---- Chapter 7 The space inside the mountain was vast and cold. It was a modern-day colosseum, carved from the rock itself. The walls were lined with menacing, carved beast heads, their stone eyes seeming to follow the guests as they entered. In their gaping mouths, eternal flames burned, casting flickering, hellish light across the scene. Below, in the center of the circular arena, were several large, iron cages. The floor around them was stained dark with old blood. The cages were not empty. Inside, huge, starved hunting dogs paced restlessly, their growls echoing in the cavernous space. Gloria came to stand beside Isiah, her presence a cold weight at his side. "Beautiful, isn' t it?" she whispered in his ear, her lips almost touching his skin. "I had it built for you. A place where you could unleash your true animal nature." He turned on her, his face a mask of rage. He grabbed her by the throat, slamming her against the cold rock wall. "| will kill you," he choked out, his fingers tightening. ---- Gloria didn' t struggle. She couldn't breathe, but a strange, terrifying smile spread across her face. A low, gurgling laugh escaped her throat. She was enjoying this. Suddenly, Kiley screamed. The ropes holding her began to lower her toward the pit. Isiah let go of Gloria, turning back to the arena. His men were being held at bay by Gloria' s guards. He was helpless. Kiley landed on the sandy floor of the arena. The moment her feet touched the ground, she tried to run. But the iron gate of the colosseum slammed shut, trapping her. Then, the beast heads on the walls changed. Their eyes glowed, and they became projectors. Giant, holographic images filled the arena. It was the video Kiley had sent. Her, abusing the dog, mocking Gloria' s family. Her cruel laughter and taunts filled the cavern, amplified a hundred times over. The real Kiley stood frozen in the center of the arena, forced to watch her own ugliness displayed for everyone to see. ---- The guests were silent, their faces a mixture of shock and disgust. They stared from the hologram of the gloating, vicious Kiley to the pathetic, terrified girl in the pit. Their eyes then turned to Isiah, looks of judgment and contempt on their faces. He had thrown his lot in with this... creature. Isiah broke. He fell to his knees again, his body shaking with sobs. He slammed his forehead into the ground, over and over again. "Stop it," he begged, his voice muffled by the floor. "Please, Gloria. I' m sorry. Stop it." In the arena, Kiley' s performance changed. The terror on her face was replaced by a look of tragic, beautiful resolution. She looked up at Isiah, a tear rolling down her perfect cheek. "It's okay, my love," she called out, her voice trembling but clear. "Don' t beg for me. I' m not afraid to die for our love." She turned and began walking slowly, gracefully, toward the cages of the hungry dogs, like a martyr walking to her execution. Isiah let out a guttural, animalistic cry of despair. Gloria watched the theatrical display, then rolled her eyes. "Oh, for God' s sake," she said, her voice cutting through the ---- drama. "Cut the crap. You' re not dying today." She looked at Kiley with utter disdain. "You' re not nearly important enough to die." 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.