MORGANA

"We're here to escort you home, Miss Morgan."

Fernanda Morgan surveyed the men in crisply tailored suits who stood before her.

"Your parents have been tirelessly searching for you over the years. Upon discovering your whereabouts, they promptly dispatched us to ensure your return," the man who appeared to be a butler announced, his smile radiating warmth. "Moreover, the Harper family is keenly anticipating your return. You are to be engaged to Mr. Harper once you return!"

"Alright then. Let's go," Fernanda agreed with a slight nod.

She collected her already-packed belongings and stepped into the vehicle.

The journey from the small town of Zhota to Esaham was a long one, spanning at least two days by car.

As dusk enveloped the sky, they pulled into another small town. The butler located a modestly appealing motel and proposed they stay overnight.

Fernanda's accommodation was at the far end of the second-floor hallway, Room 201—arguably the best room available. The butler and the rest of their group opted to stay on the lower floor.

The night was unusually warm and dry, rendering the room's aging air conditioner useless. Fernanda opened the window to invite a cool breeze, causing the curtains to dance gently in the evening air.

Fresh from her shower, she dimmed the lights and crawled into bed for the night.

Drifting into a light sleep, she was jolted awake by a disturbance outside.

A subsequent noise at the window snapped her to full alert. As she bolted upright, a shadowy figure burst through, launching itself onto her bed.

The freezing touch of a blade hovered at her neck as a low, threatening voice growled, "Don't you dare move."

Immobile, Fernanda's body clenched in fear.

The faint, iron tang of blood lingered on the man's sleeve—a grim reminder of his dangerousness. This unmistakable hint solidified the fact: this man was no one to mess with.

Outside, the commotion intensified. Shortly after, a forceful knock resonated at the door. A coarse voice demanded, "Is anyone there? Open up now!"

As the voice still echoed, the knife at Fernanda's neck dug in slightly deeper.

The man's voice dripped with malice as he warned, "Get rid of them, or you're as good as dead."

His right arm ensnared her waist, his left hand unwavering with the knife at her throat.

Through his firm grip and calculated movements, Fernanda realized he was deadly serious.

Cornered, she knew she had to play along for the time being.

"Sure." With a soft, steady voice, Fernanda reassured him. "It'll all be okay."

With no answer from inside, the outsiders used a master key to unlock the door and stormed in.

At the sound, the man jerked Fernanda's baggy T-shirt, pulling her down onto his lap and encircling her with his arm, forcing her to straddle him as he shifted position.

Right then, the door flung open, and a stark beam of flashlight flooded the room.

Fernanda let out a panicked scream, quickly bending over the man to obscure him from view.