Touched by His Retaliation (part 2)

Note:

This story is the second part of "Craving His Cruelty."

To fully understand the characters, their past, and the intensity of what’s about to unfold —

please read Craving His Cruelty first.

This sequel continues right from where the first part ended.

ENJOY READING ❤️

The cold floor pressed against her cheek.

A faint, metallic scent lingered in the air — blood. Rust. Something… off.

Aurelia’s lashes fluttered open slowly, the dim light burning her eyes.

Where…?

Her hands were tied.

Her ankles, too.

Her heart thudded violently as the realization crashed in.

> She wasn’t in her apartment.

She wasn’t safe.

She was on the floor of an unfamiliar room — dark concrete walls, no windows. One flickering bulb hung above her like a cruel spotlight.

Her lips trembled as she whispered, “Lucien?”

Silence.

Just the hum of the light and the muffled thump of her own pulse.

Then… footsteps.

Heavy. Unhurried.

Her spine stiffened.

She turned toward the sound, panic rising in her throat like bile.

The metal door creaked open.

A man stepped in — his face covered by shadows. Only the glint of silver on his wrist and the cruel curl of his lips caught the light.

“Sleeping beauty’s finally awake,” he said, voice like oil on water.

Aurelia’s breathing quickened.

“W-Who are you?”

But he didn’t answer.

Instead, he crouched near her, grabbed her chin — not harshly, but firmly enough to make her flinch.

His gaze scanned her like a predator watching prey stir.

“I’ve waited a long time to meet you, Aurelia.”

Her eyes welled up. “What do you want?”

He smirked. “Revenge.”

Then he stood and walked out, slamming the door shut behind him.

Locking it.

Leaving her in darkness again.

Alone.

Meanwhile...

Lucien Vale stood still in the apartment she once called home.

His jaw clenched as he stared at the single rose left behind.

He had already smashed his phone.

Thrown a chair.

Punched the wall.

But none of it mattered.

Because she was gone.

And the devil inside him?

Had just woken up.

> “Whoever took her… you’ve started a war.”