Astrea's pov
Flashback
9 years ago

A hard smack on my cheek woke me up from the deep slumber I was in.

Everything hurts.
My head hurts like it was hit hard by something. My wrists burn from the ropes tied against them, Instead of the bracelet that was supposed to be there. My whole body is aching.

I looked around the room only to find myself in a dark place. My mind is in chaos right now, trying to remember what exactly occurred.

The last thing I remembered was feeding Nico's dogs before a gunshot was heard, hitting a guard in the abdomen followed by several other gunshots. There was blood everywhere. I remember hearing Nico shout my name before something hit me in the head and everything went black.

Now waking up in this strange place my mind could only register fear and darkness. And a shadow-like structure in front of me that appears darker than anything at this moment.

"You are finally awake pet" came0 a dark voice making me shake in terror

The room suddenly lights up causing me to squint my eyes to adjust to it. Looking at where the shadow stood before, I am looking at a tall man instead. I have seen him before with Nico's papa. He was his friend

"Y..you are uncle Vladimir's fr...friend" I asked hesitantly. My throat feels sore.

"Something like that." He said smirking wickedly
Making me shudder and his smirk to widen.
"You are gonna live here from now on doll " he said running his finger against my cheek making me lean back as much as I can

"I am not" I said knowing my father and Nico will come to get me soon

I won't cry. I just had to be strong for a while before they come to get me. Just for a little more. I told myself, trying to hold the tears back and not show any weakness.
And I am not gonna let my weakness become his strength

He fists my hair in his hands trying to lower my head when I just looked into his eyes. My eyes burning with fire. My head refused to bow down to him.

Papa told me to never bow down for the crown in my head will fall.

"I am gonna steal that fire from your eyes, little by little until there is nothing left in you" He said spitting at me

"James mark her as my slave. Number 82" he says before he left

...

Present

It's been five days since that night when literally everything changed. I haven't talked to Nico yet. Although I went to work except for the one day. He kept his word to give me space. He hadn't said anything but that didn't stop him from talking through his eyes. A pang shoots through my heart whenever our eyes meet. The raw emotion in them stings.

I understand why he hid the truth about our childhood but it still hurts. It's too overwhelming.
I don't know what to think about him being in the mafia either. He is a criminal while I am studying to be a lawyer. It screams forbidden from every angle but there is an appeal to it and it dazzles me even more.

Can I adjust to the life I was born into but don't remember? Are he and my family enough to sacrifice my morals for?

In my heart, I already know the answer but I am not ready to accept it yet.

I am driving myself home right now, having taken a half day from work due to the terrible headache and stomach ache I am having.

I haven't been sleeping well these few days because of everything and the additional dreams or nightmares that had become too frequent.
And I am on my periods making it all even worse.

Parking my car in the lot, I walked towards the elevator, clutching my stomach when a sharp pain shoots through it. My head felt dizzy and my head is throbbing.

I just need some chocolates and painkillers right now.
I walked out when the elevator dings.

Something doesn't feel right as I stand in front of the door which is already unlocked. Opening the door carefully I walked inside slowly, searching for any signs of Atlas. I took out the taser Ryan brought for me that I always keep in my purse along with a bottle of pepper spray.

I walked in carefully keeping my eyes and ears open for anything suspicious.

A bark comes from inside making me sigh in relief. Maybe I was just overthinking it and the knowledge of my past has made me obnoxious.
Those thoughts left quickly as I entered the living room.

My eyes widened in horror at the scene in front of my eyes. My heart beat faster with every step I took.

Everything was in a disarray. The photos and paintings were broken, the furniture ruined and everything smashed on the floor. it was like an earthquake struck this place.

Another bark comes from inside, making me walk towards it with careful steps. My hands still clutchied the pepper spray and taser tightly. When I opened a cabinet in the kitchen, atlas rushed out. His fur had splashes of blood and I clutched him tightly to me after looking for any wounds finding some scratches.

Rushing out of the house with atlas in my arms I locked the door from outside. Not knowing where to go and what would be safe right now, I dialled the one person who would know what to do in this situation with shaking hands.

"Astrea?" his rough voice thick with emotions came through the phone calming me down. My heart and soul feel safe knowing he is there for me. I knew he won't let anything happen to me.

"Nico. Someone broke into my apartment"