❝ She was never scared of the fire

because, she has burned too many times❞

I was speechless for an entire minute, not believing what I was witnessing in front of me. My body went rigid and realization dawned upon me, like sudden gloomy clouds painting over the blue sky all grey.

The guy who so casually slipped into my space and intrude my life. The guy who for so long pretended to be my friend, who didn't hesitate to deceive me or lie to my face. And I was pretty sure, he lied to everyone. He lied to his friends too.

Although betrayal was still a fresh wound, it didn't take long for rage to start filling my senses. He was wearing the same clothes from the party but, in that moment, his smile was not innocent at all.

"Don't fucking call me that," Blinding by my anger, I hissed at him. If only I was not tied by my helplessness, I would've loved to punch the life out of him.

Shoving his hands in the pocket of the hoodie, a grin stretched over his face as he entered, strolling towards me and knelt down.

"Why not? We're friends after all. Is Ethan the only one allowed to call you that?" He asked, playfulness dripping over his ever syllable. In his eyes, I could finally see the truth behind his mischief and the meaning his smirks.

He was fooling me the entire time.

"I don't know what you are trying doing to do, Finn. But, trust me when I say that you'll regret this," Not even bothering to hide the disdain in my voice, I told him.

Not take back by my response, he just grinned staring at me. For the first time, I couldn't recognize the person sitting before me. Trust can make you so blind, I just had realize that. 

"Okay, that's it. Finnely, get away from her," Dylan's voice commanded. His words seemed to have an impact on him as he quickly withdrew and stood up, fixing his clothes and chuckled under his breathe. 

Dylan closed the door and with those two present there, the small room was shrinking even more. It's like the walls were closing in, turning the room into a cage. 

"Well darling, I assume you already know Finnely, he is my cousin." He said trailing inside and went to stand beside the said cousin.

"Actually she only knows me as Finn." He remarked cheekily.

It was all bizzare, how calm and normal they were being. The situation was far from normal, at least for me. My body went numb from freezing and my shoulders were starting to ache from struggling so much. 

"Don't interrupt me." Dylan looked at his cousin with a troubled frown.

"You're no fun." 

The sound of his footsteps against the gravel floor echoed faintly in the quiet air as Dylan stepped to crouch down before me. 

As much as I hate to admit this, a part of me was terror stricken. A chilly sensation was tickling my body as if anticipating something. They way those two were acting was uncanny, the hushed atmosphere when none of us talk was frightening. 

Like the destiny was holding it's breathe, like something worst was coming and we were unaware.

Dylan dragged his forefinger against my cheek, the coldness of his hand was sickening, when he whispered, "You see, I never wanted to make him get involved in this."

"Yet, you did." Finn mused, crossing his arms over his chest and scanned the room with a wary expression.

"Will you let me talk?" Annoyed, Dylan glanced at his cousin, before focusing his attention on me. 

"Sure, go ahead, I guess. "

Lips curved into a small grin, Dylan withdrew his hand and elaborated, "It was a coincidence, a very fateful one. The first time I saw you after so long was at one of his parties. You were drinking beer all alone in the kitchen, I really wanted to approach you at that time. I even planned to meet you, but you suddenly disappeared in the crowd and I didn't see you for the rest of the night. Then, I called him the next morning and turned out that you were his friend."

My eyes widened as the shocking revelation settled inside my brain and suddenly, I felt... clueless. The night was crystal clear in my memory, the night I got locked in that room with Ethan. The thought that Dylan was present in that party was unnerving. 

How did I not notice?

"Trust me Winter, I was surprised too. I mean, who would've thought that the Juliet this Romeo talked about all the time was actually you?" Finn chided with a cheeky smirk, coming to join Dylan as he sat down on the floor.

"So, yeah that happened. I asked for his help and luckily for me, he never tells me no. I'd say it's all Fate." His voice was gentle, but his looks were worrying. 

His looks held something haunting, they gave me a sensation of tremor running down my spine. I was not actually scared, because he would never hurt me that I could confirm, but he scared me thinking about all the things he could do. How far he was willing to go.

It's like I didn't know what to expect anymore. God knows, what was he hiding. How many more bombs he had to drop over my life. 

"Or maybe it's a small world?" That comment really got on his nerve as Dylan turned to glare at Finn, who in return just grinned.

"Seriously, will yo--"

The unexpected noise of a phone ringing stopped him from completing his sentence and Finn raised a finger, gesturing us to be silent as he whisked out a red cased phone from his pocket.

A unreadable expression crossed his features but, it lasted barely for a second, before it was gone. Getting up from the floor, he dusted his jeans and picked up the call.

The muffled sound of the person on the other line whooshed as Finn went towards the door.

"Oh hey man, did you find her? I informed..." Those were the last words of an another lie I heard as he stepped out of the room, closing the door on his way.

Once again, the deafening silence plunged in the air, falling over me in a taunting way. Movements of his shifting and breathing sent a startling feeling of uneasiness through my body.

"On the contrary to what he just said, I still think it's fate, darling. Our paths are meant to be crossed to each other. I was watching over you all this time too and you never noticed," Beside me, he came back to sit down and made himself comfortable against the wall.

"Remember the night, you were sneaking out with that dude from Finnely's team? I was there in my car, outside your dormitory. I don't know how I ended up there, all I remember is that I was thinking about you and the next thing I realized, I was parked outside your building. I told you humans need company, I guess I was craving yours." He smiled at me as he reached forward and touched my fingers gingerly. 

Noticing my scowl, he retrieved back and simply placed his hand on his lap with a laugh. As he looked down, I stared at him and saw everything that he was.

The sensation of tremor and uneasiness was back again, but this time reality hit me quiet painfully. Vulnerability was so hard to ignore.

The entire time, I just kept running and running, thinking that I was escaping my past but, I didn't even once thought that it was waiting for me at the end. I thought I was finally chasing freedom, that I would be able to get out of that cell of hurt, not knowing it was always following me.

Waiting to catch up with me.

"You should've been more careful, darling. The apartment you broke in with your friend was my friend's. He had cameras around his place, didn't you notice? He saw the footage and came to me, saying that he wanted to get back to you and your friend, but I stopped him and look where it led him? To the prison. Though, he deserved that one for blackmailing your friend." 

Every word felt like a bullet through my chest, everything, he knew everything. He was everywhere and I wanted to blame myself for not paying attention, but it was not easy to bear the burden of guilt.

"I heard about those two guys who had come for you. Remember them? Finnely told me you stopped them for harassing a girl and I must say, I was proud. You always have been a hero, the strongest one. So, when I found out that they wanted to hurt you, I couldn't take it,"

The unforeseen change in his voice surprised me more than the truth he spilled. He ran his fingers through his hair as he glanced at me with a gentle crooked smile, "There's a reason why you haven't seen them around the campus, lately."

I couldn't help the lump that formed in my throat, the lump of hollowness. When he spoke, as he smiled, I saw something in his eyes, something told me that he would murder someone for me and he'll smile all the while doing it. 

Closing my eyes, I focused on my breathing, the sound of shaky breathes filled my ears, making me more anxious. I didn't care if I looked pathetic or weak, because in that moment, I didn't want to feel strong. I wanted to feel safe. 

I wanted to feel protected. I wanted someone's arms to wrap around me and shield me from this world. I was lost in a maze of suffering and I needed him to find me.

"Are you sad again? I guess, I can understand, darling. The truth is bound to hurt when you are so used to live in a world full of lies." His murmur swayed in the heavy and tensed atmosphere.

My eyes opened as I heard the door unlock and Finn entered the room with his phone glued to his ear. 

He peeped at us from the corner of his eyes and spoke, "Yeah, that's the only way to find her, okay? Sure. Keep me informed."

Ending the call, he pushed the phone back in his pocket and inquired looking at Dylan, "So, what now? You gonna keep her here forever or what?"

A beat passed by as Dylan squinted his eyes at his cousin and announced, "I think I'll take her to mine for now."

"Honestly, do whatever you want. I have to get back to the folks too, they must be wondering and that's not gonna do any good. We don't wanna make them suspicious." Finn shook his head and then gazed at me. 

I hated how they were talking about me as if I was not there but again, I was too tired to say a single word and what would I say anyway? There was nothing I could do or say to stop whatever they were doing.

"Okay, suit yourself. Thanks for the help though, appreciate it." Pulling himself up from the floor, Dylan nodded at Finn. 

The two guys were towering over me and there was nothing overwhelming than that. I didn't want to fight back though. I really didn't. Maybe it was the fatigue or just acceptance.

"Yeah well, I just wanted to stop you from being a creepy stalker," Finn let out a quiet laugh, making Dylan shoot daggers at him through his eyes.

Not fazed at all, he just laughed to himself little more and snorted, "Oh c'mon, learn to take a joke."

Rolling his eyes, Dylan muttered something incoherent under his breathe, before his eyes fell on me. 

His looks visibly softened as he whispered to Finn, "You stay with her, I have something to take care of."

As I was left all alone with Finn, a montage of memory crossed my mind of all of the time he was with me trying to befriend me and I couldn't hide that faint ache in my chest.

It's crazy when you feel like you know someone or at least, that's what you think but, they turn out to be something else. As confusion starts resolving, you just can't help but think, where did it go wrong? Or maybe it was wrong all along and you were a bad judge of character. 

Doubts starts making it's way through your head.

A worn out sigh escaped my lips as I tried to move my hand behind my back in vain. The rope dug into the soft skin of my wrists, scratching it. Halting my struggle, I just shifted on my spot, trying to find some warmth and comfort.

I was aware of Finn's eyes on me, even though I pretended not to notice. He was not worth my attention or rage, but his words which came out of nowhere were unexpected.

"Well, I know you must despise me for what I did and to be honest, I don't blame you for that. We all do crazy things for the one we love, don't we? I am just helping him do his. Who knew he was the type to lose his sanity over a girl?"

Against my will, I turned my face to peer at him. Standing there with an unreadable expression, he gave me a sympathetic smile and continued, "Although, I don't know what's in it for you or me now, I just hope it's not something too bad."

Dare I say, there was a glint of guilt in his voice or maybe shame, but it was too small to put a finger on and I didn't want to dwell much on it. For all I know, he was working his acting skills again.

After a momentarily pause and a battle of words stuck on tongue, I finally decided to let out, "Listen Finn--"

But, before I could even begin he placed his forefinger on his lips, cutting me off, "Shh."

His eyes were wide and he looked deeply concentrated. I furrowed my brows at him in confusion, what was he trying to do? and then I heard it too.

I don't think, the sound of cars marching at it's full speed can make you feel the amount of relief it gave me in that moment. The noise of tires shrieking in speed was like music to my ears. Someone was coming.

And if I knew anything better, a part of me was convinced, it was him. 

For the first time in the longest of hours I was there, I felt a tug on my lips, a smile was pulling over my face. But, of course, there was someone else in the room too, who unfortunate for him, didn't share my relief and hope.

"They are here!" With quick strides, Finn reached towards the door and curse after curse flew out of his mouth as he ran out.

If there was any god or any higher power, in that moment I needed it the most. So long, I've been running, fighting for so long and after being caged in that room, I really needed someone to help me. Help, support, comfort is all I was craving.

I heard the strangled loud voices on the other side of the door. The hurried footsteps and voices, before they burst inside.

"HOW THE HELL DID THIS HAPPEN?" Dylan's tone raged as he rubbed his right palm over his face.

"I told you to take her phone, did you do it?" Finn raised an eyebrow at his cousin, who was pacing around and when he didn't give an answer, Finn added, " I should've known."

Dylan just shook his head faintly, before stalking towards me. I really hoped, they wouldn't see the smirk on my face.

Crouching down, he patted the pockets of my jeans as his hand stopped on top of the left one, finding what he was looking for.

He just ignored my growling and subtly avoided my glares as he fished out my phone.

"It's on and filled with hundreds of missed calls and messages. They tracked it." Going through my phone, Dylan mused.

Finn chuckled, strolling towards Dylan and looked over his shoulder, muttering, "Smart peeps."

"We need to leave", Dylan announced, pressing his lips together. He seemed deep in thought.

Excuse me?

Finn clicked his tongue and said, "You need to leave, they'll be here soon, so better get going. I'll handle everything here."

Giving him an incredulous look, Dylan asked, "Are you crazy? It'll be more suspicious that way. "

"But-" Finn opened his mouth to protest, but closed it quickly when Dylan shut him up saying.

"No buts, I am not leaving you here alone. You're coming with us."

I watched Finn mumbling something to himself as he ran a hand through his hair. Dylan moved closer and knelt down in front of me.

"Please be quiet, darling, okay? Try to cooperate." He peered at me through his long eyelashes as his fingers fidgeted with the cord around my ankles. Green eyes sparkling at me with something sinister.

He was fooling himself, if he thought I wouldn't fight back. 

- but, turned out he was not.

Because, as soon as the cord untied and my legs were free I jumped up from the floor, pushing him away with all the strength I had in my body.

But, he didn't seem surprised as he stumbled back, in fact it's like he was almost prepared for that.

In a blink, he caught my hands that were bind against my back and without giving me a chance to process anything in, he pushed me against the wall flat on my stomach.

The hard surface hit my muscles, making me let out a yelp of pain against my will.

"Get away from me," I gritted my teeth, words gnashed against each other and tried to free myself from his grasp.

"I expected nothing less," He whispered with a chuckle, his hot breathe hitting the delicate skin of my ear. 

Out of nowhere, he pulled me away from the cold wall and gripped my hands from behind. Nudging me forward, he instructed, "I need you to walk, darling."

Opening the door, Finn walked outside, tapping rapidly on his phone, but I didn't budge from my spot and twisting my neck, I glared at Dylan and in return, he smiled at me.

Grasping my chin with his cold finger, he turned my face forward and whispered, "Don't make me do something, I know you won't like." 

The soft tone of his voice made my fingers curled into a fist, oh how badly I wanted to dislocated his jaw and as he shoved me, I let out a tired sigh, before taking small steps.

As soon as I exited the room, a wet smell and thick sensation of moisture engulfed me. The hall way or whatever that was, was completely dark. For a second, the place almost seemed haunted, there was barely any light to look around.

It seemed like that place had seen too many bad things, as if that place was the only witness of the sins that took place behind it's closed door. 

As if this place had capture every picture of terror that hung on these walls.

I couldn't help the fear that coursed through my veins in that moment. The type of feeling that kicks you in your gut, preparing for something bad. Anticipating something even worse. 

When Finn's shouts echoed from somewhere around that place, his voice travelling from a corner to us, Dylan forced me walk faster. Accepting my fucked destiny, I picked up my pace and without glancing around just kept walking.

Dylan guided me through that dark somewhat corridor and we halted in front of a wooden door. Reaching for the doorknob, with one hand still clutching me from behind, he opened the door for me and gently thrust me forward.

A car was parked outside and the damp air felt almost suffocating. The area was barren, but none of it mattered, because the sound of racing cars roared in the air, coming closer and closer.

"Get the fuck in. They're here," Dylan yelled, snatching the keys from Finn.

It was all a miserable moment of blur, Dylan shoving me in the passenger seat, Finn hesitant, climbing in the back and when I tried to protest under his hold, I accidentally hurt my knee. The cursing and the guys screaming at each other for god knows what. The dreadful start of the engine and that crushing sound of my faith.

It was all unbearable, the thought they would get away with this, with me.