Cole felt a chill run down his spine as he hurried downstairs.


    The moment he stepped out of the hospital, everything went ck.


    Something was stuffed into his mouth before he could react. His arms were wrenched behind his back, and the bindings tightened. Someone grabbed him by the cor and effortlessly hauled him up.


    Just who was it?


    He struggled, but they tossed him into a car. A heavy kicknded on his back.


    "You''d better behave and save your strength. You''ll need it when we get there." "Mmph..."


    "I told you to shut up. We''re not going to kill you, but some people can make you wish you were dead."


    The kidnappersughed smugly and mmed the door shut. The car sped away from the bustling city.


    Cole had no idea how long had passed when nausea churned in his stomach. His head felt heavy. Just as he regained a sliver of rity, someone dragged him out of the vehicle and threw him onto a concrete floor.


    His nose hit the ground, and the air was thick with the metallic scent of blood, mixed with dampness and something bitter. It was something like dried herbs or wilted flowers.


    He struggled to push himself up, letting up muffled grunts.


    Someone yanked the cloth from his mouth.


    "Who the hell are you? Do you know who I am? I''m the eldest great-grandson of Calvin Larson! How dare you kidnap me? Aren''t you afraid that..."


    "No one from the Larson family will ever know." A familiar voice came from above.


    Cole''s whole body stiffened. "U-Uncle Hugh?"


    "Oh, so you do remember I''m your uncle."


    Hugh''s voice carried a hint of amusement, but the coldness beneath it sent a chill straight to Cole''s bones. His injured leg throbbed again.


    If Hugh didn''t want anyone to know about this, then no one ever would. Everything could be erased-the darkness in the Larson family, the madness and ruthlessness hidden beneath his calm exterior.


    Hugh''s voice remained calm as he spoke. "You''re Eric''s son. I wouldn''t let anything too serious happen to you. But you shouldn''t have


    disrespected Serena. Grant


    and


    Eric have their own troubles right now. I doubt they''ll notice if you pick up a few new scars."


    Cole''s heart pounded wildly, fear clouding his mind. A low, buzzing sound filled the air. Something rustled on the floor. He couldn''t tell what they were, which only made it worse.


    He had no idea what Hugh nned to do to him. Panic surged as he shouted, his voice raw and desperate.


    "Even if Great-Grandpa and Dad don''t care, my mom will! She''ll notice something''s wrong! Hugh, if youy a hand on me, I swear..."


    Before he could finish, a sharp kick struck his face. Hugh lowered his foot, one hand in his pocket.


    "You never learn. Do you think you''re in any position to threaten me?" His voice faded into the distance.


    Cole felt something creeping up his body, tiny legs scratching his skin. More of them buzzed around his ears and nose, hovering, waiting to bite down.


    "W-Wait! What the hell are these things? Hugh! You can''t do this to me! I''m your nephew. I..."


    Hugh ignored his screams and walked out of the basement, leaving behind a singlemand. "Let him out when he admits his mistakes. Or when he''s about to be eaten alive."


    His subordinate swallowed nervously. "But if something happens to him..."


    Hugh shot him a cold nce. "His parents can always have another kid."


    An idiot like Cole was insignificantpared to Serena''s safety.