My Death Was My Revenge, His Regret Came Too Late

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This was my 11th year working for Westley Grimshaw. Eleven years as his private bodyguard. His shadow. His weapon. And tonight I decided I was done.

I walked into a tiny secret pharmacy on the south side of the city. The kind of place people only visited when they didnt want questions. The neon light flickered and the whole place smelled like cheap antiseptic. I dropped a thick roll of cash on the counter.

The old pharmacist looked at it, then at me. What do you need?

Something thatll make people think Im dead.

He stared like he was waiting for me to laugh.

I didnt.

After a moment he sighed and shuffled to the back. When he came out, he slid a small glass vial across the counter.

Fake death pill, he said. Pulse slows down little by little. Breathing fades. By the fourtenth day youll look completely dead.

My fingers tightened around the vial. And after that?

Youll wake up in two days later, he said. If nobody buries you first.

A small laugh slipped out of me. Yeah. Thatd be awkward.

He studied my face again. Girl whatever youre trying to escape from must be hell.

The snow outside hit my face like knives. I pulled my coat tighter and started walking back toward Westleys mansion.

Eleven years.

My mind drifted back to that winter eleven years ago. I was twelve and the country was starving. People were selling everything just to survive. Some sold their homes. Some sold their kids, but me?

I sold myself.

One thousand dollars. That was what a slave broker paid for me. Why? Because my little sister was starving and I thought maybe if I disappeared shed live longer.

Stupid kid.

The broker never made it to the city. The gang attacked the convoy in the mountains. Kids were screaming and horses were crashing through the snow. When it was over everyone was dead.

Everyone except me.

I crawled through the snow with broken ribs and frozen hands. I remember thinking so this is how I die.

Cold. Alone.

Then headlights cut through the storm. A black Rolls Royce stopped in front of me. The door opened and a boy stepped out.

Westley Grimshaw.

Fifteen years old and already the most feared heir in the New York mafia world. He looked down at me lying in the snow like I was just another stray animal.

You still breathing? he asked casually.

I forced my eyes open.

He crouched beside me and tilted his head slightly. You wanna live?

I nodded so hard my vision spun. P-please I dont wanna die.

He watched me for a second, then stood. Put her in the car, he told his driver. Then he looked down at me again. But listen carefullyFrom today on, your life belongs to me. Understand?

I didnt even hesitate. Okay.

That night he gave me hot porridge. A thick winter coat. And a knife.

Youll need it, he told me.

From that day on, he trained me himself. Guns, knives, surveillance, killing without leaving evidence. By the time I was grown, people in the underworld called me Westley Grimshaws ghost. But somewhere along the way something inside me broke.

When did I start loving him?

Maybe the time I nearly died during a mission and he stayed at my hospital bed for three days straight.

Maybe when he taught me how to write properly and leaned over my shoulder, his breath warmed against my ear.

Or maybe that stupid charity gala last year when someone drugged him. And he dragged me into his office that night and pushed me against the wall.

Dont move, he muttered hoarsely.

B-boss youre not thinking straight.

Stop calling me that tonight, he said, gripping my waist.

His eyes were dark. Dangerous. Then he kissed me hard. Like hed been holding it back for years.

After that night we never talked about it. Not once.

But every few days he came to my room. Sometimes it was gentle, sometimes it's rough like he needed to burn something out of his system.

He never promised me anything. And I never asked. Because who was I? Just the girl he picked up from the snow. Just his bodyguard. Just his secret.

Westley Grimshaw never loved anyone.

Until the day he carried a girl into the mansion.

I was standing in the hallway when he walked in with her in his arms. At first I didnt care. Westley saved people sometimes. But then the girl lifted her face.

My blood froze.

No.

That couldnt be

It was her! My little sister. Natalia. The sister I thought died years ago.

Westley set her down gently and she looked around the mansion. Then her eyes landed on me.

She froze.

Amelia?

Before I could even breathe she ran straight at me and wrapped her arms around my neck. Sister! she cried, shaking. Oh my God, its really you! I thought you died!

My hands trembled as I hugged her back. Natalia youre alive?

I missed you so much, she sobbed. I looked everywhere for you.

I pulled back slightly. What happened? How did you survive?

She wiped her tears. After you disappeared I lived on the streets for a while. Then a rich family adopted me. They raised me like their daughter. Her voice cracked. But a few days ago a gang attacked their house. Everyone died except me.

She glanced toward Westley.

He saved me.

For a moment my chest filled with something warm. Maybe God finally decided to stop punishing me. But then I looked at Westley.

And I noticed the way he was looking at Natalia.

Soft.

Interested.

Different.

My stomach twisted. Why was he looking at her like that? No Amelia, youre imagining things.

Right?

Right?

Westley never trained Natalia the way he trained me. He never handed her a gun or a knife and told her to learn how to survive. Instead he hired private tutors. Piano, art, chess, languages. Expensive teachers from New York and Europe came in and out of the mansion like she was some princess.

Natalia hated the dark, so he had the staff install warm lights all around her backyard and hallway. She once mentioned she liked pear blossoms and a month later the gardeners planted an entire row of imported pear trees outside her windows.

I watched all of it quietly.

Funny, right? I had spent 11 years bleeding for him and the girl only had to smile.

Then Natalia got poisoned.

A rival mafia heir named George Vale was behind it. People called him the 3rd Prince of the underworld because his family controlled half the criminal networks on the East Coast. Everyone also knew something else about him.

He was sick in the head.

George called Westley personally. I was standing in the room when the call came.

Your little princess got poisoned, George said through the speaker, sounding amused. But dont worry. Ive got the antidote.

Westleys voice was calm. What do you want?

George laughed. Send me Amelia. Your famous bodyguard. Ill keep her for a month. When the month ends you get the antidote.

The room went silent.

Everybody knew what that meant. Not a single person who entered George Vales estate ever walked out whole.

I looked at Westley.

Just one word, I thought. Just say no. Just once.

Ill pick her up in a month, he said coldly.

That was it. No hesitation. No argument. Just one sentence.

That month was the darkest time of my life. George didnt even touch me the way people expected. Turns out he couldnt. But that didnt stop him from enjoying the sound of people breaking.

The first week he strapped me to a chair and slowly crushed my fingers one by one with a metal press used for cracking bones. Not enough to destroy them completely. Just enough to hear them crack.

Youre famous, Amelia, he said, leaning close. I expected you to scream louder.

Im not in the mood to entertain you, I muttered through blood in my mouth.

He laughed like I told a joke.

Another day he locked me in a freezer room used for storing meat. No coat. No shoes. Just a thin shirt and the cold chewing into my skin for hours until my body stopped shaking and started going numb.

He came in sometimes just to watch.

Still alive? he asked casually one night.

Unfortunately for you, I whispered.

He grinned and slammed the door again.

But the worst day was near the end.

They tied my arms down and forced my hands into a bucket filled with acid diluted just enough not to melt everything instantly.

I remember the smell first.

Then the pain.

It felt like my bones were burning inside my skin. I bit down so hard I cracked one of my teeth.

George crouched in front of me, fascinated.

Say it hurts, he said. Just once. Thats all I want.

I didnt say a word.

By the time they pulled my hands out, strips of skin were gone and my knuckles looked like something dragged out of a horror movie.

I woke up later staring at my fingers wrapped in dirty bandages. I could still see patches of white bone underneath.

The night before they sent me back, George grabbed my chin and forced me to look at him.

You know what I find funny? he said softly. Westley Grimshaw traded his most loyal bodyguard for a girl. That must be some serious love.

He tilted his head, smiling like a devil.

Tell me something, Amelia. How much does he love that sister of yours?

I stayed silent.

What was I supposed to say?

That the man I loved sold me like damaged property?

That every scream I swallowed in that place was because of him?

By the time the month ended, something inside me had already died.

The fire I carried for 11 years slowly went out in that house.

Westley owned my life. I signed that deal long ago. My loyalty, my body, everything. I was just a weapon in his hands.

Weapons dont get choices.

Unless they break.

Unless they die.

That was when the idea of faking my death first started forming in my head.

When Georges men dumped me back at Westleys mansion, the sun was already going down. My body felt like broken glass and every step hurt.

But the moment I stepped inside the gate, Natalia was already waiting.

She stood there with several maids around her, wearing a pale yellow dress that probably cost more than my entire life. She looked beautiful. Untouched. Safe.

She smiled when she saw me.

Sister, she said sweetly. Youre finally back.

Her eyes moved slowly over my body. My bandaged hands. The dried blood on my clothes.

You mustve worked really hard for my antidote, she continued softly. A whole month with George Vale that sounds awful.

I said nothing.

She covered her mouth like she was thinking. But you know people say he likes to play with his victims before killing them. I wonder what he did to you.

One of the maids beside her laughed quietly.

Natalia sighed like she suddenly remembered something.

Oh right. You must be filthy.

She clapped her hands lightly.

Girls, help my sister clean up. She smells like a slaughterhouse.

Before I could react, one of the maids threw a bucket of boiling water straight at me.

The water hit my chest and shoulders and burned through my skin instantly.

My body jerked but I didnt move.

Did it hurt?

Of course it did.

But compared to the acid eating through my hands while George watched this felt like nothing.

Natalia watched quietly for a moment. My clothes were soaked and my skin was turning red and blistered.

Youre not even reacting? she said with a small pout. Thats boring. She stepped closer and tilted her head, studying me. Well, she said with a bright smile, I guess youre clean now.

Then she waved toward the mansion.

Come inside, Amelia. Dont just stand there like a stray dog.

I dragged my broken body back to the small backyard behind the mansion. That place had always been mine. Quiet, hidden, far from the rest of Westleys world. My legs felt like they were made of glass and every step hurt.

I swallowed the fake death pill before I pushed the door open and leaned against the wall for a moment. My clothes were still wet from the boiling water and my hands burned under the bandages. I started pulling off my jacket so I could clean the wounds.

The door suddenly opened again.

I froze.

Westley stood there in the doorway, the light from the hallway behind him. Tall, sharp, perfectly dressed like always. Black suit, expensive watch, calm face like nothing in the world could shake him.

Eleven years.

And stupidly, my heart still reacted when I saw him.

What was wrong with me?

Youre back, he said and walked inside like he owned the air in the room.

Of course he did.

His eyes moved over my body quickly. The torn clothes. The blood. The burns.

Turn around, he said. Let me see your injuries.

I didnt argue. I slowly turned my back to him.

My shirt slid down enough to reveal the mess George left on my body. Cuts, bruises, deep scars that still hadnt healed.

Westley stepped closer and I felt his fingers lightly touch a long scar across my back.

His voice lowered. What did this?

Georges whip, I answered quietly. Steel wire inside it.

His fingers moved to another mark on my shoulder. A round scar.

And this?

Branding iron.

He paused for a second.

Then his hand moved again, stopping at the fresh burn across my shoulder and neck. The skin there was still red and blistered.

His voice changed slightly. What about this one?

Natalia had someone throw boiling water on me, I said calmly.

His hand stopped moving.

What did you say?

I turned my head slightly so I could look at him. I said Natalia told a maid to pour boiling water on me, I repeated. Said I was dirty.

For a moment the room went completely silent.

Then his face turned cold.

You expect me to believe that? he said quietly.

My chest tightened. Im just telling you what happened.

He laughed once but there was no humor in it.

Natalia? he said. The girl who cries if a stray cat gets hurt? The girl who begged me all day not to let you go to George Vales place because she was scared something would happen to you? His voice hardened. I heard she locked herself in her room and cried the entire time you were gone. She kept saying she wished she could take your place. He looked straight at me then. And now youre telling me she threw boiling water at you?

My throat felt dry. Im not lying.

When did you start lying to me, Amelia? Westleys eyes went darker.

I didnt, I said quietly. I never lied to you.

He stared at me for another second like he was trying to see through my skull. Then suddenly he shoved me hard.

Still arguing! he snapped.

I stumbled back and almost fell.

Guards! he called sharply. Two men rushed into the backyard immediately. Twenty lashes, Westley said without even looking at me. Right here.

The guards hesitated for half a second. Nobody liked punishing me. They all knew I was the one who usually protected them.

But Westleys orders were absolute.

They grabbed my arms and forced me onto the wooden bench in the backyard. I didnt fight. What was the point?

The first lash came down across my back. Pain exploded through my body and tore open skin that hadnt even healed yet.

Westley stood a few steps away watching.

Cold. Unmoved.

This is a warning, he said calmly. Anyone who dares speak badly about Natalia will be punished the same way.

The second strike came.

Then the third.

I bit my lip so hard I tasted blood and my vision started to blur but memories kept flashing through my head.

The first time I killed someone was when I was fifteen. I was shaking so badly I couldnt even hold the knife steady.

Westley had pulled me into his arms that night.

Hey, he said softly back then. Look at me. Its alright.

I was scared, I whispered.

I know, he said and gently touched my head. But youre not alone. Im here.

Now he was the one standing there while someone tore my back apart.

Fourth strike.

Fifth.

By the time they reached twenty my entire back felt like it was on fire. Blood soaked through my shirt and dripped onto the stone floor.

The guards stepped away slowly and everything went black.

Somewhere far away I heard voices.

The doctor's shaky voice spoke first. Mr. Grimshaw her pulse is extremely weak. Im afraid she might not have much time left.

Something shattered loudly.

Glass hitting the floor.

What did you just say? Westleys voice sounded colder than ice.

The doctor sounded terrified now. Im sorry sir but her body is already failing. The injuries are severe and her heartbeat is fading.

Get out, Westley snapped.

The footsteps rushed away quickly.

The room went quiet after everyone left. A few seconds later the curtain around the bed was suddenly pulled aside.

Westley stood there.

His face was shadowed but I could still see the cold look in his eyes. My hands, the same hands that had held guns and knives for him for eleven years, were lying useless on the blanket.

You made a blood oath to me, he said slowly. Remember that night? You said if anyone ever hurt you, Id make them regret being born.

His voice dropped lower.

So explain something to me, Amelia. When did you learn to work with doctors to fake a dying act like this?

I didnt answer.

I just closed my eyes.

For a moment the room stayed silent. Then I felt the air around him change.

Youre not even going to explain? he said sharply. You think Im stupid enough to fall for this?

Still nothing from me.

His footsteps moved closer to the bed.

Youve been acting strange for a while, he continued coldly. But this pretending to die just to get attention? I didnt think youd sink that low.

My chest rose slowly.

I still didnt speak.

That seemed to make him even angrier.

Fine, he said suddenly.

His voice turned completely cold.

Throw away all her medicine. Every bottle. Every bandage.

Someone outside hesitated. Mr. Grimshaw

Did you not fucking hear me?! he snapped. Since she loves pretending so much, let her deal with it herself.

A moment later I heard the cabinet being opened and everything being thrown into a trash bag.

Then the door slammed shut behind him.

The sound echoed through the quiet room.

I lay there on the bed staring at the ceiling. The wounds on my back burned like fire under my skin.

Pain had become normal a long time ago.

Just like the way he hurt me again and again.

As the night got deeper the pain got worse. My body started shaking and cold sweat soaked the sheets. I bit the corner of the blanket to stop myself from making any noise.

Somewhere in the middle of the night my mind drifted back to years ago.

The first time I got badly injured on a mission.

I had been stabbed and almost bled out.

Westley stayed beside my bed for three days back then. Three days without leaving. He even changed the bandages himself.

I still remembered the look in his eyes.

It looked like he was in pain.

Like it hurt him to see me hurt.

Stupid me.

I thought it meant something.

I thought maybe maybe he cared.

...

Morning finally came and the pain eased a little. I had just closed my eyes when someone knocked on the door.

The butlers voice came from outside.

Miss Meadow, Mr. Grimshaw ordered you to come to the main hall immediately. Youre going with him to fulfill a promise.

I slowly pushed myself up.

It felt like a thousand needles were stabbing into my back. My hands shook as I wrapped new bandages around the wounds and pulled on a plain black dress.

By the time I walked into the main hall, Westley was already there.

He was wearing a dark tailored coat and standing close to Natalia. He was tying a soft scarf around her neck carefully like she might break if the wind touched her.

Natalia wore a light pink dress and looked bright and delicate.

Next to her I probably looked like something dragged out of a war zone.

Youre here, Westley said without even lifting his head.

His voice sounded bored.

Youre responsible for Natalias safety today. Stay close and do your job.

Finally he glanced at me.

And Amelia, he added coldly, if anything happens to her you wont like the consequences.

I lowered my eyes.

Yes, sir.

The cars were already waiting outside.

Westley helped Natalia into the back seat of the black Rolls Royce. I got on a motorcycle with the other guards and followed behind.

The road out of the city was quiet.

Halfway there the sky suddenly opened up and heavy rain started pouring down. Within minutes my clothes were soaked. Water ran down my back and slipped into the bandages, making the wounds sting again.

I could feel warm blood slowly running down my spine.

Natalia lifted the car window halfway and peeked outside.

She looked at me riding in the rain for a moment.

Westley, she said softly, Amelia looks terrible. Shes injured and the rain is pouring like this. Should we let her sit inside the car for a while? Or at least give her an umbrella?

For half a second I almost laughed.

Westley didnt even turn his head.

Shes a bodyguard, he said calmly. Shell be fine.

That was it. Natalias lips curved slightly before she hid the smile.

I tightened my grip on the handle and kept riding.

Right.

Just a bodyguard. Just a weapon he could throw away whenever he wanted. Even if I died tomorrow, he probably wouldnt lose sleep over it.

The convoy finally stopped near an old mountain church outside the city. It was a famous place where people went to pray and make promises.

But what happened next shocked everyone.

Westley suddenly stepped out of the car and removed his coat.

Then he dropped to his knees at the bottom of the long stone staircase leading up to the church.

The guards immediately rushed forward.

Mr. Grimshaw, what are you doing?

Westleys voice was calm.

When Natalia was dying, I promised Id crawl these steps if she survived, Westley said calmly. I dont believe in God. But I keep my promises.

Natalias eyes filled with tears instantly. Westley, you dont have to do that, she said softly. It was just something you said when you were worried. Nobody expects you to actually

But he had already bowed forward. His forehead hit the stone step with a heavy sound.

Then he moved up one step.

And did it again.

Step by step he kept bowing down. The hard stone quickly split the skin on his forehead and blood began running down his face. People around the church started whispering.

Look at that man

He must really love his wife

What a devoted husband.

Wife.

The word stabbed straight through my chest.

By the time we reached the church on the mountain, the rain had slowed to a drizzle.

Westleys knees were already soaked with blood from the stone steps he had crawled up earlier, but he still insisted on walking Natalia inside first. He held her hand like she was something fragile, guiding her carefully through the old wooden doors.

The inside smelled like candles and incense. Natalia liked places like this. Quiet places where people prayed and whispered to God.

Westley didnt believe in any of it.

Everyone knew that.

But because she did, he respected it.

So he stood beside her while she knelt in front of the altar.

Natalia closed her eyes and folded her hands. Please let everyone I love stay safe, she murmured softly.

Westley didnt kneel completely. He just stood there beside her and rested a hand lightly on her shoulder.

If praying makes you feel better, he said quietly, then do it.

I stayed outside near the entrance, rain dripping from my hair and down my back. The bandages under my clothes were already soaked again.

After Natalia finished praying, the pastor of the church came forward. He was an older man who looked both nervous and honored.

Mr. Grimshaw, he said respectfully, youve donated to this church for years. Weve always been grateful for your support. I wanted to give you something small in return.

He pointed to a wooden table beside the wall where several rare potted plants were displayed.

This is a rare mountain orchid. Its known for bringing peace to the household.

Natalia leaned closer to look.

But then her eyes landed on a different plant beside it.

What about this one? she asked curiously.

The pastor hesitated. That one was actually promised to another guest today.

Westley glanced over.

A young rich man standing nearby stepped forward politely. He looked like one of those spoiled heirs from a political family.

That plant is mine, the man said casually.

Westley studied the plant for a moment.

Then he looked at the man.

How about we trade, he said calmly.

The man blinked. Trade?

Ill give you my nightclub on 8th Street, Westley continued. The one downtown.

The guys eyes widened immediately.

Mr. Grimshaw that club is worth millions.

Westley shrugged like it meant nothing.

If Natalia likes the plant, he said simply, then its worth it.

My chest tightened when I heard that.

So he did understand love.

He just never loved me.

The young heir laughed awkwardly. Well if you insist, Id be stupid to refuse.

The pastor quickly handed the plant over to Natalia.

She smiled brightly and reached out to pick it up.

Then suddenly she gasped.

Ah!

She jerked back her hand. Tiny puncture marks appeared on her wrist.

Everyone froze.

A rare red venomous scorpion had crawled under the pot and stung her. Westleys expression changed immediately.

Natalia!

He grabbed her wrist and bent down, pressing his mouth to the wound to suck out the venom.

Nobody fucking moves! he barked between breaths.

Natalias lips quivered. Westley I feel dizzy.

I gritted my teeth. I remembered when I was poisoned years ago. He had only glanced at me and said, Bear with it, then walked away.

The doctor arrived quickly, checking her pulse. The venoms spreading fast, he said. Theres a rare herb growing on the cliffs nearby that can neutralize it, but its dangerous.

Westley stood immediately. Ill get it.

Natalia grabbed his sleeve. No please dont. Its dangerous. What if something happens to you? Ill be even more scared.

His eyes swept the room and finally landed on me.

Amelia, he said.

I stepped forward.

Go get it.

Yes, sir.

The mountain behind the church was steep and covered in wet rocks. Night rain had turned everything slippery and dangerous.

I climbed using my bare hands.

Every movement felt like knives tearing into my back. My fingernails cracked against the rocks and blood mixed with rainwater as it ran down the stone.

The wind was cold and sharp and my thin clothes stuck to my body.

At one point a loose rock shifted under my foot.

My body slipped instantly.

For a moment I thought I was going to fall straight down the cliff.

My hand grabbed a sharp branch sticking out of the rock wall just in time.

The branch stabbed straight through my palm.

Pain shot up my arm but I forced myself not to scream.

Just keep climbing.

Just finish the job.

Why was I still doing this for him?

Why?

The question passed through my mind for a moment. I didnt have an answer.

By the time the sky began turning gray with morning light, I finally saw the herb growing inside a crack in the cliff.

I carefully pulled it out and held it tightly in my bloody hand. On the way back down I blacked out twice.

The blood loss was getting worse and my vision kept going dark. But somehow my body still kept moving. By the time I stumbled back into the church backyard, the sun was already rising.

My legs almost gave out.

But the herb was still clutched in my hand.

I handed Westley the rare herb, shaking, hands slick with blood. He didnt even look at me, just snatched it and shoved it toward the doctor. Make the medicine. Now.

I stumbled back against the door frame, chest heaving, legs like jelly. My whole body still ached from the fight, from the rain, from everything.

The doctor started boiling the herb into some bitter-smelling drink, but Natalia just sat there, staring at it. Westley crouched next to her. Come on, Natalia, just drink it. I know its awful, but you need it. Dont fight it. You want to get out of here alive, right?

She shook her head, tears streaming. I cant its disgusting

He stared at her for a beat and then tipped the cup into his mouth himself. Before I could even think, he leaned down and pressed his lips to hers, feeding her the medicine mouthful by mouthful. See? Its fine, just a little, thats it, just keep going

I froze, my chest tightening. I wanted to look away, run away, disappear, but I couldnt. Part of me broke right there. My back burned like hell, but it didnt matter. Thisthis was worse.

Once she drank it, he called the guards. Move. Now. Everyone stay sharp.

Then the first shots rang out. Ambush!

Westley dropped, yanking Natalia into his arms, shouting without even looking at me. Amelia! Cover us!

I drew my gun and ran forward, but I was weak, my body still recovering. I fired, dodged, tried to stay alive, but thenpain. A knife buried itself in my side and I collapsed, blood gushing. I barely had the strength to call his name. W-westley

Through blurry vision, I saw him sprinting, carrying Natalia away without even looking back.

When I came to, the smell of medicine made me cough. The doctors voice shook. Amelia your pulse is weak even with all the medicine, Im not sure

Then Westley slammed his fist onto the table so hard the glass rattled. What did you do to her? How much did she pay you to fake this?

I barely opened my eyes and saw him standing over the doctor, face dark, eyes sharp. Do everything you can. Keep her alive. If she dies, every one of you is going to answer to me.

For days I floated in that haze of medicine and pain. My body ached, my back throbbed, I could barely tell night from day. I could hear whispers of the doctor, feel my wounds burning, feel my heart breaking all over again.

Finally, one morning, I opened my eyes and saw the green canopy over the bed. Footsteps came fast. Westley stepped in, dark suit, face unreadable, the pendant at his belt swinging slightly.

Youre awake, he said, crouching slightly. Can you move? Are you in pain? Tell me everything, Amelia. Dont hold back.

I tried to sit up when Westley walked in. Reflex. But the second I moved, a sharp pain stabbed through my chest and I fell back against the pillow.

Dont move, he said flatly. Just lie down.

I still forced myself halfway up, breathing through the pain. Youre leaving somewhere?

Tomorrow, he replied, already turning away. Theres a gang on the Jersey side causing problems. Im dealing with it.

Ill come with you. My voice came out hoarse. I can still fight.

No. The answer came instantly. You stay here and watch Natalia.

My fingers tightened on the blanket. Understood.

He walked toward the door but paused. His back stayed to me. Remember something, Amelia. If anything happens to her while Im gone The sentence hung there, heavy with threat.

Ill protect her with my life, I said quietly.

The door shut. I stared at it for a long time. Funny. The wound in my chest hurt less than whatever that feeling was in my ribs.

During recovery I followed his order and stayed around Natalia. She made sure every minute felt miserable.

Amelia, kneel. She said it casually one afternoon in the backyard.

I looked at her. What?

You heard me. She smiled sweetly. The sun feels nice today. Kneel here for a bit.

So I knelt. The stone burned under my knees and sweat soaked the bandages on my back.

Two hours later she clapped her hands lightly. Alright. Now go wipe the floor.

Its already clean.

I know. She tilted her head, amused. But I want it cleaner.

So I wiped it again. And again.

Later she handed me tea and then suddenly tipped the cup forward. Hot liquid splashed across my hands.

I didnt even flinch.

Oh no, she said softly. Did that burn you?

I kept cleaning.

That night she leaned back on the couch watching me quietly. You know something, Amelia?

What.

Westley told me something before he left. She smiled like she was sharing a secret. When he comes back this time, hes going to marry me.

My hand trembled slightly. Tea spilled across my fingers again but I barely felt it.

Congratulations, I said.

That evening I went to the kitchen to get her dinner. The second I stepped into the hallway, shouting erupted from the front yard.

Whats going on? I grabbed a servant rushing past.

Mr. Grimshaw is back! the man said breathlessly. He rushed back for Miss Natalias birthday but his convoy got attacked on the highway. He was shot.

The tray slipped from my hands. Plates shattered everywhere.

I didnt care. I ran.

The backyard was chaos. Guards shouting, doctors pushing through with medical bags. I forced my way through the crowd.

Westley lay on a stretcher. Blood soaked his shirt near the chest.

Natalia clung to him crying. Westley, please wake up. Dont scare me like this.

The mansion stayed lit the entire night. I stood outside the medical room listening to doctors rushing in and out.

Finally one came out wiping sweat from his forehead. The bullet is out but it was poisoned.

Natalia grabbed his sleeve. Then fix it!

There is a way, he said carefully. But it requires a large blood transfusion. Someone with the same rare blood type. A lot of blood.

How much?

Enough that the donor might die.

Natalias face turned pale instantly. I have that blood type. But Ive always been weak since I was young. If you take that much blood

Her eyes slowly slid toward me.

Sister, she said sweetly.

I didnt move.

You have the same blood type, dont you? she continued gently. Westley has taken care of you for years. Isnt it time you repay him?

My back still throbbed from old wounds and the fake death drug made my chest feel tight.

I stayed silent.

Her expression cooled. What? You think you can refuse me?

She looked at the guards. Hold her.

Two men grabbed my shoulders and forced me onto a medical table.

Sorry about this, the doctor muttered.

A needle slid into my vein and a blood bag slowly began filling.

Warmth drained from my body.

First bag.

Second bag.

My head started spinning.

Third bag.

The room blurred and the sound of blood dripping into plastic bags echoed in my ears.

The doctor frowned. That should be enough.

Natalias voice cut in. One more.

The fourth bag filled slowly. My vision darkened at the edges.

Then everything went black.

When I woke again I was back in my own backyard. Someone had dumped me on the bed like a sack of trash.

The wound near my chest hadnt even been treated. Blood had dried into the fabric of my clothes, sticking painfully to my skin.

I slowly pulled the cloth away. One tear. Pain shot straight through my chest. Another tear. My hands started shaking. Cold sweat soaked the mattress but I didnt even have the strength to make a sound.

After cleaning the wound as best as I could, I collapsed back against the pillow.

My body felt empty.

My heart felt worse.

Eventually I fell asleep.

In my dream I was twelve again.

Snow everywhere. Cold that bit straight into the bones. My little sisters hand clutched tight in mine as we walked through empty streets looking for food. The famine had turned the whole town quiet. People stopped talking when they were hungry that long.

Dont let go, she whispered.

I wont, I told her.

But the snow kept getting deeper. My fingers felt numb. What if I couldnt hold on forever? What if I lost her too?

Bang.

The door slammed open so hard it hit the wall.

I woke up with a jolt. Westley stormed into the room looking like a storm ready to explode. His eyes were dark and furious.

Amelia Meadow!

Before I could even sit up, he grabbed my arm and yanked me off the bed. Pain ripped through my chest and my legs almost gave out.

What the hell did I tell you before I left? he demanded. Didnt I make it clear that you were supposed to protect Natalia?

I stayed quiet.

He tightened his grip and dragged me closer. Then explain something to me. Why did she end up giving blood for my treatment? Why did she nearly die while you stood there doing nothing?

My chest hurt where the stitches were tearing but I didnt react.

Talk! His fingers grabbed my chin and forced my face up. Who gave you the guts to ignore my order?

My throat felt dry. I know I was wrong.

Even saying it hurt.

Because I knew the truth.

Natalia had taken credit for what I did and twisted the story so it looked like I forced her to help. But what was the point of explaining? Would he believe me?

No.

Of course not.

Westley stared at me for a moment like he was deciding how angry he wanted to be.

Since youre admitting it, he said coldly, then you can reflect on your mistake.

I didnt answer.

Youll stay in the basement until you confess properly, he continued. No food. Just water. Maybe hunger will help you remember what loyalty means.

Then he let go and walked out.

The guards dragged me downstairs not long after.

The basement smelled like rot and damp concrete. I barely had time to sit before I heard scratching sounds in the dark.

Rats.

Big ones.

Hungry ones.

I laughed quietly to myself. Was this supposed to scare me? After everything else, was this really the worst he could do?

By the time they opened the door again, I didnt even know how many days had passed. Three? Four? Five? I don't know.

Blinding sunlight poured in and burned my eyes.

Hands pulled me outside and dumped me on the ground.

My body felt shredded. Bite marks and scratches covered my arms and legs. My clothes were torn and sticky with dried blood.

I saw Westley standing a few feet away with his hands behind his back.

Do you understand your mistake now? he asked.

His voice was calm. Too calm.

I stayed on the ground and forced myself to speak. Yeah. I understand.

My voice barely came out.

This is your only warning, he said. Dont make me repeat this lesson again.

Something small landed beside me.

A pill.

This will keep you alive, he added. Take it and go heal yourself. You look disgusting.

I slowly picked it up with shaking fingers.

Thank you, I whispered.

The pill tasted bitter when I swallowed it. But honestly? My heart already tasted worse.

Back in my small backyard room, I cleaned my wounds alone. No doctor. No nurse. Just me.

The drug I had taken earlier was slowly doing its job. My heartbeat kept getting weaker day by day. The man who gave it to me said the body would stop breathing on the fourtenth day.

That was all I needed and I counted each one quietly. Maybe this was freedom. Maybe dying was the only way out of this place.

Soon Natalias birthday arrived.

The mansion turned into a giant party. Expensive cars lined the driveway and rich guests filled the halls with laughter and champagne.

I stood in the corner like always.

Natalia walked down the stairs in a glittering silver dress, smiling like she owned the world. Guests kept handing her gifts. Designer jewelry, luxury watches, limited edition handbags.

Westley stepped forward last. He handed her a small velvet box.

She opened it and gasped. Westley this is beautiful!

Inside was a custom diamond necklace. Huge stones. Probably worth more than most peoples houses. He stepped behind her and fastened it around her neck.

It suits you, he said.

She leaned into him happily. Of course it does. You have good taste.

Everyone laughed.

After a while she slowly walked across the room and stopped right in front of me.

Amelia, she said sweetly. Youve been standing there all night. Arent you going to wish me a happy birthday?

Happy birthday.

And my gift? she asked.

I stayed silent.

She tilted her head. Wait. Dont tell me you didnt prepare anything.

Im just security, I said quietly. I dont have anything worth giving.

She pouted dramatically and looked around at the guests. Did you hear that? My own sister didnt bring me a birthday gift.

A few people chuckled.

Then her eyes lit up like she had a brilliant idea.

Oh I know, she said. Why dont you entertain us instead?

My stomach tightened.

You used to fight your way out of underground arenas before Westley picked you up, right? she continued with a playful smile. Ive heard those stories but I never got to see it myself.

I looked at her silently.

She clapped her hands. Perfect. There are some starving Leopards in the backyard cage. Why dont you fight them?

The room went quiet.

Come on, she added with a laugh. Show everyone how amazing you are.

My eyes slowly moved toward Westley. For a second he frowned slightly. Maybe he would stop this.

Maybe.

Natalia noticed and immediately hugged his arm. If youre worried about your bodyguard getting hurt then forget it. I didnt mean to upset you.

Westley looked down at her. Thats not it.

Then what? she asked softly.

I was just thinking it might be too bloody, he said. You might get scared.

She smiled and rested her head on his shoulder. Not if youre here.

Then he looked straight at me.

Go.

Two words.

That was all it took. I bit my lips hard and nodded.

Inside the cage, four leopards paced slowly, their eyes locked on me like I was already dead.

Their ribs showed through their skin. They were starving.

So was I, in a way.

My arm still hadnt healed and my chest felt tight every time I breathed. My body was slower than usual. Weak. Unstable.

Great timing.

The first leopard lunged.

I barely dodged to the side and grabbed the knife strapped to my thigh, driving it straight into its side. Warm blood splashed across my face and hands.

The other two went crazy.

Come on I muttered under my breath. Just come already.

The second one came from the left. I twisted, slashing across its face, but it still managed to knock me off balance. I hit the ground hard.

The third one didnt hesitate.

Its jaws sank into my arm.

Pain exploded through my body and I let out a low sound, not even a full scream. More like something breaking inside me.

I shoved the blade into its neck again and again until it let go.

I staggered back, my arm bleeding badly.

For a second my vision blurred.

And I thought I saw Westley stand up from his seat.

Did he finally care?