The Silence That Surrounds: Screams of the Damned

Sophia’s POV:

My eyes widened fearfully, back pressed up against the paint chipped wall of the basement, Andros beside me.

Elliott decided to deal with me personally. That left Smith and two other guards to subdue Andros.

“Good morning, love. Did you sleep well?” He asked with a mocking tone and bitter sweet sentiment; indicating he didn’t care but gave a moment pause so I could respond. I didn’t. I remained frozen to the wall, which in turn left him to continue as normal. “Now, I need you to listen very carefully because I won’t repeat myself. Do you understand?”

I still felt the shock of the collar from before. The electricity still burnt in my veins from the first time I tried speaking.

Without my voice I had no choice but to answer silently; so I nodded my head.

Elliott grinned and whistled to catch Andros attention.

“I suggest you listen to this too, Deprave. Otherwise you two are going to suffer consequences. Because this is the deal; if one of you steps out of line, the other one gets punished for it. Like Deprave is being difficult, that means that gives me right to punish little Ms. Stone here.”

As he said this his hand snapped back and struck forward, my neck snapping sharply to the side in a blinding flash.

“Struggle some more, Deprave and the worse it’s going to get for her.” Elliott threatened, throwing his signature smile his way.

“L-“

ZAP!

Andros’s body jolted violently from the sharp shock he received and his voice faltered once more, silent cries of agony leaving his eyes.

“Those collars have been set to maximum power. If you talk or attempt to speak, they will give you a most unpleasant shock. Nothing dangerous, but one that will train you and teach you that your voices are under my control. I control your every movement from here on out. Those are there for reinforcement and will not be removed any time soon. If you need to speak – or are required to answer, you will be given a small notepad. As for Lily, you will attend to her as you normally would but without talking. When she asks, I will explain that you lost your speaking privileges. For how long depends on how well you listen, but don’t expect them back in the near future.” Elliott calmly explained, eyeing both of our reactions.

Tears were quietly making their way out in small trails down my face.

My voice was the only thing I had left – how can someone be so cruel? Even Harry was merciful and gagged me only when I wouldn’t shut up or when I deserved punishment. He wasn’t so bad, but Elliott was cold-blooded. He was a barbarian of different proportions and if I found my way back to Harry – I would beg him to show me how to fight. I never want to find myself in this position again, helpless without Harry – without Louis, Zayn, Liam or Niall. I missed them greatly that my heart physically ached.

I never thought I would but they are the closest thing I have left to a family. Lily and Andros were the siblings I never had and now I could only look on and silently be looked at back. It couldn’t get much worse.

Another brutal slap across my face brought me to the present time again and I whimpered, receiving another electrical shock that made me arch my back and slam violently behind me into the wall I was already pressed up against. Each electrical pulse traveling through my veins like hot fire.

“Ms. Stone, you must stop spacing off like that. I believe that’s what you got slapped for last night. There will be no happy place for you; not here, nor in your head – and I will most assuredly see to that personally. Starting now,” He smiled wickedly, turning to Andros. “You have two infractions and she has one so far this morning. That is not a good way to start the day, my lovely little weedlings.” He chided, picking his hand up to my face.

I flinched back when he preened a loose strand behind my ear, wanting nothing more in that moment to crawl in a hole and die.

“You see those chains? The ones attached to the wall over there on the hook?” He continued, forcing my head towards where the chains hung, the length was long enough to walk the whole house, possibly a step or two outside if we were lucky.

Andros struggled in the arms of the men, trying to jerk his hands from their tight grasp.

Elliott tsked and left me against the wall, approaching the rage filled young bloke, his eyes a dark pool of black – like a wild animal struggling to free itself from tight chains.

“Because you insist on struggling, Andros – you nor Ms. Stone will receive anything to eat today nor tomorrow. I could order her beat senseless but her broken fingers already make her useless enough. If there are any more incidences, I will withhold drink as well.” Elliott explained calmly, watching Andros still but not without holding his glare.

This caused Elliott to laugh, the rumble of his tone dark.

“Oh, Deprave; my little boar. You will go four days without food, just for the defiance alone. If you keep it up, we’ll make it a full week. That way, you will be too weak to defy me because as it stands now, I’m completely retraining you. My wife was too easy on you, I won’t be. So starting today, no food for you for four days. Let’s keep it up and I’ll take away your water as well. If that still isn’t a deterrent, you can watch Ms. Stone starve to death. I leave that up to you. Now, drop the glare – NOW!”

Andros’s face became laxer until the soft features of defeat was present in his eyes. This made Elliott’s smile broaden.

“Good lad, I knew you would see it my way. Though, because I know you’re keen on forgetting, I will remind you of what will happen when my orders are disobeyed.”

With finality he balled his hand up into a fist and sprung it forward my cheek.

Blinding pain erupted and a scream left my mouth, dying in my throat when another electrical current made its way through my insides, cooking my veins.

“Smith? Ajax? Attach them to their respective chains and make sure you assist them to their proper spots. Andros will be cooking breakfast for us this morning and see to it that Ms. Stone is kneeling next to my chair, hands on her thighs, linked together and folded in front of her with her head down. If she is not properly in position, force her to comply correctly.”

Elliott ripped the sling from my arm and squeezed my broken fingers within his tight grasp.

“Make no mistake in thinking you have any significance here, angel. Make no error in thinking that you are in any way important. You will do what you are told, when you are told – you will do it exactly as I ask you to and in what order. If you don’t, Andros will suffer. I will make his punishments far worse. So be a good little lass, yeah?” Elliott smiled, patting my cheek none too gently.

The pain that shot up my arm was unbearable, but I knew if I made a sound then I would be in even more anguish. So I gave in and nodded my head.

“Good girl. See? You’re learning already.” He patronized, letting go of my bad hand.

I cradled my useless limb in my arm, glancing at the one they called Ajax.

He was about Andros age, maybe a year or two older. His hair was an off colored blonde that reached passed his ears, his eyes a murky deep pool of brown. Nothing really special about him, but he still had beauty. Especially being the tall beanpole that he was. Though, my heart didn’t beat for any of the men here – except Andros. He showed me an escape from the hell that was my life and brought me closer to my brother. He showed me how to connect to my inner conscience, something I had not known how to do before.

A piercing coldness gripped my ankle, bringing me back from my thoughts once more. I glanced down to see the small shackle click into place, Ajax’s fingers sliding the padlock into the opening mechanism and pushing it down; efficiently locking the heavy chain on and making me a prisoner.

“Come on, Ms. Stone.” Ajax called softly, standing from the ground, his figure easily over looming my 5’7 frame.

I held my good hand out for him to take, guiding me towards the stairs while Smith clicked Andros’s shackle onto his ankle, padlocking it closed.

“Since they are not sleeping in Lily’s room anymore – for now at least, bring down one of the used mattresses from the attic. They can sleep on that.” Elliott ordered Ajax and Smith, turning to walk passed us.

Smith had a tight hold on Andros’s arm, our chains scrapping along the concrete floor as we made our way to the inside of the house.

Once there I was lead to the kitchen with Andros in tow, my feet coming to stop beside a chair.

“Go on and kneel, lass; you’ll be alright. Just do what you’re told and you won’t have to worry.” Ajax murmured, his eyes placed on the ground, almost as if he were avoiding my gaze.

With his help I knelt on my knees, my hands placed on my thighs, hands crossed over one another – not without a flinch. My hand was absolutely throbbing and I knew I would not get anything for pain once my mind began to wake up.

Smith virtually manhandled Andros to the ice chest, throwing it open and gesturing inside.

“Your orders were clear, Deprave. Just as ours. Ajax? You heard the master, we need to check the attic for a mattress; come on little mutt, we have a scavenger hunt to partake in.” Smith nodded his head toward the hall.

Ajax made sure my posture was correct, setting his hand on my shoulder and squeezing reassuringly.

“Keep your head up, Ms. Stone.” He whispered, standing up and following Smith from the kitchen.

I took a chance and looked up at Andros, he was throwing stuff to the side of the stove, his eyes a deep crimson of rage. I had never seen him so mad before.

“I don’t believe I gave you permission to look at Mr. Deprave, Ms. Stone. Eyes forward and down to the floor, please.” Elliott said as he entered into the kitchen and took his rightful place on the chair I was sat beside. He patted my head when I obeyed, flinching at his touch.

“Good girl. See? If you do as you are told, things will go much easier for you around here. You will learn your place and I will be in control like I am supposed to b – for GOD SAKE, Deprave, stop bloody throwing things!” Elliott exploded, switching from his gloat to chastise Andros who was purposely slamming things down on the counter in preparation for breakfast.

I swallowed but didn’t look to Andros again for fear of retribution.

Footsteps were heard down the hall, the oldest daughter coming into sight with a sickening sweet smile on her face and a look of excitement to match.

“Good morning, daddy.” She greeted him with a kiss, making me look up from the floor, her petite height seeming much more intimidating.

“Elliott looked at me and delivered a rough blow to the top of my head, grabbing my hair and forcing my head back down in a sharp yank.

“You will continue to look at the floor. If you look up without permission again, I will have you lick the floor clean, do you understand?” Elliott glowered and I nodded my head, forcing back the tears that wanted to trail down. I felt absolutely numb and frightened. Harry would never stand for this – even his hostages weren’t treated so vulgar.

“Aw, daddy; I wanted to ask you, after breakfast can I borrow Sophia for a little? I want to get my hair done up and she always does Lily’s hair. I have a date later with Joseph, he invited me on a date.” She beamed, clearly in a better mood than anyone else around this God forsaken place.

Tears made their way down my cheek silently, afraid of what this monster bitch would have me do and what she would do if I fucked up. I didn’t even know how I was going to do her hair with one hand. Andros always helped me with Lily’s hair knowing I couldn’t do it myself and he was better with it.

Elliott cooed softly, his hand on my head again, petting it like a dog.

“Aw, poor little rich girl. Life is just so hard when you have to serve other people, isn’t it? I mean, what with being the richest little prat in the UK thanks to your daddy and then ending up catching Style’s interest? I guess your brother got off lucky, dead was it you said? Luckier than most when you deal with Damien Styles.”

The painful thump in my chest felt like it was tearing. It felt like I was losing my brother all over again and in turn of that; I let out an agonized whimper. It was high pitched, like a wounded animal. Unfortunately, it was out of my control and the collar again sparked to life, throwing me to my side and setting my body aflame again.

Eli giggled, her eyes lighting up even more, sparking with great delight in seeing my pain. In fact, they yearned to see more and I simply couldn’t care enough to stop myself from convulsing.

“Sure pumpkin, take her for as long as you need. She’s useless to me at the moment with her broken fingers but she is still assigned to assist Lily in getting ready, so – “He started but saw Eli pout.

“But, daddy? I wanted her for the morning, Have Andros assist with the little runt. I want Sophia to help ME get ready for my date and it’s not fair that Lily gets two assistants and I don’t even get one. I want Sophia! She can have Andros.” Eli argued, folding her arms across her chest like a spoiled child.

Andros was by my side, gently helping me from the ground and back onto my knees when I didn’t make an attempt to move from the cold floor.

His eyes were laced in concern, his fingers gently massaging over my cheek in a silent question. I nodded, sniffing to unblock my nose.

“Get back to work, Deprave, she’s fine. Alright, Eli babe. Sophia is yours to do with as you need. Andros will take over caring for Lily fulltime. You’re right; in accordance with the sharing rule around here, it’s not fair for Lily to have two caretakers, but she wouldn’t need them if you would stop trying to kill her,” Elliott huffed, turning down towards me and petting my head again. “Crawl to Eli’s chair, darling, get in the same position as you are now until she requires something of you.”

I looked up at him in shock, eyes wide. Was I seriously being treated like a dog? I miss Harry, actually – I’m going to be eating my words, but I miss Damien too. At least I knew where I stood with him.

“Crawl or get slapped again, your choice really, darling.” Elliott threatened and I used my arm on my bad hand to move along with my good hand to help keep traction. When I was beside her chair, I sat back on my heels in the same position as before, swallowing down insults.

I hope Damien liked hugs, because when I next saw him – he was getting one.

I looked at the floor but her rough fingers found my hair and intertwined themselves into the faded black strands with the slightly shown red roots.

“I like your hair.” She said, pulling the follicles together when her fist grasped them together viciously.

For lack of anything better of a reaction I flinch. I know she’s trying to make me set my collar off again and part of me wants it to so the shocks going through me would by some mercy knock me unconscious, but sadly that hasn’t happened.

With no reaction she pulls up with her fist and forces my face to glance up towards her, my fearful blues meeting her set of unique colored ones. They were beautiful – even if they belonged to Satan’s daughter incarnate.

I put my good hand to my mouth, palm flat against my lips before gesturing outward. I knew a bit of sign language, but only a few phrases like thank you, fuck you and I love you. The rest was alien speak.

She smirked, grabbing my good hand and studying my hand thoughtfully.

“Daddy? Can I break a finger on her other hand? She’d still have four for use, please?” She asked suddenly, making me swallow and try to break my limb from her tight grip.

Elliott choked on his coffee and set the mug down, glancing to see if his daughter was serious.

She was.

“No, she needs at least one hand so she can do things herself. If she is injured further, you’re grounded. Now, stop playing with the girl and wait for your breakfast.

Eli pouted but released me, my hand catching my body before it went toward the ground.

It was about twenty minutes later when Blade came in carrying a crying Lily, her body wiggling desperately to escape his hold. With a smirk he set her down and she ran to me, throwing her arms around my chest and hugging tightly.

“Mum! Mum, you and Andros weren’t there when I woke up! Where were you!? I was tied up, mummy. Someone tied me up and left me. Blade untied me.” She explained in a rush, her small body heaving in heavy sobs. That wasn’t as concerning as the deep bruises that were forming from whatever had been restraining her.

I looked up at Eli, who was smiling widely in sadistic glee.

Elliott sighed and held his arms out for his daughter.

“Come to daddy, princess. Eli? I suspect you had nothing to do with this, hmm?” Elliott asked sarcastically, standing up when Lily shook her head and refused to listen.

“Of course not, daddy. I would never hurt my little darling sister.” She replied in mock innocence.

Elliott practically dragged the poor child away, hugging her to him forcefully; her small sobs protested the notion.

“Mum! No! Daddy’s a monster, he’s a monster! I want mum!” She cried in hysterics, making Elliott’s eyes darken.

“Your mum will not be looking after you anymore. She has been assigned to help Eli. You have Andros but he and Sophia have their own room now and will respectively go there at nighttime after they tuck you in.

Lily shook her head small fist pounding feebly against her father’s chest.

“NO! Mummy, no! I want mum! Andros can help Eli, I want Sophie!” She pleaded, panic falling over her little world.

Andros threw the pan away from the stove and came forward, taking the girl gently from Elliott’s chest and placing her fragilely against his own, rocking her back and forth.

Elliott seemed put off but snorted and sat back down.

“I’ve made my decision, Lily. If you’re going to argue, Andros will be taken away too. I’ll send him and Sophia to the Cage so you won’t have any help. I am your father and you fucking better start treating me as such! I’M IN CHARGE, NOT THEM!” His voice boomed, making the silence spread over the kitchen like a fog.

“Andros, don’t let him take Sophie. I need her, please Andy?” She begged, crying into his ear as he could only rock her, his voice unable to coo anything comforting and that looked to be killing him.

“Andy?” She begged, her innocent eyes looking up into helpless ones. “Why aren’t you talking?”

Andros let a small tear trail down his face before kissing her gently on the temple and setting her in her chair beside her father, going back to cooking, her small body jerking toward him in anguish. “Andy?” She murmured, a slight plea etched into her small tone.

“He can’t talk to you, fucking twat. He and Sophia are being punished. They can’t talk, daddy took their voices away and if you don’t sit down and shut up, he’ll take away your voice too!” Eli exploded, slamming her fist against the table in rage.

I grimaced, but moved my hand to her face softly massaging the tips of her temple with the smooth pads of my fingers, moving her hair away with my bad hand; a small amount of affection displaying in my eyes. It was hard but jealousy was clearly raging inside her and hate is the most powerful emotion a human being can feel next to love.

She froze, her face turning down to mine with the tranquil movement.

“Don’t touch me, cunt bag!” She lashed out, her hand swinging down and catching my eye.

I stopped my action and cradled my eye she got with her nail.

“You do not touch me unless I say you can! I’m in charge!” Eli screamed, using her leg to kick me in the side.

I fell with a grunt, the collar going off again.

Andros was at my side again; his anklet scrapping against the floor, the chains tinkling with a harsh metallic sound as they moved.

At first I was sure I had momentarily passed out, but gentle arms were moving me to their chest and cradling me protectively. I knew it was Andros, he was the only one who would bother.

“You really want her punished, don’t you, Deprave?” Elliott asked darkly, chuckling, a chair scrapping against the floor.

I was picked up from Andros and put forcefully back on my knees.

“This is where she belongs, Deprave and your place is at the fucking stove, cooking. Back to work or I will beat her and make you watch. I’m not playing and God help your soul if you think I am.” Elliott growled, his voice barely above a soft threat.

“Daddy? Please, I want mum to talk to me. She was telling me a story last night – “Lily tried to beg but Elliott cut her off.

“Too fucking bad, princess. When you learn to treat daddy with respect I might take mum’s collar off but until then, she will assist Eli and Andros will assist you but neither of them will talk to you so don’t expect them too.” Elliott replied coldly, looking up when Andros practically threw a plate of eggs and bacon in front of him, his face twisted in physical disgust.

Eli giggled at the shocked look of her father, watching him move his arm across the table and knocking the plate to the floor with a loud crash.

“Eli? Send Sophia over here and have her clean this up.” Elliott said, a twisted smile on his face. I was barely functioning, my body felt numb and a sense of doom had fallen over me. I don’t know how I was going to survive this day.

“You heard your master, go little bitch.” She demeaned and I had to struggle not to choke her.

I let my bad arm glide across the floor, using my good hand for balance and knelt beside the food and broken plate to begin to clean it up.

“You’re doing it wrong, sweetheart. I want you to clean it up with your pretty little mouth. The broken plate too.” Elliott orders, his voice mocking with sardonic friendliness. He was far worse than Damien.

Freezing in place, I looked up with tears. I had done what they wanted, I had degraded myself for fear of getting Andros in trouble but I couldn’t fathom this. I didn’t understand why this was happening or even what I did. I’ve done what he requested of me, I cared for his daughter and haven’t argued. Now I couldn’t even protest. All I could do was stare up, pleading silently with my eyes.

Elliott laughed, fisting my hair and jerking my face close to his.

“You will listen to me because if you don’t, you and Deprave will join your little boyfriend and his gang at the cage. Believe it or not, there are some women there that are unfortunate enough to not have become fighters but stress relief for guards. If you think you want to die now, wait until you’re pleasuring twenty guards a day with those sweet little pale lips and cum covered twat. Believe me, I would see to it personally that you settle into that new position if you think this one is too much to handle. In short, I would suggest not testing me and use your mouth to clean up what I asked you to.” He finished, pushing my head down and into a broken piece of glass; the small piece going into my delicate flesh.

I knew if I cried out I would end up with more pieces stuck in me, so I did I was asked, gently using my teeth to move the food and glass into a small pile; which was still not enough for the monster.

“Now, I’m not a cruel man. I hate food going to waste and you look like you could eat, so go on then. If you pass it up, you won’t be getting fed at all.” Elliott nodded at the glass ridden eggs.

I shook my head, my gaze meeting his cold one.

He didn’t say anything for a second, but merely shrugged.

“Fine by me, lass. Starve – “He was cut off by Lily, her small cries having quieted down as she watched how cruel her father was being.

“Mummy would hate you, daddy.” She wiped her eyes and looked up when Andros gently set a plate and a glass in front of her, kissing her head softly as he did so.

“Your mum is dead; she doesn’t know what the fuck is going on. Besides, it wasn’t me who killed her – was it precious? You killed her when you were born, but that’s hardly your fault, right?” He asked her pointedly, glaring into her innocent face. “Point is, if you keep talking back to daddy; I will end up punishing you and I don’t want to do that. So shut up and eat your breakfast.” Elliott grumbled, looking down at me and smirking, reaching down and pulling the piece of glass from my skin.

“I hate you.” Lily sniffled, going quiet and picking up her fork, beginning to eat her food while Andros brought another plate to Eli.

He dropped it with a clank and went back the sink to clean up; his eyes dark, angry and hopeless.

Eli giggled again, enjoying the control there was over the two of us. It was like she thrived on it, but even in my position maybe it wasn’t too late to show her what love could feel like, what it could be.

I shifted, the feeling of cuts in my mouth from the glass. If this was only the first day, what other hell awaited me?

I know Dylan told me to hang on, but he wasn’t here and he couldn’t save me. Harry was trapped in his own personal hell and everyone else was scattered around. I wasn’t fool enough to believe he would return for me. So I knew for now, possibly forever, that I was on my own.

My bladder burned with urgency and I realized I hadn’t been allowed to pee this morning. I’m surprised it hadn’t given out on itself with how often my collar went off today.

I tapped my captor’s arm with urgency, eyes in panic.

Elliott simply smiled.

“Aw, my love, what’s got you panicked? Do you need something?” He taunted and I nodded.

‘Bathroom.’ I mouthed, his smile broadening.

“What was that, love? I couldn’t hear you?” He cupped his ear and I wanted to let out a whimper in response.

‘Bathroom.’ I mouthed again, my eyes meeting the ground.

“You got to speak up, darling. I can’t hear you. Come on, speak for daddy.” He encouraged with a laugh.

I scrunched up my face at the term ‘daddy’. If my father was anything as cruel as him, I would have taken a razor to my wrists long ago.

“Tell me or get your ass back to Eli.” Elliott smiled, gesturing to the teenager. By this point, Ajax was leaning against the door to the kitchen and Blade had disappeared once he dropped Lily inside.

“She has to use the loo, sir. My sister’s deaf, lip reading is one of many gifts I possess.” Ajax interrupted the fun, coming in to see the sorry sight in front of him.

Elliott glowered, glancing up at the man and rolling his eyes.

“Alright, take Ms. Stone to the loo. Make sure you stay with her. Actually, make sure she showers because to be frank – she fucking reeks.” Elliott spat, causing Andros to throw a pan into the sink in anger. He’s been fighting the urge to beat the shit out of Elliott since this whole morning began and I could tell he was slowly losing the battle.

Actually when Elliott laughed at his reaction was when Andros finally snapped.

Before I or anyone else could stop him he had spun on his heel, snatched Elliott from his chair with a short scream from Eli to accompany the action and pulled his arm back, letting it snap forward into the older man’s face – a crunch effectively sounding from his nose.

Ajax called for backup, gently coming behind Andros and trying to restrain the younger bloke, but like luck had it he had an extra tight grip on Elliott and another punch was delivered to his face – this time to his temple.

When the monster slumped, Andros allowed his arms to be grabbed and restrained behind him.

“SMITH! BLADE!” Ajax yelled over Eli’s screaming, my eyes wide in shock, scooting back from Elliott’s body – which happened to fall into the broken plate and wasted food.

Lily was whimpering, sliding her chair back and jumping in my arms for safety. She wasn’t old enough to know the severity of the situation and when Elliott came to – it would get a lot more serious.

“Mum, don’t leave me.” She murmured, holding tight and I stood carefully, holding the young child, backing off so I was out of the way. My chains scrapping harshly on the floor, but I needed to make sure Lily was alright. Something snapped around here. Elliott did a complete three sixty.

I nodded my head in response to her plea, Andros and myself coming to meet one another at a glance.

His eyes were blurred with tears and his stare pained. He didn’t know what was going on himself and we tried so hard to do what Elliott had wanted. We did it for the sake of not being punished. Now with Andros’s fly off the handle, I had a feeling neither one of us would know comfort by the end of whatever punishment we were bound to get when he woke up.

“For you,” Andros mouthed, his beautiful orbs passing over to Lily, nodding. “Always.”

I nodded, flinching when Andros’s body was pushed to the floor by Ajax, Smith coming in to survey the scene.

He snorted a laugh and came to help Ajax get a better hold on the struggling bloke.

“It’s his first day in retraining and he’s already punching people out. Brings back memories, huh, Ajax?” Smith chuckled, sparing Eli a glance. She hadn’t moved an inch.

Blade entered about a minute after Smith, laughing. These guys had a fucked up sense of humor.

“Blade? Get me a sedative, yeah? He’s too stirred up to even try and talk to right now. I’m going to need you two to bring him down to the basement,” He explained their orders, noticing their eyes fell on me. “Sophia needs to use the toilet and Elliott ordered me to make sure she takes a shower. I’ll take her back to the basement once I’ve followed orders.” Ajax finished.

I dropped to the floor onto my knees and let Lily down, touching the sharp bone structure to Andros face. It was meant to be a comfort, knowing he seemed to be in his own struggle right now. Especially when it looked like the battle was with himself.

He slowly ceased his fight, the sorrow in his lifeline to the astral plane a mere reflection to everything that went on around him. It shone so clearly in his eyes that I briefly wondered his story – what happened before he was brought here to live and why his past hell was catching up with him after all this time.

“That’s it, luv. Just relax.” I murmured without sound, my good hand sweeping over his face, connecting with his scalp.

I flinched at the sound of a zip tie closing, realizing Smith had locked the hard plastic onto his wrist tightly and without mercy.

He only continued to hold my stare, my hand working to calm his rage. The rage that was angered because of me, it was my fault this was happening to him.

“Mum? Are they hurting Andy?” Her small voice spoke and I looked into her face with a worn smile, grabbing her hand with a shake of my head.

“Of course not, darling. Andy is just going to take a little nap for a while and mummy is going to take a shower.” Ajax smiled, comforting the little girl.

“Daddy said I could have Sophia for today. I want her brought to my room once she’s done in the shower.” Eli finally spoke, her stare hard and lips pursed.

Ajax nodded wordlessly.

“Very well, luv. I will bring her to you as per your request.”

Eli nodded and left the kitchen, moving passed Blade on the way to continue to her room.

Blade came in, my eyes looking up to watch him. Thankfully he gave Ajax the shot and waited patiently to finish with orders.

Ajax uncapped the shot, touching gently on Andros’s arm.

“Sorry, mate; this is going to pinch a little,” He warned, slowly injecting the thin piece of metal and plunging the medicine into his system. “There we are, not so bad. You should be out in a tick or two.” He patted Andros’s back.

I continued to massage my hand over is scalp, massaging the strands of his dirty blonde hair.

“Mum? Will you be able to tuck me in tonight? I want you, I don’t want anyone else.” Lilly sniffed, her eyes red from crying.

I looked at Ajax and he let out a subtle nod, probably to keep the young child tranquil.

I repeated the nod. Smiling a little when she latched onto my neck.

“Thank you.” I murmured silently to Ajax, he nodded and noticed Andros was falling asleep on the floor thanks to the fast acting drugs.

“Blade, Smith? Drugs are kicking in, take him to the basement. I’m going to get Sophia here to the bathroom, we’ll meet back here after –“ Ajax was interrupted by Smith, nodding his head to Elliott – who was still on the floor knocked out clean.

“Shouldn’t we move Dawson to his room first? Check to make sure he doesn’t have any life threatening injuries?” Smith asked bored, making Ajax glance at Elliott.

Even from over here he could tell he was still breathing.

“You can if you want, Smith, but do you really give a fuck?” Ajax asked, earning a snort from Smith.

“Not particularly.” He answered, laughing.

If your own men don’t like you enough to help you from the floor, you know you’re a shit leader. At least Harry’s men were always kind enough to help him if he needed it. They even helped me – so Styles must have taught them something vital.

“Then let sleeping arseholes lie, mate. Help Blade with Deprave, set him on the bed in the basement and let him rest. He’s going to need it for later when Dawson wakes up. I’ll leave you to it, excuse me.” He dismissed, picking Lily from my neck and setting her on a chair facing Elliott’s body.

“I need you to keep an eye on your daddy. If he – “Lily gave a hard kick to Elliott’s head, making a soft ‘thawk’ sound from her shoe. “Lily! No kicking him, just watch him. If he starts breathing funny – “Ajax grabbed her feet and tried to continue, looking in her eyes but she interrupted.

“Arsehole. Arsehole can die. I want him to die.” She cried, tears slipping from her eyes, clearly upset at the turn of events of everything.

“No you don’t baby, you love your daddy. He can be a little rough around the edges, but that isn’t his fault, luv. I need you to come get me if he starts breathing funny, okay? And no more kicking, kicking people in the head isn’t nice.” He chastised gently.

“Neither is leaving him on the floor.” Blade snorted, helping Smith pull Andros’s unconscious body from the ground and lead him back to the basement, the chains scrapping along as they went.

“Be a big girl, okay? Do it for me?” He pouted playfully, making me smile. It amazed me; despite how cruel Elliott was, how many men he had working for him that had an ounce of a conscience.

Lily nodded and wiped her eyes.

“I want mum.” She looked at me and pointed.

I made my way over and wrapped her in a hug, flicking my finger on her nose.

Ajax ruffled her hair.

“Once your sister is done with her, I’ll sneak her into your room does that sound good, luv?” He winked, looking at me and holding out his hand.

She nodded enthusiastically, grabbing her plate and grabbing her fork to finish eating but stopped and took the plate, dumping its remaining contents onto Elliott’s head.

My mouth opened in shock, but Ajax took my arm and began to lead me from the room.

“Between just the two of us, luv? I hope she kicks him in the head again. I didn’t see what she did with the plate, did you?” He smiled, making me frown. I didn’t want to get in trouble for that.

He notices my reaction and sighs.

“Relax, I’ll make sure you’re not blamed,” He eases my fears and we both step into the bathroom. “Go on and do what you need to, I’ll go get the key from Dawson. Be right back, I’m trusting you not to do something stupid.” He smiled, going to leave but I grabbed his hand with my good one.

I put my hand to my lips gesturing it forward, thanking him for his kindness – maybe even thanking him for helping me when he didn’t have to.

“No need to thank me, luv. We all need a friend, I’m usually Elliott’s muscle, but I’ll try to see if I can get transferred to help assist you three, because God knows you’re gonna need it. Excuse me.” He bowed, leaving me to privacy.

I was left to my devices, glad to have a small ounce of privacy. For the first time, though I was uncertain if I was going to be alright again and the thought of death was still strong, if I had Andros, Ajax or even Lily – maybe hell here would be bearable.

To be truthful though, I still missed Harry and the gang and it killed me to wonder if I was ever going to see them again.

With a will not to cry at the thought, I stripped from my top and waited for Ajax to return – however I was sorely disappointed when Blade walked in.

“Hello, darling. Are we ready for our shower?” He purred, walking straight at me.

I backed up against the wall near the sink in statue still fear.

He pouted at my reaction.

“Aw, well – too bad.” He dismissed, reaching me and effectively trapping me against the wall with his greasy, dirty hands.

I glanced at the basin quickly, a razor knife sitting open from use early this morning from the looks. I didn’t think twice and let out an exclamation, my broken fingers blinding me with white hot pain as I reacted with lightning speed, gripping the razor with my bad hand and plunging it forward before the bastard could react.

I looked down as he stumbled, the knife sticking out of his chest – right above his head. The look of shock on his face, a silent scream echoing from my throat.

The air constricted my lungs and violent shocks rocked through my body. What I thought was a silent scream, was my hearing turning silent like a black and white movie, no words to accompany the picture – just fear.

I don’t remember blacking out, I don’t even know what happened after because the shocks were continuous and harsh. My insides felt like they were cooking and all I could see was darkness.

It wasn’t until the gentle waves of water washed over me did I see the light above. I swam towards it, the warm sensation surrounding me on all sides – the surface growing nearer and nearer.

My head finally popped out, I was in the lake by the doc, looking around I spotted my brother sitting on the blanket with a book, eating strawberries from the picnic basket.

“Dylan!” I exclaimed happily, seeing him turn with a smile.

“Nala! Come and join me, I was wondering when you were getting here. I hope you don’t mind me helping you, I sort of guided you in through the backway. It looked like you really needed an escape.” Dylan smiled, gesturing for me to join him.

I found the edge of the pond and climbed out going to join him, my body seeming to dry instantly.

“Backway? How do you mean?” I quipped my eyebrows, making him stick his tongue out at me and roll his eyes.

“No need to worry about that now, I been waiting for you. We have so much to talk about and now we can do it uninterrupted.” He dismissed with a smile and threw the eaten stem of the Strawberry at me.

I pulled a face but felt the familiar peace; no pain and no fear. I loved it here and now I would be uninterrupted – though I didn’t realize what Dylan had mean by backway; I would soon, unfortunately.

*

AUTHOR’S NOTE: Harry and the gang in the next chapter! Then back to the dollhouse with Liam and Niall and then we can finally move forward to reuniting them so enjoy!

Notes