Trapped by Seven Mafia Wolves novel Chapter 67

**Chapter 67: Hide And Seek**

**Aurora’s POV**

A whirlwind of panic propels me forward, yet I have no clear destination in mind; all I know is that I must escape. My legs quiver beneath me, a betraying tremor that matches the frantic rhythm of my racing heart. Each breath I manage to draw is jagged, like shards of glass scraping against my throat, and an unbearable tightness constricts my chest as if a vice has clamped down on me. The echo of my own scream reverberates through my mind, a haunting reminder of the terror that drives me onward. I can’t afford to pause, not even for a second.

As I round a corner, the unexpected impact of colliding with a warm body jolts me from my chaotic thoughts.

“Whoa!” A startled gasp escapes my lips as gentle hands grasp my arms, steadying my erratic movements.

It’s not one of them. Thank the stars, it’s a maid. Lina. In her mid-twenties, she possesses kind eyes that reflect an inner strength, and her presence feels like a lifeline in this moment of turmoil. Always soft-spoken and compassionate, she regards me with concern, her expression a mirror of the terror etched across my own face. I can feel my body trembling like a fragile leaf caught in a tempest.

“Miss Aurora-?” Her voice is a soothing balm, yet I flinch, as if she has shouted my name in alarm.

“I—please,” I stammer, my voice barely a whisper, breathless and fractured. “Please don’t tell them. Please don’t tell my brothers. I—I can’t— I just need—please—” My knees buckle beneath me, and I collapse into her embrace, seeking solace in her warmth. She holds me tightly, her arms wrapping around me like a protective cocoon, shielding me from the chaos that swirls outside.

“It’s alright,” she murmurs softly, her voice a gentle lullaby that cuts through the storm in my mind. “I’ve got you, Miss Aurora. You’re safe with me.”

A sob escapes my throat, raw and unrestrained. My fingers clutch at her sleeve, as if it were the only tangible thing grounding me in this moment of chaos. Lina’s gaze flickers toward the hallway, where voices rise and footsteps rush with urgency. The sound of my brothers searching for me sends a fresh wave of panic through my veins. She makes a swift decision.

“Quick,” she whispers, her tone urgent yet calm. “In here.”

With a gentle but firm hand, she guides me into a side pantry, closing the door softly behind us. I crouch down, desperately trying to steady my breathing, wiping at the tears that streak my face. But inside, everything feels like it’s collapsing, the weight of the world pressing down on me. Outside, chaos reigns, and I can hear the voices of my brothers growing louder.

“What was that scream?”

She nods gently, her hands helping me to my feet, steadying me as I gather my thoughts.

As we step into the hallway, I freeze. Luka strides past, an expression of annoyance and confusion etched on his face. His brows are furrowed, his eyes scanning the corridor with a sharp intensity that sends a chill down my spine. My stomach drops at the sight of him. I can’t afford to be caught.

“Thank you,” I whisper one last time to Lina, my voice trembling with urgency. Then, without another moment’s hesitation, I sprint away from her, racing straight for my room.

The lock clicks behind me, a small sound that feels like a barrier against the chaos outside. I curl up by the window, my heart still pounding in my chest, my vision spinning as I try to make sense of the whirlwind that has overtaken my life.

In the quiet aftermath of the storm, I find a fragile sense of safety within the confines of my room. The lock clicks into place, a small yet significant barrier against the chaos that has threatened to engulf me. As I curl up by the window, the tremors of fear begin to subside, replaced by a profound sense of gratitude for Lina’s kindness. The warmth of the maid’s embrace lingers in my memory, a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there exists a flicker of compassion that can illuminate the path forward. My heart, still racing, begins to settle as I reflect on the love and concern of my brothers, the very anchors I have longed for amidst the turmoil.

Yet, even as I seek solace in my sanctuary, the shadows of my reality loom large. The sight of Luka, with his piercing gaze and unyielding presence, sends a chill down my spine, reminding me that the dangers I face are far from over. But in this moment of stillness, I resolve to reclaim my strength. The fear that once gripped me is now interwoven with a fierce determination to confront the chaos head-on. I know the path ahead will be fraught with challenges, but I am no longer alone; I carry the warmth of Lina’s support and the unwavering love of my brothers as I prepare to face whatever comes next. The stars may refuse to blink, but within me, a spark of resilience ignites, ready to shine through the darkness.