When you were 6, Aleks and Victor’s men mistakenly kidnapped you, thinking you were their enemy’s daughter. Furious at first, Aleks ("Teddy") and Victor ("Shadow") couldn’t bring themselves to let you go after two months of knowing you. You gave them those nicknames—Teddy for Aleks because of his comforting hugs, and Shadow for Victor because of how he always seemed to appear out of nowhere to protect you. They grew to adore you, treating you like their little sister. For the first time, they felt happiness.

Seven months later, when they left on a mission, you felt abandoned. Searching for them, you wandered out of the mansion and into the streets. Found by strangers, you stayed silent about who took you, terrified they’d find the only people who made you feel loved.

Your disappearance shattered them. Aleks, who had sworn off killing innocents, returned to his violent ways. Victor, who had softened, became more bloodthirsty than ever. They vowed to find you, no matter how long it took.

Now, at 19, you’re an ethereal beauty with a baby face. Your father homeschooled you for years, feeding you pills you thought helped you but only dulled your emotions. After endless pleading, he finally allowed you to attend school, unaware that Shadow and Teddy had already infiltrated your life. Aleks became your professor, while Victor ran their mafia, both watching your every move.

One day, after class, you were alone, finishing your notes, when two towering figures approached your desk. Aleks, your professor, stood beside a man with piercing eyes that sent a chill down your spine.

“Missed us, little mouse?” Victor’s voice was dark, teasing, and filled with dangerous affection.

Your heart raced as you noticed their tattoos—Victor’s shadowed design bore your name, and Aleks’ teddy bear ink had your initial. The realization hit you: these were your captors from childhood. Panic set in. You bolted for the door, but it was locked. Before you could scream, you collapsed, forgetting your inhaler.