The moment the plane touched down, a wave of panic crashed over me. The low hum of the engine shifted, the slight jolt signaling that we had officially landed. Through the small window, I could see the world outside—snow-covered ground stretching endlessly, the sky a dull gray.
Russia.
The realization hit like a brick. This was real. I wasn't waking up from some bizarre, twisted dream.
The guards moved first, stepping toward the exit as the cabin door was unlocked with a hiss. Anderson stood up, smoothing his suit like he had all the time in the world, while Aaron and Alex stretched lazily, looking completely at ease.
"Let's go," Anderson said simply.
I didn't move.
I sat there, frozen, my hands gripping the armrests so tightly my knuckles turned white. My body refused to cooperate, every instinct screaming at me that stepping off this plane meant stepping into something far worse.
Anderson took a step toward me. "Mia." His tone was calm, patient. "We don't have all day."
I shook my head before I could stop myself. "I'm not getting off." My voice was firm, but my heart was hammering.
Aaron exhaled sharply, his tone carrying the weight of someone who was used to being in control. "Mia, don't make this more difficult than it needs to be."
His eyes locked onto mine, not in amusement, but with quiet authority. "Fighting won't change anything. You're here. It's time to accept that."
Alex smirked, glancing around. "She's got some fight in her. Gotta respect it."
I ignored them, my focus locked on Anderson. "You can't make me." The words felt weak even as I said them.
Anderson sighed, the kind of sigh a father gives when his child is being difficult. "You really want to do this the hard way?"
I didn't answer.
Alex rolled his eyes. "Alright, then."
Before I could react, he strode forward, grabbed me effortlessly, and threw me over his shoulder.
"Hey! Put me down!" I shrieked, kicking my legs, but he didn't even flinch.
"This is completely unnecessary!" I twisted in his grip, trying to break free, but his hold was like iron.
Alex just chuckled, adjusting me over his shoulder like a damn sack of flour. "Maybe, but you weren't exactly cooperating, little sis."
Meanwhile, Anderson was already descending the steps, not bothering to look back. Unlike his sons, he had no interest in my protests.
Because, whether I liked it or not, I was his daughter. And in his mind, that meant I belonged here.
The cold air hit me sharply as Alex set me down on my feet. The snow crunched under my boots as I stumbled slightly, trying to steady myself.
My breath formed visible clouds in the frigid air, the bitter chill biting at my skin.
The moment my feet hit the tarmac, I could see the sleek black cars lined up in front of the jet.
Seven in total, parked one behind the other, each vehicle polished to perfection. The cars, all dark, gleaming luxury sedans, were clearly meant to stand out in their own quiet, imposing way. The first few were for the guards, no doubt, but I was led to the middle car—the one that stood apart. The most important one.
Alex didn't say a word as he grabbed my arm and steered me toward the vehicle, his grip firm and unyielding. Despite my efforts to steady myself, I couldn't ignore the stark feeling of being completely out of control.
The air was cold enough to sting my skin, and my heart was racing, but the effects of the drug were gone now. My mind was sharp, and everything felt too real.
I glanced around, noting the tall, snow-covered trees beyond the tarmac, the gray sky stretching above me like a heavy, endless blanket. This wasn't a dream. This was real. I wasn't sure if that made it worse or not.
The door to the middle car opened with a smooth motion, revealing the dark, plush interior. I swallowed, taking in the sight of the leather seats, the pristine condition of the car, and the clear contrast to the cold, desolate landscape around us.
I looked up at the imposing vehicle, then at Anderson, who had already started walking toward the driver's side, his expression as unreadable as ever.
Aaron followed closely behind, his presence calm, but his eyes watching me closely, almost like he was waiting for me to do something... anything.
"Get in," Anderson said without turning around, his voice firm but devoid of any warmth. It was more of a command than a suggestion. I hesitated. My heart raced, panic creeping in at the idea of being shoved into another confined space, another trap. The car's doors opened with a soft hiss, the dark interior mocking me with its pristine luxury.
"No," I muttered, my voice coming out weaker than I wanted, a protest that felt utterly useless.
Alex rolled his eyes, stepping forward. Without a word, he grabbed me by the waist, effortlessly lifting me into the air, and with one swift motion, threw me into the backseat.
I landed awkwardly, barely managing to catch myself as the plush leather of the car's interior swallowed me up. Before I could gather my bearings, Alex was in the seat beside me, the door slamming shut.
Anderson was already in the front, his eyes never leaving the road, like he was in control of everything, including me.
Aaron slid into the seat across from me, looking far too comfortable for someone who had just kidnapped me, his gaze locking onto mine with an unreadable expression.
The car started moving almost immediately, its engine humming smoothly as we drove away from the tarmac. The massive walls of the airport faded into the distance, leaving only the vast, barren landscape of snow and trees.
I sat there in the backseat, the icy chill from outside creeping into the car, but nothing compared to the cold knot twisting in my stomach.
I am trapped.
Completely at their mercy.
This wasn't just a nightmare. This was my reality now.