Aara’s POV

​The air in our Delhi mansion felt heavy, like the sky right before a monsoon storm. I stood at the top of the stairs, my hand gripping the cold marble railing. Below, in the foyer, my parents stood like statues. Facing them was a man who looked like he had stepped out of a dark Italian film.

​He was Lorenzo de la Vega. Twenty-eight years old, but he carried the authority of a man who had seen a thousand wars. He was wearing a black suit, his tie loosened just enough to look lethal. When he looked up, his sharp, espresso-colored eyes locked onto mine.

​Lorenzo: "Is that her?" (His voice was a deep, gravelly hum with a Spanish accent).

​My Father: (Voice trembling) "Yes. That is Aara. She is... she is twenty now."

​Lorenzo: "Good. She looks exactly like the photos. Except the photos didn't show the fire in her eyes."

​I walked down the stairs, refusing to show fear. My "Dark Feminine" pride wouldn't let me tremble.

​Aara: "What is happening, Papa? Why is this man looking at me like I’m a piece of furniture he’s buying?"

​My Father: "Aara, beta... I made a mistake. A big financial mistake. Mr. De la Vega cleared the debt, but he had... conditions."

​Lorenzo: (Stepping forward, his presence suffocating the room) "The condition was you. You are the payment, Aara."

​Aara: (I laughed, a sharp, cold sound) "Payment? This isn't the middle ages. You can’t 'buy' a human being. I don’t care how much money you have, Mr. De la Vega. Leave my house."

​Lorenzo didn’t move. He leaned in, his scent of cedarwood and expensive tobacco hitting me. He was eight years older than me, taller, and much stronger. The power difference was terrifying.

​Lorenzo: "I don't leave without what I’ve paid for. Your father signed the contract. You are now my legal responsibility. My wife. Mi propiedad. (My property.)"

​Aara: "In your dreams. I’ll never go with you."

​I turned to run back upstairs, thinking I could lock myself in my room or jump from the balcony. But I didn't even make it to the third step.

​The Kidnapping

​Lorenzo: "Marco. Now."

​Before I could breathe, two of Lorenzo’s massive guards appeared from the shadows. One grabbed my waist, and the other pinned my arms.

​Aara: "Release me! Papa! Do something!"

​My father just looked at the floor. My mother covered her face, sobbing. They were letting him take me.

​Lorenzo: "Don't bother screaming, preciosa. The neighbors are paid to be deaf today."

​The guards dragged me out of the front door. I kicked and bit, but it was like fighting a stone wall. They tossed me into the back of a black SUV. The door slammed shut with a heavy thud, and the child-lock clicked.

​Lorenzo climbed in beside me, looking completely unbothered. He pulled out a gold lighter and lit a cigarette.

​Aara: "This is kidnapping! I will go to the police! I will make your life hell!"

​Lorenzo: (He blew out a puff of smoke, his eyes darkening) "The police work for me, Aara. And as for making my life hell..." (He leaned over, pinning me against the leather seat with his body weight) "...I’ve always enjoyed a bit of chaos. But remember this: In Spain, no one can hear you scream. So save your breath for when I actually give you a reason to use it."

​Aara: "I hate you."

​Lorenzo: (Smirking, he traced a finger down my cheek) "Perfecto. Hate is so much more passionate than love. Driver, airport. Ahora."

​As the car sped away from my home, I realized my life was over. I was being taken across the world by a man who was a stranger, a master, and a monster all at once.

​But he made one mistake. He thought he bought a doll. He didn't realize he had just kidnapped a storm.

✨ Author’s Note ✨

OMG! So it begins... 🖤

Welcome to the first chapter of THE SOVEREIGN’S DEBT. I know, I know—starting with a kidnapping is intense! But in Lorenzo’s world, there are no rules, only possession.

I wanted to show right from the start that Aara isn't going to be a weak heroine. Even when she’s being dragged into that SUV, she’s fighting back. That "Dark Feminine" energy is going to be her biggest weapon against a man like Lorenzo.

A few thoughts on this chapter:

The Betrayal: Can you believe her parents? Selling their own daughter to settle a debt?

The Tension: Lorenzo is only 28, but he’s already so cold and calculated. Did you catch that look he gave her?

The "Property" Vibe: He called her "Mi propiedad"—things are about to get very "possessive" very fast.

What do you guys think? 1. Should Aara try to escape again during the flight?

2. Or should she try to play along to find his weakness?

Since I’m a beginner author, your feedback is my fuel! Please Vote and Comment your favorite line from this chapter. (Mine was when she told him he bought something that will destroy him! 🔥)

Next Chapter: The Flight to Spain & The First Night in the Villa... stay tuned!

— 𝘿𝙞𝙫𝙪