The Wake-Up Call You poisoned me, Elenas voice is weak as her eyes flutter open.
Her head feels like its made of stone, and her body aches as if shes been run over by a truck.
Everything is blurry, but one thing stands outRafaels arms are wrapped around her, holding her close.
The scent of his cologne is too strong, too familiar, and it makes her want to puke.
She tries to push away, but her limbs feel heavy, like theyre made of lead.
Shh, mi amor, Rafael whispers, his voice soft but still holding that dangerous edge.
Youre not dead.
Just a little lesson, thats all.
His hand gently strokes her hair, almost tenderly, and it makes Elenas stomach twist.
His warmth only reminds her of the poison, the horrible taste that still lingers in her mouth.
Youyou poisoned me, she repeats, this time with more force.
Her chest tightens with panic, but shes still too weak to do anything about it.
Her mind races, but it feels like her thoughts are moving through mud.
How did this happen? Why did he do this to her? Rafaels expression softens for a moment, and he looks almost… affectionate.
Only a small dose, Elena.
Just enough to teach you a lesson.
You cant escape me.
Not now, not ever.
Elenas breath catches in her throat.
The realization hits her like a slap.
He didnt kill her, but he could have.
And that means hes playing a game.
A dangerous one.
Shes no longer in control, and shes running out of options.
Why…? she gasps, barely able to form the words.
Why do this to me? He smiles, the look on his face unsettling.
Because you thought you could run.

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You thought you could outsmart me.
But Ive been watching you, Elena.
Always watching.
His voice darkens, and she feels the weight of his words like chains wrapping around her chest.
She shakes her head, trying to clear the fog in her mind.
I cant stay here, she says, her voice hoarse.
I cant… I cant live like this.
Rafael tilts his head, studying her with a mixture of amusement and something darker.
Oh, youll learn to love it here, he says softly, almost like hes trying to reassure her.
But theres no comfort in his words.
Ill make sure of that.
The room feels suffocating, and Elena fights the nausea rising in her stomach.
She tries to push herself up, but her limbs betray her.
Shes too weak.
She falls back against his chest, her heart pounding in her chest.
You cant keep me like this, she whispers, her voice trembling with frustration and fear.
I wont stay.
Rafaels grip tightens around her waist, a warning in the way his fingers dig into her skin.
Youre already mine, Elena, he murmurs.
And youll stay.
Ill make sure of that.
Meanwhile, miles away, Alexander is pacing back and forth in a small, dimly lit room.
His hands are shaking as he holds his phone, his face a mask of fury.
Hed been waiting for the call, hoping, praying that Elena would get away, that the plan would work.
But now, hes receiving something far worse than he expected.
The phone buzzes, and his heart skips a beat.
He immediately answers, his voice low but full of rage.
Elena, where are you? What happened? He cant keep the panic out of his voice, and it makes him feel weak, like hes losing control of everything.
But its not Elena who answers.
Its Rafaels voice, smooth and condescending, echoing from the other end of the line.
Shes right where she belongs, Rafael says, his words sharp, like knives.
I hope you didnt think you could just waltz in and take her away from me.
I told you, Alexander.
Shes mine now.
Alexanders blood runs cold.
His grip tightens on the phone.
Youyou poisoned her? he spits, the words coming out like venom.
Rafael laughs softly.
Just a little lesson.
Nothing too serious.
But I wanted her to understand.
She cant run from me.
Not anymore.
You son of a Alexander cuts himself off, rage surging through him.
He can feel his chest tightening, his hands shaking.
What the hell do you want from me? Rafaels voice turns more dangerous.
Nothing from you, Alexander.
Im not interested in playing games with you anymore.
But Ill give you a piece of advicestay out of this.
Leave Elena alone.
If you try to come for her again, youll regret it.
Alexander clenches his teeth, fury flashing through him.
You dont get to decide that.
Im taking her.
Im getting her out of there.
Rafaels laughter is dark, mocking.
You think you can? You think you have what it takes to take her from me? Youre weaker than you know, Alexander.
And Ill enjoy watching you fail.
Before Alexander can respond, the call ends abruptly.
The screen goes dark, and his fingers grip the phone harder, almost crushing it in his hand.
His breath comes in heavy bursts.
His mind is a whirlwind of anger, frustration, and desperation.
Elena.
He needs to get to her.
Now.
He cant wait any longer.
His mind races through possibilities.
He cant do this quietly anymore.
He cant sneak around, playing by Rafaels rules.
He needs to do this the right way, the only way he knows how.
He needs to take action.
He needs to make sure Rafael cant stop him.
Without wasting another second, he grabs his jacket and heads for the door.
Hes done hiding, done playing games.
Elenas in danger, and nothing is going to stop him from getting her back.
Back at Rafaels mansion, Elena is lying there in a fog, still unable to move properly.
Her limbs feel like they belong to someone else, her body too heavy to command.
The poison lingers in her veins, a sick reminder of how close she came to death.
She can feel Rafaels presence next to her, his eyes boring into her like a predator watching its prey.
Youre not going anywhere, he says, his voice barely above a whisper, the words cold and firm.
Elenas heart skips a beat as her phone buzzes on the nightstand.
Her hand is still too weak to reach it, but she manages to turn her head, her eyes locking onto the screen.
Its Alexander.
She can feel a surge of hope, a spark that she thought had died.
The phone buzzes again, and this time, she knows she cant ignore it.
With all the strength she has left, Elena manages to grab the phone, pressing it to her ear with trembling fingers.
Run, Alexanders voice comes through, breathless and urgent.
Now.
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