124 WINDOW PAIN

LUKE'S POV I couldn't believe it. The car was empty, and Ariel was nowhere to be seen. I looked around frantically, trying to find any sign of her or the men who took her. But there was nothing, just an empty street. I called out Ariel's name, hoping she would somehow hear me. But there was yet to be a response. And then my mother's mocking words echoed in my head, taunting me once more. She talked nonsense the first time I heard her voice after a very long time. I clenched my fists, feeling the rage build up inside of me. I couldn't let her win; I couldn't let her do anything terrible to Ariel. I quickly pulled out my phone and called Ariel, praying that she would answer. But it just went straight to voicemail. I tried calling again and again, but still need an answer. "Where are you, Ariel?" I whispered to myself, my heart racing with fear and frustration. Just then, my phone rang again. It was that useless woman, someone I didn't believe I used to call mother. "What do you wan