Breaking Free

Alev's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing through Halsey as if searching for any sign of weakness. The music still lingered in the air, a defiant echo that seemed to taunt him. He took another step closer, his movements fluid and calculated, like a predator stalking its prey. "You're writing music?" he repeated, his voice dripping with disdain. "You think you can just pick up where you left off? You think you can defy me?" Halsey stood her ground, her fingers still curled around the piano keys, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew she was taking a risk, but she couldn't help herself. The music had awakened something within her, a spark of creativity and defiance that she couldn't ignore. "I'm not defying you, Alev," she said, her voice steady. "I'm just trying to find myself again." Alev's laughter was cold and mirthless, sending shivers down Halsey's spine. "You? Find yourself? You're mine, Halsey. You're my property, my puppet. You don't have a self to find." He reached out, his hand closing around her wrist like a vice. "You're going to come with me. We're going to get this straightened out." Halsey tried to pull away, but Alev's grip was too strong. Franklin, sensing her distress, let out a low growl, his fur standing on end. Alev's eyes flicked to the Labrador, and for a moment, Halsey thought she saw a glimmer of uncertainty. But it was quickly extinguished, replaced by a cold, calculating gaze. "You think your little dog is going to save you?" he sneered. "You think anyone can save you?" With a surge of adrenaline, Halsey yanked her wrist free, the movement sending a shockwave through her body. She stumbled backward, her eyes locked on Alev's, and for a moment, they just stared at each other, the air thick with tension. Then, in a flash of inspiration, Halsey grabbed her phone and hit record, capturing the moment, the threat, and the fear that radiated from Alev's very being. The sound of her phone beeping was like a lifeline, a reminder that she had a way to document, to prove, and to protect herself. Alev's eyes widened, and for an instant, he seemed taken aback. Halsey seized the opportunity, turning to Franklin, and whispering, "Run." The Labrador sprang into action, bounding toward the door as Halsey followed close behind. Alev was hot on their heels, his shouts and curses echoing through the mansion. But Halsey had a plan, and she knew exactly where she was headed. She had made secret arrangements, just in case, and now was the time to put them into action. As they burst through the front door, Halsey felt a rush of freedom, a sense of liberation that she hadn't experienced in years. She had taken the first step, and now she was ready to take the next. The music still swirled in her mind, a pulsing rhythm that seemed to match the beat of her heart. She knew she had a long way to go, but for the first time in a long time, she felt like she was in control. As they emerged into the bright sunlight, Halsey spotted a black SUV waiting by the curb, its engine purring softly. She had arranged for a trusted friend to pick her up, someone who would help her take down Alev and reclaim her life. With Franklin by her side, she sprinted toward the vehicle, Alev's angry shouts fading into the distance as they sped away from the mansion, leaving the darkness behind.