Operation: Threads of Connection

Fault

Anya's POV:

Alina did this... she took Damian... my heart began pounding, how could someone do this? This was all my fault, I should have listened to her warnings, now I had no idea where Damian was. God I hope he isn't hurt.

"What the hell does Alina want with Damian?" Ewen asked, frustrated. I turned to face my group of friends, my hands began trembling as I recalled the last encounter we had.

"Alina's parents arranged a marriage for Damian... His father agreed to it, but Damian rejected the idea immediately...." I said aloud. My eyes began burning, the tears I've held in were on the verge of coming out. "it's all my fault..." I whimpered out. I felt a warm set of arms wrap around my shoulders, opening my eyes I noticed Becky shaking her head.

"Don't say that Anya, Damian loves you, there was absolutely no way he would ever agree to marry Alina, we'll find him, I promise," Becky whispered as she began stroking my hair in a caring manner. I simply nodded as the emotions took over me. I can't lose him...

"Sebastian, isn't Alina your cousin? do you have any idea where they could possibly be?" Emile asked suddenly. All eyes turned to Bash. Sebastian's face paled, and he rubbed the back of his neck, clearly uncomfortable. "Alina's always been unpredictable," he said hesitantly. "She has a few places she likes to go when she wants to be alone, but taking someone with her? That's new."

"Think, Bash," Emile urged, stepping closer. "We need any lead we can get."

Bash closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them with a look of determination." The estate... we always meet there once a year, the whole Carter and Blackwell family gets together for an annual ball. The Carters have accessibility to this place 24/7, but it's heavily guarded, she might have taken Damian there,"

I finally had the courage to stand up, I know this was a dangerous task, but I was willing to risk it all for him...

"I have the location!" Bash announced as he clicked on the map on his phone.

"Send me the address, I'll go alone, it's too dangerous for you guys to come with," I said as I began walking towards the exit.

"Anya, no! We're coming with you, Damian is our friend," Ewen cried out.

"You can't do this alone, we're all going with you," Bash announced as they all began walking to the exit behind me. I couldn't help but sigh.

"I don't want you guys to get hurt.... I've already hurt too many people," I whispered. I had put my friends in danger too many times already, just being close to them was a danger in all. I don't want what happened in the orphanage to happen again... I can't lose them as well. With a heavy heart, I took Sebastian's phone and made a run for the door.

I heard the footsteps and screams behind me, but I continued running til I reached the front gates of Eden. Suddenly, a black vehicle came to a halt in front of me, making me stop in my tracks. Without any warning, two men came out the car, dressed entirely in black attire. Both came to either side of me, grabbing my arms and began pushing me towards the car.

"Anya Forger, Miss Carter will see you now," one of the men said.

"ANYA!" Becky screamed from behind. I tried to turn around to scream for help, but the man had put his hand on my mouth to prevent any sound from coming out. With much strength, I managed to escape their grip or a split second, I threw Bash's phone to the bush, hoping they will be able to locate it. The group made their way towards me. The two men then took out their weapons pointing the guns to Becky and the others.

"Stay where you are," One of the men spoke.

"Where are you taking her?!" Becky screamed out, suddenly the man began making his way towards her, in a second he had placed the gun to her forhead. Bash ran to Becky's rescue placing himself in front of her.

"Mr. Blackwell, I suggest you move out of the way," The man spoke, his eyes burning in anger. Bash stood his ground, as he defended Becky.

"No, I don't care what you do to me, let them go!" Bash yelled out. The man simply chuckled before punching Bash in the face. Bash fell to the ground, blood streaming down his forehead. Becky and the others went to his side to ensure his safety.

"Consider this a warning, Miss Carter is quite kind giving you a chance like this," The man spoke out, before going inside the car. I was still trying escape the other mans grip, I began wiggling my hands and pushed with all my strength. I managed to slip out heading out towards a crying Becky, Ewen and Emile; all in fear, their eyes locked with me in fear. They began screaming my name, I was almost to them when suddenly I felt a heavy thud on my head. In a matter of seconds, my mind went blank....

——

"Anya.... wake up my love, I need you..." a soft voice could be heard in the distance, it captivated me, I wanted to get closer, hear it speak once more.

"Come back to me, peanut,"

The voice felt like a lifeline in the darkness. Slowly, I became aware of my surroundings again. My head throbbed from the blow, and my body felt heavy, but I forced my eyes open, blinking against the harsh light. The blurred figure above me gradually came into focus. It was Damian, his face etched with worry and determination.

"Anya, can you hear me?" he asked gently, his eyes searching mine for any sign of recognition.

I nodded weakly, my vision still hazy. "Damian... you're here?" I whispered, my voice barely audible. I was in his arms, his clothes were covered in blood, disheveled; he looked weak. What did they do to him?

Damian's expression softened with relief. "Thank goodness," he murmured, brushing a strand of hair away from my face. "I'm here my love," My head was pounding in pain. Noticing my discomfort, Damian gently maneuvered me to his lap.

"Just rest," he said gently. I shook my head, I didn't want him to be taken from me again. My hands reached out to cup his cheek. He looked so tired, he had a cut on his upper lip, a few bruises scattered around his face. Why would anyone want to hurt him?

"This is all my fault, I didn't listen to Alina's warnings," I sobbed out, Damian looked at me with his eyes full of emotion, he shook his head, gently placing a kiss on my forehead.

"It's my fault, I couldn't bear living another day without you by my side. I will love you til my last day on this Earth, I will never let you go," he whispered. The hot tears began sliding down my cheeks. What did I do to deserve someone as caring as him?

"I will protect you no matter what... I love you so much," I cried into his arms. We sat there for what seemed hours, suddenly a tall figure began emerging from the shadows, he also had a weakened state, much worse than Damian. He was cuffed in heavy chains, the weight could be seen dragging him down with each step. His eyes were hollow, and his face was gaunt, suggesting he hadn't eaten or slept in days. The dim light revealed the deep scars that ran across his arms and face, indicating a past filled with struggle and pain.

"Who... who are you?" I asked, my voice trembling with fear and curiosity.

The figure paused, lifting his head slightly to meet my gaze. "My name... is Arthur," he said in a hoarse voice "Arthur Wetson, I'm so happy to see you, Ania,"