Chapter 32: chapter 32

Alexis stirred awake, startled by the heavy thudding at their door. It wasn’t the casual knock of a neighbor or a harmless passerby; this was relentless, urgent, and alarming. She nudged Eric, her husband, her voice trembling with fear."Eric," she whispered, her face pale in the dim candlelight. "Someone's at the door... it's nearly midnight. Who could it be?"The banging only grew louder, each strike like thunder against their small home. Eric sat up, running a hand through his hair, trying to make sense of the situation. "I'll check it out," he said, throwing a reassuring glance her way. "Stay here. Maybe someone needs help.""Please be careful," Alexis pleaded, gripping his arm briefly before he stood.Eric approached the door cautiously, his heart racing. He pressed his ear to the wood and called out firmly, "Who is it? State your name, or I won't open the door!"A rough male voice answered, " we are here under the kings order, open the door immediately ".Eric frowned, his instincts screaming at him to be wary. "It's late if you have business with us come back in the morning." He replied, his voice steady but firm.The response was immediate and chilling. "Open the door now or we'll cut your head off for disobeying the King's order.Eric's blood ran cold, he turned quickly, rushing back to Alexis, who was now standing in the doorways of their bedroom. Her face pale as ghost."Alexis", he said, his voice low and urgent. "It's soldiers, they are here at our door. Go to Adam's room and lock the door. No matter what happens, stay there and don't come out."Her eyes filled with tears as she grabbed his arms, "No Eric don't open the door please, I can't let you face them alone.""You must" he said  sternly, his expression leaving no room for argument. "They will break down the door if I don't comply. You have to protect our son. Promise me you won't come out, no matter what you hear."Reluctantly Alexis nodded, her heart shattering. "Please Eric come back to us ", she whispered, tears streaming down from her face as she hurried to their son's room, bolting the door behind her.Eric turned back to the door. His mind was racing. He hesitated for a moment before finally opening it. Three soldiers stood outside, their armor glinting faintly under the moon light. One of them stepped forward, a man with a cruel smile and calculating eyes. Alexis was right Christof came back for Amelia."What do you want at this hour" Eric asked , his voice steady, though his heart was pounding. Christof's lips curled into a sneer, "We are here for your daughter. Bring her to us and we will leave peacefully."Eric's heart sank but he forced a polite almost casual smile, "You must have the wrong house.  I don't have a daughter. "Christof's eyes narrowed, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper. "Don't play game with me, I know you have a beautiful daughter. Bring her out or you will pay the price. Eric held his ground, his voice firm, " I told you I have no daughter, perhaps you've been mis-informed.Christof chuckled darkly, stepping closer, "You have courage, I will give you that. But courage won't save you today. He turned to his men, "search the house , find the girl."The soldiers pushed past Eric, ignoring his protest as they stormed through the house. Alexis clutched Adam in a small room, her heart was pounding as she heard the heavy boots stomping closer.Minutes later the soldiers returned to the Christof " no sign of the girl". One of them reported. "But we found a women and a boy."Christof’s eyes gleamed with malice. "So, you’ve sent her away," he said to Eric, his voice dripping with mockery. "No matter. If we can’t take your daughter, we’ll take your son instead. Perhaps that will convince you to bring her to us.""No!" Eric shouted, stepping in front of them as they moved toward the house. "Take me instead! Leave my family alone!"Christof smirked. "Your life isn’t worth much to us. But the boy? Now, he’s valuable to you at least."The soldiers stormed back inside, ignoring Alexis’s screams as they kicked the door open and dragged Adam out. "Please!" Alexis begged, clinging to her son. "Don’t take him! He’s just a child!"One of the soldiers struck her, sending her sprawling to the floor. Eric lunged forward to stop them, but another soldier struck him hard across the head with the hilt of his sword. He collapsed, unconscious, as Alexis sobbed on the floor.Christof looked down at her with a cruel smile. "Deliver your daughter to us. If you don’t, your son will never return."The soldiers dragged Adam away into the night, leaving Alexis crumpled on the floor, clutching Eric’s limp hand as tears streamed down her face.