~~~~~~~~~Third Person POV~~~~~~~~~

The dark room began to clear up, Alyssa asleep on the ground, her head resting on her arm. She let out a groan, her eyes slowly fluttering open. She sat up, rubbing the back of her head.

She looked around, seeing herself in a dungeon cell, a bit of moss coating the gray brick walls and iron bars that kept her from leaving. She immediately grew afraid.

She moved her foot to stand up, only to hear metal clanking. She glanced back to see a cuff tightly wrapped around her ankle, a chain connecting her to the wall. Grabbing it, she began to tug, hoping she could break it.

False hope. She was only a little girl, her strength was limited.

"You're only wasting your energy." A new voice spoke. Alyse tensed up, looking over. A girl who seemed around eighteen was leaning back on a chair, sharpening a dagger.

Her eyes were a cyan blue with a scar over her left one, her hair a medium blonde, though her tips were pink, the hair on the left side of her head shaved off. She wore a black shirt that faded to pink, a white skull over it, some black shorts, black boots, and ripped gray leggings. She also wore a spiked band around her upper arm.

"Those chains can't be broken so easily, especially with you being the one trying to break them." She said, her expression and tone bored.

Alyse grabbed the iron bars, looking at the girl. "Who are you? What do you want from me?"

"It doesn't matter who I am. I'm just here for the money that was promised if I took the job." She answered. "As for why you're here, our boss has plans for you and your family."

Her eyes widened, thinking of her siblings. She knew they would try to find her. Remembering it was Ryan who knocked her out, she knew all he wanted was to drag them over, and use her as bait.

"Good, she's awake." Alyse's head turned to see Ryan walking over. She backed away from the bars as a dark green snake with eyes as black as night slithered onto one of the bars, hissing at her.

Ryan snapped his fingers. "Not yet, Venom~" The snake, Venom, slithered onto his shoulders. "You'll get your meal soon enough~"

Her back pressed against the far wall, Alyse glared at the man at the other side of the bars. "Whatever you're planning, it won't work, it never does!"

"You wound me." He said as he placed a hand over his chest. He then gave a shrug. "But oh well, we'll see how it all plays out~"

He then turned to the girl. "Savanna, keep an eye on her." She gave him a small sarcastic salute before continuing to sharpen her dagger, Ryan walking away with Venom curled around his arm.

Alyse looked down at her feet before sitting down, hugging her legs as her knees pressed against her chest, her chin resting on them as tears formed in her eyes.

Everything will be fine.. she thought.

...right...?

~~~~~~~~~Sage's POV~~~~~~~~~

Noah and I were leading the twins to the ruins where the bunker was hidden. I was terrified knowing Ryan would be angry at us for not going through with our mission...

But Alyse needed our help, and I can't leave her knowing she's in danger.

"So, how do you guys know where Ryan lives?" I heard Iv ask, her tone serious.

I tensed up a bit, soon thinking of an explanation. "He and I... we used to be a thing a few years ago. So I used to go to his place a lot." I didn't look back, not wanting them to see my face in case it wasn't convincing.

It wasn't long until we reached the ruins of a broken down thousand year old castle. I felt myself grow pale, staring at what used to be my home just a few weeks ago. I gently gripped my wrist as I bit my lower lip, afraid of what was hidden inside.

I felt Noah place a hand on my shoulder for reassurance, and I then took a deep breath, calming myself down. Walking over to the boulder in the far back, we pushed it to the side, a giant hole in the ground where the bolder used to be.

Aiden and Iv stared in worry, I could tell they were nervous as well, although they were able to hide it. "This place is heavily guarded, with all sorts of dangerous people in every hallway. Don't let your guards down." I said. Soon remembering this wasn't their first encounter with him, I didn't wait for an answer, jumping into the hole.

This place was like a maze, and although I had spent so many years in here, I still got lost sometimes. I turned to face them. "Alright, let's split up. This place is a labyrinth, but the dungeons shouldn't be too far. We'll meet in around half to one hour."

Iv and Noah both left, each in a different direction. Aiden looked at me, concern obvious in his eyes. "Will you be okay...?"

I leaned over, placing a soft kiss on his cheek. "I can take care of myself, babe..."

Aiden gave me a gentle smile before leaving in another direction. I let out a sigh. Worry grew deep inside me, knowing that if he found out the truth, I wouldn't be able to call him 'Babe' anymore.

But I shook it off for now, running in another direction.

Hang in there, Alyse, we're gonna find you..

Thanks for reading!!! 'Till next time!!!

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