---- Chapter 10 "You' re insane!" Kiley screamed as the sound of grinding metal echoed through the cavern. The gates of the dog cages were slowly rising. Isiah just laughed, a high, unhinged sound. "You said you would die for me, Kiley!" he cackled. "Here' s your chance to prove it! Your sacrifice will save me!" Kiley' s face twisted in rage. "Fuck you, Isiah!" She ran at him, launching herself over the low wall of the arena. They tumbled to the ground together, a tangle of limbs and fury. They rolled, kicking and scratching, and fell over the edge into the pit below. They landed hard on the sand, just as the cage doors opened fully. The starved hunting dogs streamed out, their eyes glowing in the dim light. They circled the two figures on the ground, growling, saliva dripping from their jaws. Isiah kicked Kiley away from him, trying to put her between himself and the dogs. She reacted with animalistic fury, lunging at him and sinking her teeth into his uninjured ankle. ---- He screamed in pain. A rope ladder suddenly dropped from the ceiling, landing just a few feet away from them. A single, illuminated escape route. Kiley saw it. Hope surged through her. She let go of Isiah and scrambled toward the ladder. Isiah, his good ankle bleeding and his other leg useless, couldn' t run. He watched her go, his face contorted with betrayal. "Don't leave me!" he shrieked She didn' t look back. She was almost at the ladder. He lunged, grabbing her by the hair and pulling her down. "If ' m going down," he hissed in her ear, "you' re coming with me." With a final, desperate burst of strength, he threw her directly into the path of the approaching pack of dogs. Her scream was cut short as the animals descended upon her. Isiah didn' t watch. He turned and began to crawl, dragging his useless leg through the sand, his eyes fixed on the rope ladder. He reached it. He began to climb, his arms shaking with effort. ---- He pulled himself up over the edge of the pit, back onto the main floor. He was covered in blood and sand, but he was alive. He looked up at Gloria, a triumphant, demented grin on his face. "| did it," he panted. "| won. Now give me the evidence." He froze. Standing behind Gloria, at the mouth of the cave, was a line of men and women in dark blue uniforms. Federal agents. "Isiah Flynn," the lead agent said, his voice devoid of emotion. "You' re under arrest." Isiah stared, his mind struggling to comprehend. He looked from the agents to Gloria. He saw the cold, final victory in her eyes. It was alla lie. The choice was a lie. There was no escape. A sound of pure, helpless rage tore from his throat. "| CURSE YOU, GLORIA FRANCO! | CURSE YOU TO HELL!" The agents cuffed him and dragged him away, his screams echoing off the stone walls until he was gone. ---- Silence descended upon the cavern. Gloria turned to her guests, who stood huddled together like frightened sheep. "You saw nothing here tonight," she said, her voice quiet but carrying the weight of an unbreakable command. "You will go home, you will forget this ever happened. If | hear so much as a whisper, | will not be as merciful as | was with him." They nodded frantically, their eyes wide with terror. Gloria lit another cigarette, the smoke curling around her face. "Now get out of my house." In "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" by CrushReel, the storyline unfolds as renowned photographer Jane finds herself drawn to the charismatic rookie model, Hector. Little does she know that Hector harbors a secret—he is actually the heir to a powerful business empire. As their romance blossoms, Hector grapples with concealing his true identity to capture Jane's heart. However, their love story takes a tumultuous turn when jealousy rears its ugly head, threatening to unravel the delicate balance they've built. This modern romance novel delves into themes of hidden identities, unexpected love, and the complexities of maintaining a relationship shrouded in secrecy. With its blend of sweet romance and suspenseful twists, "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" stands out for its exploration of hidden feelings and the consequences of revealing long-held secrets. For readers seeking a captivating tale that combines elements of romance, intrigue, and emotional depth, this ongoing story is available to read at CrushReel. Immerse yourself in the world of Jane and Hector as their journey unfolds against the backdrop of hidden truths and heartfelt revelations.