Hunter's P.O.V.

"I don't care what you do or how you do.... I want every damn fucking detail on Stephen Hyde within hours on my desk!!" I barked at Gabriel as soon as he told that he came for Melody this evening.

"Already on it" Gabriel replied, "There's something off about him" he halted his words for a minute, "Scratch that!! Everything is off about him."

I scowled thinking over his words.... Off about him?! Maybe he's the reason behind Melody's breakdown.....

"Okay. Do your work fast. I want it the first thing in the morning."

I cut his call and resumed making dinner. Melody didn't eat from the evening and I don't know when she ate before that.

Once I finished making simple dinner with available ingredients, I brought it to my room where Melody is resting. She is still looking disturbed and keep on shivering and sometimes jerking in her sleep. I sighed disappointed in myself that I couldn't help her in anyway.

Patting her softly, I tried to wake her up, "Melody."

The minute she felt my touch, she flinched covering away. Damn! Why is it painful to see her scared of me even if it's purely unintentional??

I shook her again just a little bit harder this time but it's enough to jerk her up in a flash. Looking around hysterically, her breath raged again in fear but soon relaxed when her gaze fell on me beside her.

"I brought you dinner" I informed observing her reaction.

First confusion, next realisation and then shock followed by fear!

She ducked her face not meeting my eyes. I can read what she's trying. Hiding from me!! What she doesn't know is I won't let her do it. She can't hide from me.....

Passing the plate infront of her, I ordered, "Eat!"

Slowly, she took a bite still lowering her head. I patiently waited for her to finish because I know it's not right time to ask anything. After eating one fourth of the food, she pushed the plate away.

"Done."

My brows raised as I repeated her word, "Done?"

Staring into my eyes, she gulped visibly and stuttered.

"I-I'm not hu-hungry."

Already in the bad mood because of the happenings today, Melody refusing to eat became the last straw for my patience.

"YOU ARE NOT A KID, MELODY!" I snapped loudly.

She flinched at my voice but I'm not in my sense to be concerned about it.

"I'm not here to beg you to eat your food. And no one here asked your opinion if you're hungry or not! When I brought you dinner, I expect you to eat atleast half portion of it. NOW FOR GOD'S SAKE, JUST FINISH IT AND STOP PESTERING ME WITH YOUR CHILDISH TANTRUMS."

Shouting at the top of my voice, I turned away from her trying to catch my breath and calm my nerves from breaking.

Rubbing my temples, I sighed in irritation. This is really frustrating. I don't know where Andrew was. I don't know what he's planning. I don't know Melody's past. Totally..... I know NOTHING!!!

To top of that, Melody was not taking care of herself. Anyone can point out that she's weak just by looking at her! It's really getting on my nerves that I'm helpless. I loathed this feeling.

Hearing few sniffles behind me, I realised what I have done and instantly wanted to bang my head to a nearby wall. Damnit!!!

Turning back, I saw Melody eating silently while unshed tears swirled in her eyes. Rushing to her side, I took the plate from her hands placing it on the nightstand. I sat on the bed before her. She lowered her eyes as tears streamed down her face uncontrollably. This time, I know the reason behind them. Me!

Like a stupid I am, instead of comforting her, I lashed out my frustration on her without caring about her current state of mind and situation.

Wiping the tears off her cheeks, I pecked both her eyes and forehead.

"I'm so sorry, kitten" I apologized feeling guilty, "I-I'm just worried about you. You're looking so fragile and I could do nothing to help you" I tried to explain.

She nodded but didn't look at me. Leaning my forehead on hers, I whispered, "Look at me, Melody."

She brought he gaze to me which caused my guilt increase ten folds. Her eyes were void of any emotion. But I can see beyond the depths of them. There was pain and hurt that words can't describe.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart." My voice cracked at the end.

She shooked her head negatively, "It's okay, Hunter. I understand. You don't have to apologise."

"No! It's not okay.... I shouldn't have snapped at you like that."

"Hunter.... Sometimes, it happens. We will lose control of our emotions. Moreover, you are only concerned about my health. That's why you scolded me. I should be thankful that you're taking care of me. Don't dwell on it too much. Just leave it" she said putting her palm on my cheek.

I can see she genuinely forgive me. Relief flooded through my veins immediately at her words. I moved back leaving her.

"Now, go back to sleep. You look exhausted" I said pecking the side of her head.

Melody seems troubled for a while before muttering in a small voice.

"About what happened earlier—"

"We'll talk about it later. For now, take rest" I cut her off knowing what she's trying to tell.

"But—"

"Shh....." I hushed, "Close your eyes" I whispered softly.

Melody nodded a 'no' before clutching my hand tightly.

Noticing her fear, I scooted closer and stroked her hair soothingly with my free hand.

"I'll be here when you wake up. I promise."

She replied nothing but hold my hand firmly as though she's scared of let go of me. Sighing, I unclasped my hand from her grip and walked to other side of the bed. All the while, her eyes didn't left me even for a second following my every movement.

Laying down next to her, I tugged at her arm. She came to me easily without much effort.

Tucking her head in the crook of my neck, I wrapped a hand around her waist pulling half of her body into mine. Instantly, she tangled her legs getting into cozy position.

"Better?" I asked.

"Hmm...."

"Now sleep!"

Ordering her, I started patting her back hoping it helps to give her some comfort.

Soon, we both drifted into the dreamless sleep despite how this day turned up the way it is..... because we found our solace in each other's arms!

***

Melody's P.O.V.

10 days later.....

After that dreadful incident, it feels like I lost all my hopes to live peacefully. I found myself in Hunter's arms that next morning. To say, even after having that intense and horrible panic attack, I got the best sleep. But that was also most awkward day of my life. Shame and humiliation couldn't let me look into his eyes.

Even though I felt Hunter's gaze on me through out that whole day, he didn't question me. Somewhere deep in me, I know he's giving me time to open up and also aware that when that time limit crossed, he's gonna find out the truth either by asking me directly or by finding it himself. I'll do whatever it takes to not let that happen.

Collapsing on the bed, I shut my eyes holding my head with both my hands. These thoughts are sucking my energy till the last drop making me weak with every second passing.

It's been 10 days since I last stepped into my library. Maybe I couldn't open it ever again...... That mere thought crushed me to the end. It was my only means of escape in these 5 years from my past. Whenever I was surrounded by those books, it helps me forgot my pain. That place held a magic in it. That's why I'm connected to it more than anything in the world.

The blarring sound of my phone makes me jump. I frowned in confusion taking from the nightstand. Who's calling me this time?! And what's the need to call me when everyone are in here only??

Looking at the unknown number, my heart rate spiked thinking of the possibility it could be him. With my shaky hands, I accepted the call.

"H-Hello?" I answered stuttering.

No one replied from the other side for few minutes heightening my hopes that it maybe a wrong call and not him.

"Who's this?" I asked loud and clear again.

Still no reply.

When I was about to cut the call, a voice spoke that had me stilled.

"Hey baby!"

Oh my God! It's him..... Stephen Hyde!!

My whole body began to tremble awfully hearing him talking to me directly.

I fisted my hand and my grip on the phone tightened to the extent that my palms are burning.

"You did a grave mistake, baby" Stephen taunted sinisterly.

A gasp escaped me as a revolting shudder crawled up to my spine at his loathsome words. Then what he uttered next took the breath away from me.

"I know where you live" he laughed as it's a joke.

"I know where you work and I also know you know that. Since you're my favourite toy..... I'm giving you a second chance to amend the mistake you committed..... If you don't come to me within a week time, then I have no choice other than to replace you with someone else. And guess who it is?"

Bile rose up to my throat as disgust creeps through my veins hearing his nasty thoughts.

Replacing me?! That means he will get hold of another innocent girl for his dirty acts!

"Tsk tsk..... Don't you want to know who she is?" Stephen laughed, "Let me tell her name....."

Please no.... I'm having a very bad feeling on this!!!

"Your sweet little Cara!" he stated wickedly.

I gasped terrified, "Nooo...."

"Oh yes! I saw her just yesterday. Such a sweet thing she is!" he commented while laughing, "I couldn't wait to get my hands on her."

I shook my head negatively.... No.... Not her.... Not her ever!!!

Stephen was not finished yet, "You do know very well how much I loved little girls like her, don't you baby?"

Fear gripped me hard enough to knock the air out of me. I won't let this happen! Never even in my dreams..... Not when I'm still alive.....

"Think about it..... Little Cara in your place! You're completely aware of what I do to them! Take the right decision."

He ends the call leaving me in my misery. But I won't cry now.....

I cried when he abducted me.... when he killed my parents infront of me.... when he took away my innocence.... when he snatched my freedom from me.... when he whipped me because he thought I did something wrong..... All those times, I cried and cried and cried till my tears dried..... But it doesn't helped me.

This time, I won't cry.... because it can't stop him! I have to be strong for Cara. This time, I'll accept my fate as it is and take whatever life gives me.....

If my absence will keep everyone safe.... then I'm ready to disappear from their life. If this is what I have to do for them..... then I'm ready to do it even if it brings me pain. Even if it breaks my already broken heart!!!

I will surrender myself to my worst nightmare..... To my death..... To Stephen Hyde.....