.·:¨¨ ≈☆≈ ¨¨:·.Chapter 25: Revelations and Captivity.·:¨¨ ≈☆≈ ¨¨:·.

The carriage moved along unfamiliar roads, shaking slightly with every stone in the path. Marlene remained calm, though her heart was pounding; the adrenaline from the kidnapping still coursed through her body. Through the window’s cracks, she could barely make out the silhouettes of trees and bushes rushing by.

[Kira: Human, stay calm. Observe every detail. Mission progress: +10%]

Finally, the carriage stopped in front of a discreet but elegant mansion, much smaller than the residences of the kingdom’s main nobles, but with an air of contained luxury. Two servants opened the door and, without explanation, forced Marlene to descend. Kira gave an immediate warning:

[Kira: Human, possible trap detected. Recommendation: maintain strategic analysis of the environment. Mission progress: +15%]

Before she could react, a group of servants escorted her inside. Marlene noted every detail: paintings showing gloomy landscapes, dark velvet carpets, lit candles that cast unsettling shadows on the walls. Each step was a reminder that she was not in control.

“Welcome, Miss Marlene,” a female voice emerged from the shadows. Her tone was honeyed but with an edge that would make even the bravest tremble. “I’m glad you came.”

Marlene turned and saw the woman who dominated the scene: an elegant, majestic-looking noblewoman of middle age, with eyes that burned with jealousy and a dangerous smile. Kira immediately identified the threat:

[Kira: Human, main objective detected. Possible leader of the kidnapping. Maximum caution. Mission progress: +20%]

“No…” Marlene murmured, choosing her words carefully. “Who… are you?”

“Oh, dear,” the woman replied, approaching with soft but firm steps, “I’m known as Lady Eveline. And I think you know perfectly well why I’m upset.”

Marlene frowned, observing the intensity in Eveline’s eyes. Kira intervened with an urgent notification:

[Kira: Human, quick analysis: Eveline has a romantic obsession with Dante, Max, Adrian, and Lucien. Her main motivation is to prevent other women from getting close to them. Mission progress: +25%]

“Upset… with me?” Marlene asked, maintaining an air of calm. “I’m just… trying to fulfill my objectives and protect my allies.”

Eveline let out a sharp laugh, walking around Marlene with calculated steps. “Don’t make me laugh. You and your audacity… you not only dare to cross my path, but you also get too close to the men who should be mine. Dante, Max, Adrian, and Lucien… and that Lucien, though he doesn’t know it yet. And now you’re here, in my domain. I can’t allow that.”

Before Marlene could react, some servants grabbed her arms, while Eveline raised a triumphant smile.

“No, no…” Marlene whispered, trying to break free, but she soon realized that the ropes were sturdy, and the servants’ position prevented any maneuver.

[Kira:Human, critical situation. Mission progress: +40%. Recommended action: observe, analyze the leader’s motivation, and look for an escape opportunity.]

They dragged her to a chair placed in the center of the room. The servants tied her with precision, making sure she couldn’t move an inch. Marlene, breathing rapidly, remained calm, studying every movement of Eveline and those around her.

“Do you see, my dear?” Eveline said, approaching slowly and surely. “This is how you treat those who get in the way of my… affection and the men I desire. But don’t worry, you won’t suffer too much… as long as you tell me the truth.”

Marlene raised her head, looking directly into Eveline’s eyes. “I have no intention of harming anyone. But I will not allow you to manipulate my goals or use force to control others.”

Eveline laughed softly, a blood-curdling sound. “Ah, but it is precisely your bravery that amuses me. And, curiously, it also reveals a weakness: your concern for others. I will use that to my advantage.”

Marlene noticed how Eveline, confident, moved too close to her as she spoke, showing gestures and tics that she hadn’t bothered to hide. Kira issued a strategic notification:

[Kira: Human, observation detected. Kidnapper’s weakness identified: excessive pride and romantic obsession. Mission progress: +55%. Future escape opportunity registered.]

“You see?” Eveline continued. “You think you’re ready for everything, but you forget that here, in my house, I’m in control. And if you think a little cunning will be enough, you’re wrong.”

Marlene took a deep breath and, while feigning fear, mentally noted every detail: the way Eveline spoke of Dante, Max, Adrian, and Lucien, her need for control, and how she underestimated those she considered inferior. Every movement of the noblewoman revealed patterns that would be useful later.

“So… what do you plan to do?” Marlene asked, with measured calm, as she evaluated her opportunity.

“Nothing yet,” Eveline said, smiling. “First, I wanted to make sure you understood your place and, more importantly, what happens when you mess with what I desire. And now… you will remain here, tied up, while I think of the next step.”

Marlene nodded slightly, maintaining her serenity. Kira whispered urgently:

[Kira: Human, stay calm. Observe and learn. The leader’s weakness is confirmed. Mission progress: +70%. Note: any escape opportunity must wait for the exact moment.]

Even tied up, Marlene could feel how tension and strategy were becoming her allies. She knew that Eveline was too focused on her obsession with her target characters, and that would open up possibilities to turn the situation in her favor. Every second of observation was vital.

[Stay calm, Marlene. You have identified the enemy and her weakness. Now you just need to wait, plan, and… find the perfect moment.]

And while Eveline momentarily walked away to discuss something with her servants, Marlene took the opportunity to analyze every element of the room: the location of the door, the strength of the ties, the distance of the servants, and the potential distraction she could create. Her mind worked fast; even tied up, she was already beginning to visualize her escape.

[Kira: Objective activated: survive Eveline’s custody and gather information about her motivations and weaknesses. Reward: +3 Cunning, +2 Courage. Difficulty: Very high.]

Marlene understood that this night she was not only facing a physical kidnapping but also a psychological game that would test her ingenuity, patience, and ability to handle dangerous enemies, all motivated by jealousy and obsession.

    ˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥to be continued˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥