before her.

A few minutes later, Helen returned with two sticks of cotton candy in her hands, only to stop in her tracks. The spot where Alina had been sitting was empty. Panic flickered in her chest as she glanced around the beach, calling her name.

"Alina!" she shouted, but there was no answer.

Her hands trembled as she placed the cotton candy on the sand. That's when she noticed a delicate bracelet lying there, glinting under the fading sunlight. She picked it up, recognizing it immediately-the small diamond charm was unmistakable.

"This is Alina's..." she whispered, her voice shaky. Fear gripped her heart as a horrible thought crossed her mind. "Wait... has she been kidnapped?"

Helen searched everywhere for Alina, calling out her name, but there was no sign of her. Fear tightened in her chest as panic consumed her. Without wasting another second, she rushed back to the car, her hands trembling as she ordered the driver to head straight to Alina's house.

The drive felt like an eternity. Helen's heart pounded rapidly, her breaths coming out shaky and uneven. What if something bad had happened to Alina? The thought gnawed at her, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't push away the terrifying images flooding her mind. What made it worse was knowing that Alina didn't know her way around-how could she have wandered off alone?

Finally, after what felt like hours, they finally arrived. Helen didn't wait for the driver to stop fully before throwing the door open and sprinting inside.

"Helen, what happened? Where's Alina?" Mrs. Cole demanded, rushing forward as Helen burst into the living room, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"What's wrong, Helen? Why are you crying?" Mr. Cole's voice came from the stairs as he quickly descended, his face etched with worry.

"It's... Alina... I- I can't-" Helen stammered, choking on her words, her sobs making it hard to breathe.

"Calm down, Helen," Mr. Cole urged, though his own voice trembled, his breaths growing uneven. "Take a deep breath and tell us-where's Alina?"

Helen's knees nearly gave out as she finally screamed, her voice cracking under the weight of fear.

"I don't know... but I think Alina has been kidnapped!"

...........

Alina slowly opened her eyes as a ray of sunlight peeked through the slightly opened window. She blinked several times, her mind foggy, until reality hit her like a punch to the gut. She remembered sitting at the beach, waiting for Helen to return with cotton candy. Then suddenly, someone had covered her nose with a cloth drenched in something strong, stealing her consciousness away. Now, she was here in a place unknown.

Her heart raced as her eyes darted around the dimly lit room, searching for an escape. The air felt heavy, thick with dread.

Then, footsteps echoed in the distance. Slow. Steady. Getting closer.

Moments later, a man appeared, towering over her. His cold, predatory eyes locked on her like a cat about to pounce on its prey. A chill shot through her entire body, every hair standing on end.

"Well, well," the man said in a deep, chilling voice. "Looks like I've got myself a pretty little thing."

Alina stared at him in terror, her breath uneven. Why am I here? What does he want? She had only a few months left to live; all she wanted was to spend them happily with her family not like this. Not tied to a chair, not in pain.

"Please," she stammered, her voice trembling, "what do you want from me?"

Instead of answering, the man let out a cruel, mocking laugh. "How could someone with such a pretty face be so foolish?" he sneered. "What do you think kidnappers want when they take someone? I want money, a large sum of it. I'll call your parents and demand the ransom. They have five hours to pay... or else I'll make sure you regret being born before I end your life." His eyes glinted with malice as he added darkly, "And I won't be the only one having fun before that happens."

Alina felt her heart plummet. Death itself didn't scare her anymore, she knew it was coming soon. But this? This horrific end wasn't what she wanted. She wanted to pass peacefully, surrounded by love, not in pain and fear. Tears blurred her vision as she glanced around desperately for a way out, but there was none. Even if there had been, her wrists were tied tight against the chair, leaving her helpless.

The man smirked and walked over to a table where a phone lay. "Call your parents' number," he ordered coldly.

Alina stayed silent, staring at him with pleading eyes, hoping that somehow, deep down, he might let her go. But his gaze was merciless, his heart seemingly made of stone.

"Oh, you don't want to talk?" His voice turned darker, dangerous. "Fine. I'll start making you scream for a different reason." He set the phone down and began moving toward her.

"No! I'll call it!" Alina cried out frantically. She quickly recited the number, trembling all over, as the man dialed.

Seconds later, the line connected.

"Hello?" Mr. Cole's voice came from the other end.

"Who am I?" The kidnapper's tone was calm, chilling. "I'm the one who has your daughter."

Mr. Cole froze, his stomach dropping. Only he, his wife, and Helen knew Alina had gone missing, they haven't inform the police. Sweat formed on his forehead as panic overtook him.

"What do you want from my daughter?" he asked, his voice trembling.

"Nothing much," the man replied casually. "Just a little money. Ten billion dollars. You have five hours to get it ready, or you won't like what I'll do to your daughter."

"What?!" Mr. Cole almost shouted. "Ten billion? Where do you expect me to find that kind of money? Even as a successful businessman, that's impossible! Please, I beg you, don't hurt her. We'll give you what we can, but lower the amount!"

Before he could say more, Mrs. Cole snatched the phone, tears streaming down her face. "Please," she pleaded, her voice breaking. "Don't harm our daughter. We'll do everything we can to get you the money. Just don't hurt her."

The man laughed darkly. "That's the spirit. Daddy you need to find a way to save your daughter." He was about to hang up when Mrs. Cole quickly added, "Please, let us speak to her! We need to know she's alive!"

The man hesitated, then slowly walked over to Alina, holding the phone near her lips.

"M-Mum..." Alina whimpered, her voice shaky and weak.

Mrs. Cole sobbed loudly, clutching the phone like it was her lifeline. Why can't my baby have just a little peace? she thought bitterly. She's already fighting for her life every day, and now this?

"Alina, sweetheart," Mrs. Cole said through her sobs, "nothing will happen to you. I promise we're coming to get you from that monster."

Before Alina could speak again, the man yanked the phone away. "Enough with the family reunion," he said coldly. "Five hours. Get me my money. And don't even think about involving the police unless you want your daughter's corpse delivered to your doorstep."

With that, he ended the call.

*******

In a deserted house near the ocean, Mr. Cole held his trembling wife close with one arm while clutching a heavy suitcase in the other. The air inside the abandoned building was thick with dust and tension, every creak of the wooden floorboards amplifying their fear.

As they stepped inside, they spotted a man sitting lazily on a dirty, torn sofa, his face hidden behind a black mask. His posture was relaxed, but there was something dangerous in the way his gaze followed them.

He rose slowly and approached them, his voice cold and commanding. "Where's my money?"

Mr. Cole tightened his grip on the suitcase and took a deep breath before extending it toward the masked man. "It's here. Now, where is my daughter?"

"Chill, old man," the kidnapper drawled, smirking beneath the mask. "Your precious little girl is safe."

He clapped his hands once, and a few seconds later, a huge man emerged from the shadows, leading a blindfolded Alina by the arm.

"Alina!" Mrs. Cole gasped, rushing forward with tears streaming down her face. She threw her arms around her daughter the moment the blindfold was removed, holding her as though she'd never let go again. "Baby, are you okay?" she asked, frantically checking her over.

"Yes, Mom... I'm fine," Alina whispered, clinging to her mother as if afraid she'd disappear again.

Mr. Cole quickly joined them, wrapping his arms around both of them.

Without sparing another glance at the kidnappers, Mr. Cole guided his wife and daughter out of the house.

A MONTH LATER.......

"Honey, I'm tired of everything," Mr. Cole said, rubbing his temples in frustration. "I've tried my best to convince 'the Devil' to invest in our company, but he won't budge. And if he doesn't invest..." He sighed heavily, his voice cracking. "I'm afraid we might lose everything-even this house."

Just as Mrs. Cole opened her mouth to reply, a soft voice came from behind them.

"Why would we lose the house?"

Both Mr. and Mrs. Cole turned around to see Alina walking toward them, her brows furrowed in concern.

"Hmmm... nothing much," Mr. Cole said quickly, forcing a smile. "We were just... discussing something."

"Dad," Alina said firmly, crossing her arms. "I'm not a little kid anymore. I'm twenty. You can't fool me."

Mr. Cole exchanged a helpless glance with his wife, unsure what to say. He didn't want his daughter to worry, not after everything she'd already been through.

"Alina, it's just..." Mrs. Cole began but trailed off, struggling to find the right words.

"Mom, please," Alina pleaded, her voice trembling slightly. "Just tell me what's going on."

Mrs. Cole took a deep breath and finally met her daughter's eyes. "Alright," she said softly. "I'll tell you."

She hesitated before speaking again, pain evident in her tone. "When you were kidnapped, the kidnapper demanded ten billion dollars. Your father didn't have that kind of money, so he had no choice but to borrow it from the bank... using the company as collateral."

Alina's heart tightened as she listened, her lips parting in shock.

Mrs. Cole continued, "Now, the bank is pressing us hard to repay the money with fifty percent interest. If we fail, they'll seize the company... and even this house."

Alina stood frozen for a moment, her mind blank. Then tears welled up in her eyes, rolling down her cheeks uncontrollably. Because of me... they're losing everything. She felt cursed, like bad luck followed her everywhere she went.

"Darling, stop crying," Mr. Cole said, pulling her into a gentle hug. "Everything will be alright. I just need 'the Devil' to invest in the company, but so far he's refusing. I'll find another way, I promise."

Alina sniffled and wiped her tears, then looked up at her father, confused. "The Devil? Who is that? Is he... is he really the devil from hell?"

Mr. Cole scratched the back of his head nervously, avoiding her gaze at first. But Alina's determined stare left him no choice but to answer.

"The 'Devil'," he said slowly, "is a man feared by everyone. They say he came straight from the darkest parts of hell, a man with a face as beautiful as Adonis, yet more dangerous than any enemy. His voice is deep and enticing, like an angel's whisper... but his smile can freeze your heart and make you feel like you're standing at death's door."

Alina swallowed hard, curiosity and dread mixing in her chest. "What's his name?" she asked softly.

Mr. Cole looked straight into his daughter's eyes, his voice low and heavy.

"Liam Harrington."

........

A man stood beneath the blood-red glow of the setting sun, his hands drenched in crimson, his once-pristine shirt dripping with the blood of his latest victim. The lifeless body at his feet lay twisted on the ground, eyes frozen in eternal terror.

His pitch-black hair clung to his face, partly shadowing eyes so sharp and hypnotic they seemed to pierce through souls. Alluring yet deadly, they were the kind of eyes no one dared hold for more than a heartbeat lest they be consumed by the darkness within them.

Caleb, Liam Harrington's ever-loyal assistant, stood a few steps away, his face impassive though his heart pounded. He had seen his master like this countless times, yet the sight always sent chills crawling down his spine. Clearing his throat carefully, he spoke.

"Master... regarding the Cole family matter," Caleb began, his voice respectful. "They've requested a meeting with you tomorrow afternoon. They'll be bringing their daughter with them. Should I... refuse their request?"

Liam remained silent for a long moment, still gazing at the dying sun as if drawing strength from its fading light. Then, slowly, a cold smile curved his lips.

"Refuse them?" he said, his voice low, velvety, yet laced with danger. "No... why would I refuse?" He finally turned, his gaze locking on Caleb like a predator sizing up prey. "If they're desperate enough to offer me their daughter to save their empire... who am I to deny such a delightful sacrifice?"

His tone dripped with mockery, his eyes glinting with merciless amusement.

Caleb swallowed hard, a flicker of unease flashing across his features. He had witnessed what happened to those who tried bargaining with the Devil before, it never ended well. Still, he bowed his head in obedience.

"As you wish, Master."

Liam's smile deepened, darker this time, as he glanced back at the corpse beside him. The setting sun bathed him in a hellish glow, making him look less like a man and more like the demon the world believed him to be.

"Tomorrow," Liam murmured, his voice a chilling whisper, "will be... interesting."

The next morning, Alina slipped into a loose, pastel-colored t-shirt tucked neatly into a pair of light blue denim jeans. White sneakers hugged her feet, and her hair was tied up in a messy ponytail that framed her delicate features. A small backpack hung casually over her shoulder, giving her a simple yet effortlessly cute look.

Grabbing her phone, she walked out of her room and headed downstairs, where her parents were already waiting, tension heavy in the air.

"Alina," Mr. Cole began, his voice low and hesitant, "I think you should stay home today. The Devil... he's not a man to be trifled with. I don't want to risk your life."

Alina stopped halfway down the stairs, her expression unreadable for a moment before a stubborn fire lit her eyes. "Life? What life, Dad?" she said firmly, surprising even herself with how steady her voice sounded. "The same life that's slipping away in just a few months? If risking what little time I have left can save our family, then I'll do it."

She was startled by her own defiance. Normally, she never argued with her parents, but something inside her refused to back down this time. Something pulled her toward this meeting, as if fate itself was dragging her forward.

Mrs. Cole reached for her hand, worry etched on her face. "Sweetheart, listen to your father. The Devil isn't someone you can reason with. He's dangerous-deadly."

Alina tightened her grip on the strap of her backpack, lifting her chin with quiet determination. "Mom, I'm going," she said, her tone leaving no room for argument. "I can't just sit here doing nothing while you both fight this battle alone. If this is happening because of me, then I'll face him too."

Her parents exchanged a helpless look. They could see it in her eyes-she had made up her mind, and nothing could sway her now. With a heavy sigh, Mr. Cole straightened his jacket and cleared his throat.

"Fine," he said reluctantly, his voice grim. "Let's go."

He turned and walked toward the door, Mrs. Cole following close behind. Alina trailed after them, her heart pounding with a strange mix of fear and an unexplainable pull toward the man they called the Devil.

*****

They had been waiting for over an hour in the spacious meeting room, and Alina's patience what little of it she had was long gone.

She had come here to meet the so-called devil. And yet, here they were the ones in desperate need of his help being made to wait as if their time was worthless.

Her eyes narrowed at the clock. What kind of arrogant man makes people wait this long?

It was unfair. No infuriating.

The words slipped out before she could stop herself.

"Where is the idiot called the Devil?"

Her voice was sharp.

The room froze. Every head snapped toward her in disbelief.

The door opened and a man dressed in black tailored suit entered the room with his assistant following him behind, keeping at least five steps away from him.

Liam entered the room nonchalantly and sat at the head table. As soon as he sat, his eyes glanced at every single person who sat in the room. Soon, his deep voice sounded. "Who said those words"

When he spoke, his voice was deep, calm, and far too controlled.

Everyone stiffened. The very air felt heavier, as though oxygen itself was rationed in his presence.

"I hate repeating myself," Liam said, the cold edge in his voice making sweat prickle on the backs of necks.

Mr. Cole stammered nervously, trying to defuse the suffocating tension. "Please, nothing like that was said. We were... only discussing how good you are."

Liam's lips curled into a slow, humorless smile.

"Do I look like a fool?" He leaned back in his chair, gaze locking on Mr. Cole. "It's fine. I already know who said it."

He raised a hand slightly, and Caleb stepped forward, placing a small, gleaming pocket knife into his palm.

Gasps rippled through the room as Liam rose from his seat. Without a word, he walked to where Mrs. Cole sat.

Then he stood behind her and without hesitation rested the blade against her neck.

The room collectively stopped breathing. Mr. Cole's face drained of color, his hands trembling visibly on the table.

"Let her go!"

The voice came from the far side of the table.

Alina.

She had risen from her chair, her back straight, her eyes locked the devil.

Liam turned his head slightly, his gaze narrowing on the girl who dared interrupt him. A faint smirk touched his lips.

"And if I don't, little one? What if I slit her throat right here and feed her body to my dogs?"

Murmurs of horror filled the room, but Alina's glare only sharpened.

"Then you're a fool."

It was as though the temperature dropped ten degrees in an instant.

Her father's heart nearly stopped. Did she just-?

"Do you have a death wish?" Liam asked, his voice low and dangerous, every word laced with venom.

Alina wanted to tell him the truth-that death was already knocking at her door, and she had nothing left to lose but instead, she only let out a short, mocking hiss.

In a flash, he was in front of her. His hand shot out, gripping her throat with a firm, unyielding hold. His other hand grasped her jaw, forcing her to look up into his eyes.

Their gazes locked.

For a heartbeat, the world around them ceased to exist. His stare was endless and suffocating, like being pulled into the depths of a black ocean. Her pulse hammered against his palm, and yet, she didn't look away.

"I'll ask again," Liam said, voice a deadly whisper. "Do. You. Have. A death wish?"

Before she could respond, he leaned in abruptly, his mouth brushing hers-not in a kiss, but in something painful. His teeth caught her lower lip, biting down hard enough to draw blood before pulling away.

A thin crimson line welled on her lip.

Liam's tongue flicked across his own lips, tasting her blood. "Nice," he murmured, his voice almost amused. "I love the taste."

Heat flushed Alina's face, not from embarrassment, but from sheer fury. Never in her life had anyone treated her like this.

Her parents rushed to her side, pulling her back before she could hurl her rage at him. They dropped to their knees before Liam.

"Please," Mr. Cole pleaded, voice breaking. "She's our only daughter. Don't hurt her. She didn't mean it.... please, Sir."

Mrs. Cole was already crying, her hands clasped together desperately.

Caleb, leaning against the wall, almost scoffed. They should be grateful she was still alive. Anyone else who'd dared speak to his master that way would already be lying cold on the floor.

Liam regarded the couple coolly, then finally said, "It's fine. I will not harm your precious daughter."

The relief on their faces was instant. "Thank you, Sir, thank you-"

"Don't thank me," Liam interrupted. "In fact... I'll invest in your company."

The room stilled. Even Caleb's brows rose slightly.

"Really? You'll... invest?" Mr. Cole asked, hardly believing it.

"Yes," Liam replied simply.

Mr. Cole's shoulders sagged with relief. "Thank you so much, we are beyond grateful-"

"But," Liam's voice cut through, "I want something in exchange."

Caleb's lips twitched. Here it comes, he knows his master would definitely asked for something.

"What do you want? Name it, I promise to give it to you," Mr. Cole said desperately.

Liam's gaze slid to Alina. The faintest smirk tugged at his mouth.

"All I want... is your daughter."

The room was so silent, it felt like the air had frozen. For more than twenty minutes, no one spoke-until Alina suddenly burst into laughter.

Her head tilted back, deep dimples appearing as she laughed so hard that tears welled in her eyes. Anyone watching might have thought she'd gone mad.

Even the Devil himself-Liam-watched her with faint surprise. Did she not hear him? He had just said he wanted her... and she was laughing. Did she think it was a joke?

"Please, ask for anything else," Mr. Cole finally said, his voice cracking. "Alina is our only child."

"I don't want anything else," Liam replied smoothly. "Only her."

Mr. Cole opened his mouth to argue, but Alina spoke first.

"You really want me?"

"Yes," Liam said without hesitation. "That's the only way I'll invest in your father's company."

"Please," Mrs. Cole pleaded, tears streaming down her face. "Not my daughter. Ask for something else."

"But you heard your husband," Liam said coldly. "He promised me anything I asked for. And what I want... is her."

His gaze sharpened. "If you refuse, then I won't invest. And don't dare come to me again."

"You're heartless," Alina muttered, clearly annoyed. What did this man actually want from her?

Liam's smile turned lethal. "Say that again, and I'll have my men take you in public-middle of the road. Dare me." His voice was ice.

"Please, request something else," Mr. Cole begged.

"It's fine, Dad," Alina said suddenly. "I'll go with him."

Everyone stared at her in shock. Caleb, standing in the corner, felt a wave of pity for her. She had no idea the kind of hell she was walking into.

"Keep quiet!" Mr. Cole snapped, glaring at his daughter. This wasn't her. Normally, Alina was quiet and obedient. But today she had insulted the Devil... and now she was agreeing to follow him. Was she trying to die before her time?

"Dad, if this is the only way out, then I'll go," Alina said firmly. In her mind, her life was already ticking away-just a few months left. If she was going to die anyway, why not spend it with the so-called Devil? Maybe it wasn't such a bad decision after all.

Liam studied her with curiosity. Where was this girl getting her courage? Most would be on their knees, begging for mercy. But she stood her ground. One thing was certain-he'd make her regret it.

"Good," he said finally. "Since she's agreed, there's no problem. I'll give you whatever amount you need to rebuild your business. Thank you for your daughter."

He turned toward the door, but halfway there, he stopped and glanced over his shoulder.

"Aren't you coming? Or should I have someone carry you?"

"Why so impatient? Can't it wait until tomorrow?" she asked.

"No. You're my property now, and I don't like my property out of my sight. Now, come here."

Ignoring him, Alina knelt beside her mother, who was still sobbing. "Mom, please stop crying. I'll be fine."

"Fine? With the Devil?" Mrs. Cole's voice trembled. "He could hurt you-"

"I'll be fine," Alina interrupted softly. "I'll visit home when I can. Tell Grandma I love her." She hugged her mother tightly before standing and turning to her father, whose eyes shone with unshed tears.

Wrapping her arms around him, she whispered, "Don't worry about me, Dad. I'll be okay."

They held each other for a long moment before she finally pulled away. She gave them one last wave, then walked toward Liam.

Outside, a sleek black Rolls Royce Phantom waited at the curb. Caleb opened the back door, and Liam slid in first. Alina followed without a word.

The door closed with a heavy thud. Caleb got behind the wheel, started the engine, and the car pulled away.