Chapter 2 - The Almond Scent
The massive bedroom erupted into chaos as Marcus slammed the deadbolt into place.
Vanessa screamed, backing away from the bloody bodyguard with dramatic terror.
I forced myself to sit up, ignoring the agonizing ice creeping up my spine.
"Marcus, secure the perimeter and trust absolutely no one in this house."
Elena pulled Lily behind her, shielding the little girl with her own trembling body.
I looked at the child, feeling an undeniable, overwhelming urge to protect her at all costs.
"Bring them closer to the bed," I ordered Marcus, my voice rasping heavily.
Vanessa’s eyes flashed with something dark, frantic, and entirely unreadable.
"Leo, this is absolute madness, we need to call the police right now!"
I laughed bitterly, coughing as the brutal cold burned my lungs.
"The police do not enter this property unless they are on my payroll."
I pointed a shaking finger at the IV bag dripping clear liquid into my exhausted veins.
"Tear that out of my arm right now."
Elena hesitated, but Marcus immediately stepped forward and ripped the needle out without flinching.
A wave of sharp dizziness hit me, but my foggy mind felt slightly clearer.
Vanessa rushed to the bedside table, grabbing a small crystal vial of my prescribed medication.
"You are delirious, darling, you desperately need your drops to sleep."
She uncorked the vial, allowing the sweet, heavy smell of almonds to fill the air.
I had taken those exact drops every single night since the freezing sickness started.
Suddenly, Lily pointed a small finger directly at the crystal vial.
"My mommy says you should never eat things that smell like bitter almonds."
Vanessa lunged toward me, trying to violently force the liquid into my mouth.
"Drink it right now, Leo!"
May you like
I grabbed her wrist, my grip fueled by pure, desperate adrenaline.
A silver pocket knife slipped from Vanessa's sleeve, aimed directly at my throat.
