NATALIA I thought my life was over. Sold to the highest bidder, trapped in a world of darkness and pain, I thought I was just another pawn in my father’s ruthless game. My family—my own flesh and blood—traded me for money, and I was certain I’d never escape the nightmare. But then I did something brave and my reward was—Jace. He pulled me from the ashes, gave me a sense of safety I never thought I’d feel again. I love him, but the fear is always there. What if they find me? What if they drag me back into the hell I barely escaped? I’m terrified of losing him, of being ripped away again. But with Jace, I feel something I’ve never hope. And I’ll fight with everything I have to hold on to it. JACE The moment I found Natalia, everything changed. The world I’ve spent my life in—filled with shadows and violence—no longer matters. All I want now is to keep her safe, to protect her from the monsters who tried to break her. I’ll do whatever it takes. I’ll break every rule, burn everything down, and destroy anyone who dares to hurt her again. My past is full of darkness, things I can’t undo, but with her, I want to be different. I want to be the man who takes care of her, the man who gives her the safety she’s never had. I’ll fight for her, even if it means facing my demons. I won’t let anyone take her from me. Not now, not ever.