Chapter 30: (Scarlet's pov)

The streetlights blurred above me, their haloed glow flickering in and out of focus as I struggled against the hands that clutched my hair. My heart thundered in my chest, drowning out the world around me.

The pull was relentless, and I could feel myself being dragged away from the faint light of the police station, away from the salvation I had fought so hard to reach.

Taehyung: Scarlet!

The voice was familiar, cutting through the chaos like a knife. My heart plummeted as I recognized his voice, distorted by rage and something deeper, a twisted affection that chilled me to the core.

Scarlet: No!

I screamed, desperation clawing at my throat. I twisted my body, fighting against the grip that held me captive. My hands found purchase on his wrist, and I dug my nails into his skin, but he didn't falter. Instead, he tightened his hold, dragging me into the shadows where the light couldn't reach.

Taehyung: Did you really think you could escape?

His voice was calm, almost taunting, as he pulled me further into the darkness. The thrill of the chase, the adrenaline coursing through my veins, now felt like poison. Suddenly, My back hit the rough surface of the police station wall, pain exploding through my skull as Taehyung yanked my head back.

Stars danced in my vision, and for a moment, the world around me faded into a blur of color and noise. I struggled to regain my balance, the ground swaying beneath me like a ship caught in a storm. My breath came in ragged gasps, panic rising in my throat like bile.

Taehyung: You actually stabbed me?

His voice dripped with a mix of surprise and amusement, a twisted Smile forming on his lips as he held my hair with an iron grip.

Taehyung: How naive of you, Scarlet.

Before I could respond, he resumed dragging me, each tug sending jolts of pain through my scalp. I stumbled behind him like a lifeless sack, my body scraping against the asphalt, leaving a trail of crimson in my wake.

The sight of the blood felt surreal, as if it were someone else's, not mine. Each scratch and bruise on my skin was a reminder of the hell I had endured, and yet here I was, caught once again in his grasp.

Taehyung: Such a pathetic display.

He continued, chuckling darkly.

Taehyung: You really thought you could get away from me? You're not that clever, you know.

As he dragged me away from the dim light of the station and into the encroaching darkness, I fought against the despair creeping in. Memories of the fight flashed in my mind, the moment I had plunged the knife into him, the shock on his face, the warmth of his blood spilling over my hands.

Scarlet: Let me go!

I shouted, my voice hoarse and desperate, but he only laughed.

Taehyung: Why would I do that? You've put me through so much. You think I'll just let you walk away? No, Scarlet. You're coming home with me.

The word "home" sent a shiver down my spine. It was a place of nightmares, a sanctuary for his twisted games. My legs began to buckle under the weight of his grip, but I summoned every ounce of strength I had left, forcing myself to keep my feet moving. I couldn't give him the satisfaction of knowing how weak I felt.

Scarlet: Taehyung, please!

I pleaded, my voice cracking.

Scary: You don't have to do this. We can talk.

Taehyung: Talk?

He scoffed, pulling me roughly to my feet again.

Taehyung: What is there to talk about? You stabbed me, and then you tried to escape. You're lucky I don't just end you right here.

As he dragged me through the familiar streets. I wanted to scream, to beg for help, but the grip he had on me silenced any chance of that. We approached my ancestral house, the broken windows and peeling paint serving as reminders of the horrors that had transpired within its walls.

Taehyung: Home sweet home.

He said mockingly as he yanked open the door, the creaking sound echoing ominously in the stillness. He pulled me inside, slamming the door shut behind us. The familiar scent of damp wood and dust assaulted my senses, a reminder of all the memories I had tried to escape. My pulse quickened as he dragged me deeper into the house.

Taehyung: Look at this place.

He said, gesturing around the dimly lit room.

Taehyung: It's where everything began, where your family thought they could hide from me.

I stumbled forward, my legs weak, but he caught me before I could fall, his fingers digging into my shoulder.

Taehyung: Don't even think about it.

He warned, his breath hot against my ear.

Taehyung: We're just getting started.

He pushed me into the living room, where remnants of our past seemed to linger in the air. The old sofa, the faded photographs hanging on the walls. I felt tears prickling at the corners of my eyes, the weight of my situation crashing down on me.

Scarlet: What do you want from me?

I asked, my voice trembling as I looked up at him, hoping for some semblance of humanity in his eyes. Taehyung stepped closer, his face inches from mine, a predatory gleam in his gaze.

Taehyung: Life is so fragile, isn't it? One moment you're here, and the next... well, let's just say it's all in my hands. No, tell me, do you believe in destiny? Because I do. And I believe my destiny is to bring chaos to your life. The thrill of the hunt, the rush of the kill... it's like a drug, and I can't get enough.

I tried to push him.

Taehyung: You my honey, you didn't just stab me, but you left me bleeding to death.

Scarlet: How filthy you could be Taehyung, I didn't want to leave you!

I protested, the heat of frustration igniting within me.

Scarlet: I was terrified, Taehyung. You were going to kill me!

Taehyung: Enough!

He shouted, his voice booming through the empty house. I flinched at the sudden outburst, my heart racing with fear. Before I could react, he lunged forward, pushing me onto the sofa. The old fabric scratched against my skin, the uncomfortable reminder of the last time I had been here. Panic surged through me as he leaned over, pinning me down with his weight.

Taehyung: You want to know what I really want?

He whispered, his face close to mine.

Taehyung: I want you to realize that you belong with me, Scarlet. You're mine, and no one else can have you."

Scarlet: Let me go!

I screamed, trying to twist away from him, but he held me firm.

Taehyung: Do you really think I'd let you go after everything?

He asked, his voice dropping to a low growl. I could feel the tears spilling down my cheeks, mixing with the remnants of blood still smeared across my skin. The weight of despair crashed over me as I realized that I was trapped in his twisted world once more.

Scarlet: Please, Taehyung, I'll do anything.

I begged, the desperation in my voice raw and genuine.

Scarlet: Just let me go.

He paused, studying me for a moment, and I could see the internal struggle playing out in his eyes. But then that familiar smirk returned, and my heart sank.

Taehyung: Anything?

He echoed. With that, he stood up abruptly, pacing around the room as if he were considering his next move. I took a moment to catch my breath, the adrenaline still coursing through my veins, my mind racing to devise a plan, something, anything, that could get me out of this nightmare.

As he turned away, I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. I had to find a way out of this. I couldn't give in to despair. I had fought too hard to survive, and I wasn't going to let Taehyung take that away from me again. I would do whatever it took to reclaim my freedom.