37 | 𝓖𝓸𝓷𝓮

A/N: This is the warning you'll get for the next few chapters! TW: Graphic descriptions of or extensive discussion of abuse/ torture!

Sophia's POV

I was lying in my bed, not believing anything that happened today. Well, last night, to be precise, as it currently was - I looked over at the clock - 3 am.

She can't be gone, right? No, this is a dream. A big, sick dream, that I hope to be over soon.

Grayson told me, as he, Anderson, Kyle and Jake found me and Evie at the party after it happened, to go home and get some rest.

I, of course, asked him if he were crazy. I mean, my best friend was just kidnapped by my supposed-to-be best friend. I also saw blood, most-likely Bella's, on the floor, and he wants me to rest?

But I knew I couldn't argue with him. He, after all, knew Cassius and Logan best. He asked of me to calm down and don't worry, because he's going to look for them until they're found. The only thing I could do was go home and take Evie with me. No way I was leaving her side now.

I tossed and turned the whole time, but just when I wanted it to, sleep wouldn't engulf me. I groaned and pushed my face out of my pillow, swinging my legs over the edge of the bed.

I looked over my shoulder, seeing Evie knocked out of it completely. I wasn't surprised, the amount of drinks she had... Let's just say she'll be out for another good couple of hours.

I brushed my teeth and put on some clothes, I wasn't going to get any sleep until Bella is safe anyways. I went to the kitchen to get something to eat, even though my stomach would probably reject anything I'd chew.

I was almost stupefied when I heard my phone 'ding' from the counter. I took my phone with me downstairs in case Grayson had news about my missing friend, but I didn't expect it to actually 'ding'.

I speed-walked over to the lit screen and searched for the name 'Grayson', but my lips parted when I saw the word 'Unknown' instead. Oh no.

I swiped to the left, needing to read the message. Please, please, please don't be anything bad, I chanted in my head.

Unknown: I'm waiting for you at your school, Sophia.

I didn't reply anything yet, what could I say to that?

Unknown: I don't like waiting.

Me: why would i go there?"

I cursed myself for not asking where Bella was first, and I was just about to ask him, when he sent his response.

Unknown: Well, I assume you want to see your friend again before I slit open her throat.

My eyes were the widest they have ever been and my breath hitched in my throat. Oh my God, he's going to kill her!

Unknown: But...I might change my mind if I see you here in ten minutes.

Might? Might?! What the heck does that mean? He'll probably kill us both!

I pondered over what to say. If I go there, we could have a chance to escape. That's good, right? I'd feel guilty for the rest of my life if something happened to her because of me...

I made my decision, typing as quick as my fingers allowed me to.

Me: okay im coming, but please dont hurt her. do everything you want to me but just not her

I sighed a small and barely present sigh of relief, but my face scrunched up in distaste as he sent me another text, telling me not to say anything to Grayson if I don't want anything to happen to 'my precious Bella', as he put it.

As if I was going to listen to that. As we closed the deal, I noted I only had eight minutes left to arrive at school. I sent Grayson a short and hasty explanation of where I was going, while I opened the front door and sprinted out.

Never in my life have I ever been in such a rush. The adrenaline pumping through my veins helped, though I was sure I was about to cry.

I was already panting like a dog when I was only halfway, I grunted out loud. The streets were empty and misty. It was cold outside, I had no sweater or jacket on, not even any shoes. Stupid, stupid, stupid, I wanted to mutter to myself as my feet began hurting from the harsh pavement, but I had to save the last of my breaths to get there on time.

After a few minutes, I stood in front of the gates, fully out of breath. I need to exercise more often. I plucked out my phone from my pocket and watched in horror as I saw the clock switch from minutes. I was late. Three minutes too late.

I raced to the school building's entrance as if I was being chased by someone. I pushed open the double doors militantly, scanning the halls from left to right. Nothing.

I sent Cassius a curt 'im here' message, hoping it'd hold him back from hurting Bella. If he hasn't already.

Unknown: Good, now let's play treasure hunting.

I could imagine the maniac smile he had on right now. His eyes showed the craziness in them. I shivered when I felt like I was being watched.

Me: this is all just a game to you??

I requested in disbelief. I knew he was a psychopath, the things he's done...it all just gets worse!

Unknown: You can ask Grayson now, he knows how much I like games. We used to play it all the time. But for now, let me call you.

Just then, a ringing sound erupted from the mobile in my hands. I gasped and fiddled with the volume before the loud echo could continue any further.

I pressed the green button without thinking about it and the shrilling stopped at once, it was dead silent again. I didn't want to make the first move, but standing here and waiting until something might happen to Bella was not an option.

"H-Hello?" I forced out. The only sign of life at the end of the line was the sudden breathing that started. It was a calm yet heavy pattern. It was Cassius.

"Hello, Darling," came his eerie voice. I cringed at the nickname. "The first thing you'll probably want to know is where to find Arabella. Am I correct?"

I held back a huff. That was the only reason I came here. "Just tell me where she is. Please," I was by now begging.

Him chuckling made me sick, then the sound of his footsteps could be heard on the phone. I, from where I stood, could only hear the deafening silence. He must be on a higher floor or in another building.

"Okay, first tip," the amusement in his voice made me so angry, a tear soundlessly left the corner of my eye. I was mad, scared, concerned... "Where do a lot of people have sex in school?"

Are you serious right now? In school? What kind of question even is this?

"I-I don't know."

"Oh, come on. Think harder," he teased.

"The bathroom?" My hopes were high, I didn't want to be a pawn in his lunatic game. He hummed in satisfaction.

"Warm."

"The changing rooms?" Every second that passed made me more nervous and freaked out. I think I was going insane.

"Getting warmer."

I suddenly recalled having seen two people, more than once, come out of the janitor's closet together. Their hair always messy and-

"The janitor's closet!" I whispered, not wasting my time by waiting for his answer. He curtly laughed and told me how sad he was that it didn't take me longer to figure it out. I blocked out his voice and focused on finding my location.

Why was I even still on the phone with him? I've got all I need now. Without saying another word, I ended the call and resumed running towards the closet.

When I reached it, I struggled with the door handle, but finally with a hard thrust the door swung open. I took steps inside and blindly searched for the light switch. I pressed on it and had to slightly squint my eyes due to the bright flash.

I looked to my side when I heard frantic whimpers down there. "Oh my God," I murmured. I almost couldn't believe my eyes when I saw what was in front of me. Well, who was in front of me. The sight alone made me feel as if the breath was knocked out of me.

A sob from expressing pain pulled me out of my trance. I quickly moved to Bella, going to untie her hands and feet. She didn't have a blindfold on, so I could see the black eye she had. There was dried blood on her face and arms and hands.

She looked exhausted and petrified, I can't imagine what they did to her.

"Don't worry, I'm here," I embraced her tightly once I got all the ropes loose. "I'm here," I mumbled soothingly in her hair. Despite her abnormal shaking and tears leaking from her eyes, she hugged me back.

She tried to open her mouth and speak, but no words came out. "It's okay, Bella," I spoke. "Come on, we're getting out of here. You don't have to talk, it's okay."

As I steadied her while she leaned on me for support, she began shaking her head as more sobs exploded out of her mouth. "N-No, Sophia. This is h-his plan." She looked traumatized, and undoubtedly was. "H-He'll kill us both."

I couldn't show her my fear, I needed her to believe that we can escape, or else we won't accomplish anything. I hushed her gently, rubbing her upper-arm while we limped out of the small-spaced room.

"If we don't make a sound, he won't know we're here," I lulled. She nodded, her whole body still trembling. I wonder what he did to her...

I shook my head. We only have one goal right now. That is to get the hell out of here. I clutched the door handle in my free hand when we got back to the exit, and pushed it down.

"Shit." I fought to open the door, but to no avail. Someone has locked it, and that means he was here. And still could be.

"W-Why isn't it opening?" Bella asked me, her voice breaking mid-sentence.

"Uh, no reason. It's just jammed," I tried not to make it sound like a big deal, but oh, was it big. Before her eyes could hold any more fear, I said, "From outside."

She only nodded, then looked away uncomfortably. The sound of keys chiming against each other made both our poses stiffen. It shouldn't have been such a surprise for me, but when I carefully turned around, my shoulders tensed even more.

There he stood, in all his 'glory', with the keys to our only exit from here in his hands. Bella staggered a few steps away from him, I couldn't blame her, I was about to do the same.

"Aw, Bella," he pouted mockingly. "Want to play the game as well?"

"What is wrong with you?!" It flopped out before I could stop it, and I covered my mouth with my hands instantly.

He raised his brows and came a little closer. "Wrong with me?" he scoffed. "Nothing's wrong with me. I just want to be on the same page with Grayson."

"By almost killing Bella? Oh, and Josephine," I yelled out. I really need to shut up before I get added to that list as well. Bella tugged at my sleeve, warning me.

"Oh no, Josephine was Logan's duty," Cassius laughed, as if proud he didn't do anything to her. I couldn't comprehend what he was telling me. Is he that-

The flickering of the lights cut off my thoughts. I shifted my gaze upwards, viewing the hallway lamp above me go on and off repeatedly. I, to be honest, preferred them being off.

"We've got a visitor," Cassius purred, that maniac sneer reappearing on his face. The sound of a door being closed bounced off the walls of the entire building, then the marching of a person could be heard. "You better start running. Logan's become a fan of hunting."

Logan? Hunting? I immediately got a grip on Bella's wrist and threw her arm over my shoulder again, her leg was hurt and she couldn't run alone.

"We have to hide," Bella said to me as we rounded a corner. Strangely, Cassius didn't move, he didn't even try to follow us.

"No, Logan came in through a door, he might've forgotten to lock it. We just need to find a way to go there without crossing paths with him." She nodded, seeing my point.

My phone made a 'bing', which indicated another text. I put off my ringtone, not wanting it to get us in trouble later if we we're hiding. Luckily, it was from Grayson this time. He asked where I was in the school.

Me: on the first floor close to the english classroom. look for any open doors but dont come in cassius and logan are here

If Grayson could find an unlocked door and tell us where it is, we may have a chance to get away without another scratch. I shifted my gaze to Bella. "You still okay?"

She didn't answer but hummed in response. "Don't worry, we'll go to the doctor's after," I reassured. "We're gonna get out of this."

Now I only needed to believe it myself...

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A/N: Please VOTE if you like the story so far, thank you :)