The Silence That Surrounds

Sophia’s POV:

The shadows pass over my eyes, temporarily blinding me. I was lost in their misty vision; the smoke never clearing but I felt his touch clear like day. The way his harsh fingers ran over my flesh while silent screams left my lips. My lungs trying desperately to pull in oxygen as the cold dread of fear resurfaced in a familiar ach when they tried to drag me back under the materializing black water that surrounded my paralyzed body, their fingers unwavering in strength; and yet through it all, I couldn’t move, nor did my voice sound. I felt like I was drowning.

In the midst of gasping for the air I needed, the cruel laugh of a man’s voice rang through it all. A voice I knew well – one of my distant memories coming to surface – or was it?

“Pathetic, worthless.” It echoed, the sudden slap of flesh hitting flesh and a child’s cry in the distance. Then a gentle hand and soft voice. I felt the dark shadow melt and allowed a small bit of sunshine to cascade over my bound body…was I tied up?

“WORTHLESS BITCH!”

Suddenly the dark foreshadowed the small stream of light that had lit over my face – blinding me back in the shadows and causing the inky water to completely fill above me, making it ripple in front of my vision. From there it all went deathly still again before feeling hands roam my body. More intensely this time.

“DYLAN!” I tried screaming to the heavens but the water seemed to gag me and I heard his small boyish voice from many years ago – lifetimes ago it seemed.

“Daniel, don’t be too hard on her, she’s just a child.” Another voice spoke out but her voice sounded drunk and I knew it was mum.

“MUM!” I screamed, trying to struggle against the invisible hold; my body sweating hot despite drowning in the inky darkness caused by the shadow.

“Sophia?”

I felt the hands roam more before feeling a slap to my butt and then my thighs – their strength far outweighing my own.

“No one is ever going to believe a worthless little cunt like you!” The voice suddenly growled, its hold gripping my throat and that was when all the forced oxygen was cut off.

“Sophia! Wake up!” The voice cut through my head as I struggled to scream. I thought I could feel a burning in my throat from trying for the effort but nothing was heard – nothing but Dylan.

“Sis? Sissy, you got to get up! Please!” His small voice was frightened and I couldn’t even reply. I couldn’t even see him but his tiny hands rubbed up and down my arm gently – using two fingers – our way of waking each other up when we were younger.

“Sophia? Flower? You need to wake up! You’re screaming – you’re…fuck, did you just piss the bed?”

I felt the voice fade out again and Dylan’s touch disappearing. The choke hold tightening to where I almost felt like I would pass out but I didn’t.

“Leave her alone, daddy!”

It was Dylan again and Daniel’s voice howling in agony a moment later.

“Dylan!?” I screamed, hearing a small body tumble down the stairs and my brother’s small cries traveling with the thuds.

“SOPHIA!” The voice screamed frantically – my world shaking. With the movement of my trapped body, the black inky water moved above…like swishing a cup back and forth full of liquid, the waves it created stayed with me but I felt it drain a little and the stream of light peaked through once more – slowly blinding me.

“That’s it darling, open those blue eyes for me so I can see them, let me know you’re awake.” Harry coaxed with encouragement as he picked up the front of my body and supported it against his solid chest. I didn’t see any of that though – only felt his actions but through the bright light, I also saw it was early morning. That’s when consciousness fully slammed back into me and I took in a deep sudden breath, almost like the first breath we take when we first enter the world and the slow exhale we let loose one final time before we die. This however, I couldn’t take in air fast enough and letting the precious oxygen go was a challenge.

“Breathe, flower, breathe. That’s it; good girl, slow. Come on, Sophie, slower.” He continued to gently encourage me – in a voice I suppose he reserved for two year olds because it was calming and non-threatening for once.

My heart felt like it was going to pound out of my chest but it was slowing by the moment and within ten minutes I was able to get my lungs adequately filled. It was also then I noticed I was lying in a puddle of sweat – Harry sitting on the far side of me, keeping me stationed upright.

“Are you alright?” Harry breathed, his hand having been stroking my hair.

“Y-yeah – I think so?” I gulped, the memory fading into a dark stupor before it was completely gone from my mind. What happened that was so bad that caused Harry to come up here? As if reading my thoughts, he answered the unspoken question.

“You were screaming – you shook the windows, Sophia. What were you even dreaming about? I have never heard someone react so violently. I’ve been in here for over twenty minutes trying to wake you up – even Louis tried but you kicked him in the stomach with your foot. We spent the better part of those twenty minutes holding you down, you would have hurt yourself otherwise.” He explained, his fingers ceasing their movement down my hair, going to my shoulders to steady me again.

“I – I truthfully don’t remember. I just remember…” I trailed off to think but moments pass and I’m drawing a blank, which is frustrating because I couldn’t even remember why. Instead I shook my head. “I’m sorry, Harry. I truly forgot.”

He dismissed it with a sigh and put his arm underneath my unsteady legs as I wrapped my one arm around his neck. He lifted me up with little effort and brought me to the bathroom, stopping just in front of it.

“Take a shower, you –really need it. You pissed the bed. I’m going to relieve Zayn of his watch; that way he can find some clothes for you. When you’re dressed, come downstairs – get breakfast, Louis is scouring about the kitchen.” Harry nodded, his eyes still somewhat unnerved before leaving me there in the entryway of the bathroom, humiliated beyond belief but thankful that he said nothing more.

Without waiting too long, I did as he suggested and stripped my nightwear off and hoped in the shower, closing my eyes as the warm water flowed down upon me.

*

Zayn’s POV - An Hour Previous:

I eyed Daniel Stone in silent judgment while he returned the same glare. Despite his gag having been taken out, he refused to answer any questions that I asked and since playing into his game wouldn’t help matters I didn’t press. Instead, we seemed to be at a standstill – and I was perfectly okay with that.

It was silent for a bit and the murderous glare never left Daniel’s face – though anytime he shifted, I could see a wince enter his face. That alone made me chuckle.

“How’s your ass?” I retort, trying to irk him but he gives me a dark smile – despite all the bullshit he’s been through, you’d think he’d crack by now. Evidently not and now I know where Sophia gets her stubbornness from.

“No worse than your eye sore of a face.” He responded huskily, his throat dry from screaming it raw.

I simply matched his smirk.

“Yeah? Well, today’s the day. I’m looking forward to Harry putting a bullet in your brain. Once you’re out of the way, we can stop wasting time trying to track you down. You’re a sick human being, what you did to Sophia – what you’d continue to do if it weren’t for your greed. I’m almost glad you gave her to us because you don’t know the precious asset you’ve given up. You don’t even see.” I glowered and folded my arms across my chest, leaning back in the wooden chair.

Daniel just continued to smirk, almost as if he wouldn’t reply at all.

“My concern is for the company, not my daughter. She was written off the day I handed Mr. Tomlinson the keys to the limo. I don’t have a daughter anymore, nor I a son. They will serve you well I’m sure but in the midst of losing what I have worked half my life to build and a daughter that was used for a simple purpose, it should have been clear what my decision would be. False pretenses or not, she has not disappointed, yeah?”

I shook my head.

“Beside the point. Damien is as cruel as the sun is sure to rise and set. You knew what purpose your daughter would serve. It backfired though, it all blew up in your face because now, you’re going to die and Sophia will remain with us until the end of her last days. Not much of a happy ending if I’d say so myself.”

He snorted but his face contorted with pain and he cleared his throat again, flinching.

“Happy endings are for fairytales. This is the real world Mr. Malik.”

I uncapped the room temperature water bottle and placed it to the man’s lips. Call me overly nice but even a monster isn’t prone to inhuman life and in a way, Sophia is right. It made us no better than him to actively draw out another’s suffering.

Daniel accepted the water bottle and took the whole thing down in three gulps. When he was done he moved his head away from it and said nothing. Not that I would have expected it and with that, we were back to silence.

It was at least an hour later when a shrill scream broke out into the air.

Sophia…

I stood in alarm, realizing I couldn’t leave my charge. Instead I called out for the other two, if they hadn’t already heard.

“Louis, Harry!? Sophia, something’s wrong!” I yelled, hearing two sets of footsteps stomp up the steps, calling her name in the distance. It was only then did I heard Daniel start to laugh.

“And I thought I was the only one who could make her scream like that. You lads have done quite the number.” He smirked but before he could say anything further, I balled my hand into a fist and cut him sharply across the cheek.

“Another word of it and I’ll gag you again. Sit down, shut up and piss off.” I growled darkly, going back to the door to listen. A second scream ringing out and a loud exclamation from Louis following. God, it sounded like they were rough housing – and Sophia appeared to be winning.

Daniel laughed again, he himself hearing the commotion.

“I never thought I’d see the day. You bloke’s must have traumatized the cunt worse than I ever could to open her back up to those. She’s having night terrors, you stupid gits. She suffered from them when she was younger. I took her to one of those hypnotists, cost me over a hundred thousand pounds with a guarantee they would not return and up until now they haven’t. Another wasteful expense, just as she has been her whole life.” Daniel muttered unhappily and I punched him again as a result, grabbing the bloodied boxer shorts and stuffing them in his mouth. His tongue was bit through but not to the point of falling off – unfortunately for the rest of us.

“If I had a daughter like her, I would thank whatever existence there was in the universe. You have no idea how lucky you were to have her and yet – you’re blinded by greed. You can’t even see what’s in front of your face and that’s fine because your time on this earth grows more limited by the hour. Enjoy it in silence.”

He snorted, simply glowering at me as I grabbed a roll of duct tape and wrapped it about his head 12 times, covering from below his nose to his chin. He won’t be able to open his mouth anymore and that is for the better.

I stood at the door after, seeing Louis enter – holding his stomach.

“Lass has got a good kick. Harry is still up there trying to wake her up. Whatever kind of dream she’s having is pretty bad. Never seen anything like it.” Louis muttered, looking over at Stone and snorted, wincing when he did.

“Stone says they’re night terrors, she suffered with them when she was younger. He took her to a good hypnotist but due to the…trauma, she sustained; he reckons they’re back.” I explained, glancing at the waist down naked man…I really wish Harry would have covered him up with a towel but given we’ve seen almost every body part to come through our cabin, it really was no big deal to us. Sophia might be a different story. If I saw my father nude, I’d probably be never get the memory from my head.

“We’ll see if this is a onetime thing. If it’s not we’ll deal with it as it –“His voice cut off when Sophia screamed for Dylan.

“Damien can take the blame for this, I’m not getting involved in that mess. No way, no how,” Louis muttered, turning to leave but stopped. “I’m going to go and start on breakfast, Harry should be dismissing you before then to clean up and whatnot. After we eat, I’ll be dismissing both of you lads to take guard. Sound okay?”

I nodded and he returned it, walking off completely.

I sighed, turning toward Daniel.

“At least your daughter ended up with us and not in another cabin. The leaders there are far less welcoming.”

Daniel didn’t bother to respond and I went to sit back in the chair, my eyes never leaving his. One thing’s for certain – Daniel Stone, just by a glance stole what little energy remained in me. I was tired and the sooner this was done, the sooner we could go back home.

*

Sophia’s POV:

I got out of the shower a little less weak but nowhere near as settled. Everything felt off and I didn’t like it. I felt like my world was turned upside down, with nothing to keep me from falling with it. Though I didn’t remember the dream, I knew it was bad.

“Hey.” Zayn greeted, once I stepped out into the hallway. I was only in a towel but the dress clutched around his arm was a beautiful white floral, and an attached wrap around belt. I hadn’t seen the dress before – or I might have forgotten.

“That for me?” I asked Zayn, forcing a small smile; knowing it had to of been, unless the boys were into cross-dressing but somehow I didn’t get the feeling that was the case.

“Yeah, oddly enough I found it in Dylan’s closet – along with this.” He said, handing over the beautiful dress along with a beautiful black onyx necklace.

I took both with a smile, he must have bought this as a surprise, perhaps before our falling out and stored it here and forgot.

“Thanks Zayn.”

Without another word I headed toward my brother’s room, stepping in and closing the door behind me. I wanted to explore more of his room, maybe I can bring him back something familiar. It’s the least I could do. Especially if the lodge was going up in smoke tonight. It seemed appropriate and after this morning’s uneventful happenings – it would do good to get my mind off it.

I threw on the dress but couldn’t get the necklace to unclasp thanks to the lack of fingernails. Shrugging it off, I held onto it and looked around, going to one of his favorite posters. It was of a metallic blue Ferrari – the very same make and model he had bought himself when he turned twenty-one. I grabbed the poster paper from the wall and neatly folded it, walking to his closet and throwing some of his clothes on the bed. He’ll be happy enough not to be wearing the same polo shirts and khaki pants. Instead, I grabbed some black and gray sweatpants, some silk basketball shorts, some sports jerseys and cotton shorts. I threw them into one of his spare backpacks from the upper shelf, a picture falling down with my effort to reach. I picked it up, my frown deepening.

It was the day Dylan and I had a falling out. This picture was taken just after, our posture stiff, faces shallow and a look of pure disgust as the flash of the camera still echoed in my mind. Why on earth would he keep this? Daniel stood between us, arms wrapped around our shoulders in a possessive pose and his face beamed with success. The twenty million dollar deal…and all it cost us was our family.

I spit on the picture in anger and dropped it to the ground, stomping on it for good measure.

“Fuck you.” I muttered, my eyes leaving Daniel’s face.

I resumed my exploration, dropping to the ground to dig into the bottom of his cluttered mess of a closet…spotting his guitar case – and a small folder of loose leaf music sheets.

“Jackpot!” I yelled happily, hearing the door open – Harry walking in with a frown.

“Sophia? Breakfast – what are you doing?” He asked, helping me lift the guitar case onto the unmade bed. One of the other boys must have slept here last night because Dylan always kept his room spotless.

“Bringing some stuff back for Dylan. He used to play guitar and he needs more clothes. I got him about ten or so outfits stuffed in the backpack and his Ferrari poster – I don’t know if I should bring back the naked girl or –“I rambled, making Harry shake his head and help me from the floor, noticing the black belt hung loosely from my waist. He took it and wrapped it around to the back, attaching it to the premade bow.

“I don’t think the naked girl would be a very good idea – she’d end up in some traumatizing places that I don’t even wish to think about but I will allow the guitar under one condition. That when we get back, we start training. I think it would benefit you and Dylan greatly. Especially if I can’t get him permanently moved to the cabin. Knowing how to fight, which, if Niall and Liam are doing what they are supposed to, he should be into blocks by now and he’ll be needing to use those moves quite a bit in Damien’s presence.” Harry explained, taking the sheet music, backpack and guitar case from the bed. I held out the poster and he sighed but grabbed it. “Okay but that’s it, no more and the naked girl is going to burn tonight because I think Louis and his hands were having way too much fun last night – “ He muttered, leaving his sentence off and simply walking out of the room without another word.

“I could have gone my whole life without knowing that.” I decided in hast, brushing my dress down and heading down the steps and into the kitchen, a small plate already piled with different assortments of food – he seemed to find whatever he could and threw it haphazardly on the plate.

“Morning, dove.” Zayn smiled, already halfway done eating.

“Good morning.” I replied, sitting down and taking the fork near me.

That was the end of that conversation, save for Harry coming back and joining us, leaving Louis in the basement to guard Daniel…my father.

“The stuff’s back of the ambulance, with any luck we’ll reach back home in the way early morning hours, take a break and resume lessons the following day.”

I nodded in agreement, before suddenly remembering. I took the necklace from my wrist and held it out.

“Would one of you mind?”

Zayn stood up first, grabbing it and clasped it around my neck without problem.

“Thanks. I’m not that hungry, I’m going to go watch a movie – make the time pass a little bit quicker.” I smiled, getting up. I was too nervous to eat and not completely focused with watching movies, but with limited time, I might as well do something.

*

Harry’s POV:

“Quarter passed six, lads! We need to get ready, he’ll be here at any moment!” I called, seeing Sophia rush down the step, her eyes masking a deer caught in headlights look and she seemed completely beside herself. It was her Uncle – so, I suppose in a way, she was going through the motions of betraying him. Nothing I could do about that, we had a mission to complete and it was finally going to happen tonight.

“Nightshade? Be at the ready. When you let him in, be advised that Louis, Zayn and myself will be advancing on him. When that happens I need you to move from the way so you don’t get hurt. Are we clear?”

She nodded, forcing a smile and patting down the material of her dress.

“Crystal.” Sophia responded, clearing her throat while sitting down in the living room with the rest of us. Daniel wasn’t going anywhere – not with being duct taped from chest to feet.

Before we could run over the plan, the doorbell rang. I nodded to Sophia and indicated for her to answer. She did without hesitation, making us follow and hide behind the door as it was opened.

“Uncle Scar!” She squealed brightly, making me cringe. This was not going to be easy. “Here, your hands look full, come on in!”

For moment I almost thought she forgot about our plan but when she turned and offered me a small smile, I came out from behind the door with the other two, pouncing on the unsuspected man, knocking him over with a strong clip to his jaw. Sophia gasped but we paid little mind. Instead, the three of us carted him to the basement and threw him in the chair beside Daniel that had been set up. Louis grabbed the remaining roll of duct tape and made quick work on the man’s wrists and ankles. We had dazed him but that’s it.

Sophia’s hands were filled with files, papers, folders and a laptop. She quickly followed us to the basement and put the stuff on the washing machine that was out there, right behind Daniel.

“What’s going on?” Scar murmured, looking up at the three of us in fear. Sophia came behind him and wrapped her arms around the older man, Daniel sitting quietly – his gag haven been taken out fifteen minutes earlier.

“It’s a long story, Uncle Scar. I missed you so much.” Sophia cried, no tears escaping but her voice cracked with emotion.

“I missed you to, Nala cub but I really need to know what’s going on,” Scar murmured, his eyes meeting mine. “You must be the leader? What can I do to get everyone out of this safe and sound?”

For a few moments I only stared at him. Something didn’t sit right with me at all with this man but instead of revealing my own plans for his brutal demise – I ended up telling him exactly what he asked.

“I’m afraid that ship has long since sailed. Daniel owes my father a lot of money. He has owed Damien Crow for as long as I have been alive. I was only a sperm particle, swimming in my father’s dick when this deal was struck up. My father finally noticed Daniel had made his money back on the company and about a hundred times multiplied to that. When Damien demanded his restitution back, plus interest – Daniel handed Sophia over to us as a down payment. One he never planned to pay back because when we brought up that fact, he told us that she should suffice, that my father doesn’t deserve to have the business he has and that he had disowned Ms. Stone the moment we chloroformed her and took her away,” I tried to keep my breathing even – it was proving harder than expected. “So, to be completely honest with you Mr. Scar, she was never on a cruise. She was with us – and if that weren’t enough? I was ordered to kill her when we couldn’t get the money he owed. The only thing that saved Sophia’s ass was the promise she showed for the group. Her weakness is what truly saved her. If it weren’t for Dylan’s help – Sophia would be dead. Both of them would.”

Scar looked over at Daniel.

“Is all this true, Daniel? You gave my niece away like one gives away a dog? YOU chose a COMPANY over your eldest daughter?!” Scar bellowed, his hands tightening into fists.

“What daughter? She’s certainly not one of my own. She cries, she BEGS – a Stone does none of that. She is weak and I had a company to think about, you would have done the same. You would have chosen your law firm over your wife and daughter.” Daniel chuckled, his voice hoarse from screaming.

“No. I love my family, I love Sophia. Sophia and Dylan are good kids, what the fuck is wrong with you?!” Scar exclaimed, Sophia’s touch disappearing from behind him.

I reached over and gently pulled Sophia in front of her uncle.

“I need Stone to sign his company over, the one we are rightfully entitled to but I cannot have Daniel interrupting and interfering. His time is past dew but I’m willing to spare your life for a guarantee that you process the documents that Stone will, on his own free accord, sign. You are a witness attesting to this and have them processed through legal form -” I began but he shook his head.

“It’s not that easy. Stone has everything set to go to next of kin, which is Sophia. Now, the only way for that to happen is if Daniel dies –“Scar began, being cut off.

“Which will be very soon, so skip the prologue. Sophia signs the documents and it goes to Damien, yeah?” Louis piped up, folding his arms across his chest.

“No, there is no switch. This will was written up when Sophia was only a wee thing. To get the system, the accounts – the empire, you have to kill both of them and she would have to sign a will but the will is voided out because Dylan would get everything next, she already has it set up that way. Now, we can sign the company over to Sophia and she can run it or transfer the documentation to you but that wipes out the agreement between everyone, which puts her at risk for legal complications and backlash if Dylan doesn’t approve. It’s a delicate matter. I can email the change of documents to my partner at the firm and they can be processed and she can do a transfer but the will states that the company is hers, she would have to release the titles themselves over to Damien with his signature but that would not exalt her responsibility of the business accounts that are set up there. The company needs to run as if nothing has changed and it your only purpose is to take the money you’re owed and letting it burn to the ground – Sophia could face up to the rest of her life in prison with the amount of fraud charges that would be filed on her and the company. So please think carefully, lads.” Scar finished, looking at me in concern, the room momentarily silenced – except for Daniel’s low chuckle.

“See? I told you, I win. I always win.” Daniel antagonized, making me glower and punch him across the cheek.

“Shut up you worthless piece of shit.” I hissed, shaking my hand out from not balling it tighter.

“So what can we do, Uncle? I change the company over to them, once Daniel and I sign the papers? Work out specifics later? All Damien needs are the titles, are they in the files here?” Sophia asked, kneeling down gently so she was eye level to talk to Scar while Louis goes and searches through the folders.

“You can do that but be careful Sophia. God, I am so sorry I was not aware of what was happening. If I knew Daniel needed assistance with your ransom –“Scar started but I snorted.

“His deal was to specifically place Sophia as a down payment, one he was never going to pay back. Even if I made her walk the streets slagging herself out until she’s a hundred, it won’t even make the amount of money Daniel owes Damien and Sophia is way too valuable. She’s kindhearted, which is amazing considering the background she’s been raised in. Her ransom was valued at over more than the company cost with the forty-nine percent interest on the 29 years. You could no more help Sophia as your brother but he didn’t even try. He is the reason she was bound, gagged – kept prisoner. I never knew how deep it really ran, not since a few days ago. Sophia is a part of this gang now and she will be cared for as one of our own. I have to get those documents and titles to Damien, so let’s skip the pleasantries of idle chit-chat and finish what we came here to do. Once you witness sign everything, Mr. Scar, Louis and I will escort you to your car. You will drive off and speak of this to no one. If asked, Sophia is on an extended vacation and you don’t know when she nor Daniel will be back.”

Scar nodded in understanding, turning back to Daniel when he began to speak – disgust in his voice.

“You know, brother – Sophia doesn’t know your dirty little secret, does she? With Dylan? How you use to torture the boy for hours at a time, force him to suck on your dick when he wouldn’t listen –“

Sophia gasped loudly before Daniel could continue. God damn, this family needs to be thrown in the funny farm.

“He’s lying, sweetheart. Dylan and you know I would never hurt either of you. Shit, I paid for that hypnotist to make you forget, Daniel didn’t want to. He’d of rather spent it on hookers and blow.” Scar defended himself.

“Because you made them forget but I got all their hated memories, right? You’re an asshole, Dale. You purposely let them hate me! I was the best thing that Sophia ever had!” He screamed, making Louis snort in complete disbelief.

“Mate? Molesting your daughter since she was in training pants isn’t exactly the best of solutions, no offense. Your parenting is somewhat on the crappy side, if God had his way you would have been neutered at birth. Sadly, he has quite the sense of humor. I mean, you exist right?” Louis broke in.

I snorted but made no attempt at breaking up the family quarrel – this was beyond fucked up…a train wreck you can’t look away from.

“Uncle Scar? Is Daniel right? Did…did you?” Sophia stuttered, standing up slowly to back away. I caught her shoulders, we really just needed to get this done.

“No, he’s lying. I wouldn’t –“Scar trailed off but he never finished his sentence, like a sudden memory jogged him from his thoughts. At this point I didn’t care.

“Louis? Untie Mr. Stone’s right hand only so he can sign. The documents, titles – whatever it is that requires the owner’s signature, he signs. Even if it is titles for AKC pets, he will sign them over. If he refuses, Zayn can heat the curling iron up and we will use it to make sure he can’t see what he’s even signing. I’m not playing, this needs to be done soon. As they’re done I will put them all in an email, send them to Scar’s partner and we will let him go and finish up with Stone.” I ordered, watching Louis do as I say before the documents were passed to Daniel first. He signed them with the witness signature from Scar and the process took less than an hour. Granted, time went slower but when the last title was signed and dated, I scanned them into an email zip file and sent them to his partner to store. All that was left was handing the originals to Damien – and the access code for the company to do with as he pleased. Everything went smoother than expected and for the first time I was glad.

Double checking everything was in order I smiled in satisfaction.

“Wonderful, Louis? Untie Scar, I’ll meet you outside in a moment.” I told him, giving a slight nod, leaning in to make sure I went unheard.

“Make it quick. Crush his windpipe, hide his body in the bushes. Before we leave, when Sophia’s in the back, we’ll drag his body back inside the lodge before setting it on fire.”

He managed to get every word I said and nod in understanding, untying Scar from the chair. Sophia though was quick to latch onto him, pulling the man into a hug, one he returned with just as much passion.

“Oh darling, it’s alright. I’ll do whatever I can to get you out of this.” He promised. In a way I inwardly flinched because of Sophia’s problem to broken promises. I suppose in a sense, I am no better to tell her that I would let her uncle go when all I plan on doing is crushing his windpipe and charring his remains. Perhaps honesty is the best policy.

“There’s nothing you can do, Uncle Scar. There’s nothing even I can do. Just – see that the documents and titles get transferred, Damien Crow will take care of the rest, assuredly.” She murmured, hugging him extra tight before letting go, her eyes as big as a doe’s.

I went to her and whispered in her ear.

“You know it has to be done, don’t you?” I asked, eyeing Daniel, who, by now had a shit eating grin on his face despite what was done to him just hours previous.

“See you in hell bro.” Was all he said.

”Not if I see you first, you fucking sicko.” Scar glowered, hugging Sophia and kissing her forehead.

“At least you didn’t push your daughter down the steps like you did with my son – or are you going to claim accident to that too?” Daniel demanded.

“Family holidays must be quite the hoot at your house, huh, flower?” Louis interjected sarcastically.

“Oh, they’re something alright.” Sophia muttered, releasing Scar, who had a tired looking smile on his face.

“Is there any price you would take to get Sophia and Dylan out of this situation? Take the company, take the money – it’s yours well and through but I want my niece and nephew back. They have a purpose in this family, what one can they possibly serve there?” Scar tried, his arm being gripped by Louis but it loosened when Sophia touched his shoulder.

“They are safer with me than they would ever be in this – family.” I spat the last word in disgust. They were as far from blood to one another as I was with Damien.

“Be easy.” She told Louis softly, letting go and kissing her Uncle’s cheek once more before he was lead from the basement.

“You know –“ I started but she just nodded.

“I know it has to be done. Just – don’t lie to me, I’m not stupid. I haven’t seen this clearly in a long time. Make it quick…and don’t let him suffer.”

I nodded her request and that’s when Daniel’s trap finally let loose.

“Pathetic. You are pathetic.” He let Sophia have it as she looked down at him but didn’t speak. She simply listened.

“If I could go back in time, I’d shove a hanger up your mother’s twat and abort you my-fucking-self. You are weak, you are everything that Dylan isn’t – the only thing I can say of Dylan is that he has a soft spot but one spot can ruin the whole goddamn apple. You ARE that spot and you have ruined this family!” He screamed, making my hands ball into a fist. Zayn was there, no word spoken but I felt rage crawl inside me and I grabbed my gun, clicking it off safety and pointing it at Daniel’s head, my green eyes jaded and dark. I wanted to kill him.

Sophia calmly pointed the gun down, her fingers wrapping gently around my brown curls, massaging a few strands and letting them drop. She didn’t speak, only listened.

“You are a disease they inject into someone – a viral epidemic that should have been destroyed in the fucking womb! You are nothing like me, you are NOTHING without me. I am GOD. I am YOUR God!” He screamed, his voice raising higher, the off sound of whispers haunting the pregnant air when his voice echoed and his eyes lit with fire. He was possessed with a hatred that even outshone my own demonic asshole of a father. He was literally transforming into the monster that should be feared but he was tied up…he held no threat. Sophia was safe, I was there. My mind a dizzy merry-go-round of emotion. The strongest one was anger and it bubbled intensely as the moments dragged on.

“Fuck you! The only virus around here is you! You fucking –“I held the gun just under his jaw, pressing it against his flesh, the air mute now.

Just like before though, Sophia pulled my arm away, a small trail of tears silently making their way down her cheek but despite that, she spoke clear and strong.

“Was there ever a time – in the slightest way possible that you loved me…that you could have loved?” She almost whispered but she kept her tone hard, speaking softly but not in any way weak.

Daniel laughed, throwing his head back in a loud hoot.

“Who the fuck could love a disease? Who would want to? Who would love someone as weak as you? Huh? Even your bloody captor’s call you flower. Flowers are delicate – they’re easily destroyed. I could crush them with my boot.” Daniel snorted, wincing as he shifted, being painfully reminded of his own torture. He was no stronger than any other human being and yet, he fancies himself a God in his own delusional mind.

“They may be able to be picked from their stems but at least they HAVE beauty – and people call me a monster, they should look up the term in the encyclopedia and your picture would be there.” I interjected, taking a step back when Sophia pushed against my chest with her hand. It was then I saw her knife nestled behind her belt in the back of her dress.

She still didn’t say anything but the betrayal in her eyes was more than I could stand and I went forward again but she shook her head, silently asking me to let him continue. Why was she torturing herself? This wasn’t right, let me shoot the bastard already!

“No,” She whispered, almost as if reading my thoughts. “I want him to continue – I want to know how he feels. I want to know what I ever did to him.” She reasoned calmly and I felt my cheek flush red in anger. She was putting herself through this and I didn’t understand WHY.

“You existed. I never fucking wanted you. I was expected to pass on the bloodline. If only I had known my blood was weaker, I would have drowned your mother only after I made sure your fetus never reached maturity. You are weak, even your ransom video to me was as submissive as a slag on her back with her knees spread. A quick fuck and forget – easy. That’s all you’ve ever been. You were the spot on my apple and the more I cut, the more your disease spread over it, rotting it to its core. I took you and gave you to someone else. I saved the apple from spoiling, I gave you to someone where they could contain a spot like you…I just didn’t think you’d start rotting their minds. A poison, all you are and all you’ll ever be. So no, Sophia. I don’t love you, I’ve never loved you and now you can die knowing no one else ever will. You’re in a soulless place, with soulless men. Enjoy your chains, hunny, because now, knowing I took the only thing you only ever craved, makes me feel fucking great!” He laughed, taunting her pain like a pressed nerve.

I went to reach out for her but Sophia stepped away, her own self-worth draining from her eyes. I saw his words finally break into her mind – she believed them.

“She has more self-worth in this gang then you will ever understand! SHE saved US today. Sophia isn’t weak, she has integrity and with more training, I can see her surpassing me someday. How fucking dare you!” I yelled, raising my gun again but she grabbed my arm.

“No, Harry, he’s right. I’m not strong. I’m never going to be like him.” She murmured, wiping the tears from her eyes, her blue irises going a murky cold blue.

“Damn fucking right, no one can be like me!” He bellowed.

Louis and Zayn walked back in at this time, like they never missed the conversation at all. Both wore similar expressions to my own but Zayn’s held a more sympathetic aura to them as he continued to stare at the broken girl.

“No one will ever love you. That one thing you have always wanted, Sophie, will NEVER happen where you are. It never can.” Daniel laughed but as soon as he started, in almost a blink of an eye – he wasn’t laughing anymore.

Before we knew what was happening, Sophia took the knife from her belt and clicked the blade open, her eyes unemotional and without any further hesitation she stabbed the blade into her father’s jugular, swiping it across his throat, blood squirting from his body, the warm coppery life source draining out and soaking Sophia’s hand, dripping down her arm.

Daniel gurgled for a few seconds as he was struck and the smell was heavily wafting in the air. Its aroma sour but the feeling could not have been sweeter.

I came forward at the same time the knife fell from her hand, her sobs now radiating in the air, her body shaking. With nothing to do and no idea how to react, her slender figure moved into mine, tightly wrapping her arms around me in a need to be comforted…but I didn’t respond, instead I let her cry. I let everything she had pent up from the rape, the time being held captive and the cruel words of her father to sink out of her. Mostly though, I felt proud. She exalted me from responsibility of having to kill him – she took that burden into her own and thinking about it, I felt my heart beat quicken. So I slowly reacted, my arms slowly encircling her, rubbing her back and closing my eyes, the other two standing quietly by the door.

“That’s my beautiful girl. Come on, let’s get you cleaned up, it’s time to go home.” I kissed the top of her head, her black strands silky under my smooth lips.

Zayn seemed to rush over then, almost like coming back into reality and Louis – for once, was left speechless.

“I got her, Hazza. Help Louis drag the other piece of useless carcass inside, huh?”

I didn’t fight him on the matter, breaking myself free from Sophia and smiling slightly.

“Sure, get her cleaned up. I’ll go get the van, she rides up front with me.”

Zayn nods in compromise and leads the distraught girl from the room, Louis coming over to meet my stare.

Daniel Stone was dead in the most fitting way possible. The deep gash slitting his throat and his naked, bloody body sitting slumped against his restraints, piss and other bodily fluids surrounding him.

“I wouldn’t have believed it if I didn’t see it for myself.” Louis murmured, shaking his head and leaving.

To be truthful, neither would I.

With hasty precision I ran and got the ambulance, parking it by the side of the lodge, getting out but Louis, with a now clean handed Sophia in his arms came walking out.

“I helped guide her into the passenger side and closed the door as the three of us made quick work of starting the fire inside, knowing it wouldn’t take long as everything in the lodge itself was made of wood.

Louis handed me Sophia’s knife wordlessly, its blade wiped clean of blood.

“Let’s go home.” Louis smirked, taking his lead to walk out the door – a rolled up poster in his back pocket. I knew exactly what poster and I grabbed it, throwing it into the fire as he helplessly watched it burn – Zayn chuckling quietly while getting in the back wordlessly.

“Mate, there is not enough lotion in our cabin to satisfy your needs and we’re not about to start taking stock in it either, the naked girl stays and burns with the rest of the trash. Now come, let’s get going because we have a long drive.” I smirk, seeing his face drop.

“You know how to ruin a perfectly good night, don’t you, H?”

I just laugh in response, getting into the driver’s seat while Louis got into the back – Zayn commenting as they got comfortable.

“I told you he wouldn’t go for it.” Zayn taunted childishly while only a bitter ‘shut up.’ Could be heard following from Louis. I turned to Sophia but her eyes were closed and her breathing was even. She had fallen asleep as soon as her head hit the window and to be truthful, I couldn’t be more happy then I was right at this moment. I felt accomplished, something I did right for once inn my life. I knew my father would be proud.

With the files, titles and laptop in hand we successfully completed the mission. Now, the real work began.

Notes

Okay - thoughts? I have a lot of readers from the number counts that go up every time I post a chapter - I want to know what you guys thought of this chapter specifically. A lot happened and yesss the end of Daniel! While also giving you guys a new insight of what's coming. I dropped some clues in this chapter as to what happens in the sequel - this chapter is 7,797 words long - the longest chapter I've ever written! I have a few more things happening before the sequel and I cannot WAIT to write chapter 45! Thanks for being such awesome readers!!