Emily's POV“I promise. I’ll find it, okay?” I repeated firmly, my voice trembling with both determination and frustration. Jack’s jaw clenched as he stared at me, his expression dark. He dropped his hands to his sides, his fingers twitching as if he was restraining himself from doing something rash.He groaned loudly, stepping back and gripping his hair with both hands. “I… I… I…” he stuttered, his gaze darting back to me. His eyes looked conflicted, like he was teetering on the edge of an emotional outburst.“I kept that book for centuries, Emily,” he muttered, his voice low, the weight of his words sinking into me.I opened my mouth to respond, but no sound came out. I felt like I was caught in the eye of a storm.“It hasn’t even been a week!” he suddenly shouted, his voice echoing in the hallway. I flinched, my heart racing at the sheer intensity of his anger.He ran a hand over his face, his frustration palpable. “Do you have any idea what that book holds? Many memories… many li
Emily's POVI slammed the door of my room shut, My chest felt heavy, like a weight was pressing down on me. “Argh!” I grabbed the nearest vase and threw it across the room, watching it shatter into pieces. The sound echoed in the silence, but it wasn’t enough. I grabbed pillows, books, anything my hands could reach, and tossed them too.The lump in my throat grew, and I sobbed louder.A knock interrupted me. “Emily? Are you okay?” Maddy’s voice called softly from the other side.I didn't say anything, only lingered by gaze on the door, trying to hold back my sobs.The door creaked open, and she stepped in. Her eyes widened as she took in the mess I had made before her gaze landed on me. “Maddy,” I called her name longingly. She came closer as I slumped to the floor, tears running down my cheeks already.“I heard what happened,” she said gently, walking over to me and crouching beside me.“Oh, I’m sure the maids are thrilled to gossip about it,” I muttered bitterly, wiping my face w
Jackson’s POV The hunt for the scorpion hybrid had been grueling, and exhaustion weighed heavily on me, though I didn’t let it show. Mason and Zaza followed closely behind as we entered the palace. Lady Elena stood by the entrance, her face more troubled than usual. “Jackson,” she called, her voice tight with concern. Maddy and Keal were nearby, their tense expressions mirroring the unease that had gripped the palace since Kiara’s poisoning. Mason passed the weakened scorpion to Keal, who handled it like it was the last thread of hope. “Thank the goddess you found it,” Lady Elena murmured, exhaling deeply. “I’ve been so worried since you left.” Her words barely registered as my eyes scanned the hall, searching for someone. As we walked further inside, her familiar scent hit me before I even saw her. Emily. She appeared moments later, standing stiffly, her gaze locking onto mine. My chest tightened at the sight of her. I had missed her more than I wanted to admit, but the lin
Emily’s POV“Why would you even say that? Do you realize what you're saying?!” Lady Elena snapped, making me glanced at her briefly.My heart was racing, thundering so loudly I was sure everyone around me could hear it. Their faces were filled with disbelief, doubt. It only fueled my frustration.“Jack,” I said firmly, returning my eyes directly into his, “...do you remember the day a maid poisoned your food? The one who needed pigeon milk to survive but died in the courtroom?” My voice cracked. His expression revealed no emotions, aside from the ‘stop what you're doing’ face he was wearing.I pushed on, trying to explain further.“The one I got framed for. Which made me end up in the dungeon.” His jaw tightened, his lips pressing into a thin line as I said this.Lady Elena jumped in before he could respond.“So what?” Lady Elena said coldly. “That maid died because she was poisoned. If she was given pigeon milk, she wouldn't have died. Maddy told me that Kiara was given pigeon mil
Kiara’s POVA pounding migraine greeted me as I woke up, the pain so sharp it felt like someone had driven a spike through my skull. My vision swam, colors and shadows blending together before slowly clearing. I blinked a few times, and the first thing I saw was her—Emily.Pretending to care, as always.I cursed her silently, biting back the urge to groan aloud as I tried to sit upright. Every muscle in my body ached, but I forced myself to move. But I could feel that I was getting better.How is that possible?Kael and Maddy were by my side, their hands helping me sit up. I grimaced but accepted their assistance, still wondering how I could feel this much better already.“Wh-Where’s Lady Elena?” I asked, my voice rasping from disuse. Trying to act pitiful.“She’s just outside,” Maddy replied.Moments later, Lady Elena walked in, her presence commanding as always. Relief washed over me at the sight of her, but I kept my face neutral. Good. Everything went as planned. Painful, yes, bu
Emily’s POVI walked out of the healing chamber, my thoughts tangled in frustration and unease. I didn't notice Jack was leaning against the wall, as if he was waiting for me.His arms were crossed, his gaze fixed on me like he had been standing there for hours. We gazed at each other for a moment before I walked past him.“Welldone, you.” I arched my brows with my back facing him as I stopped when I heard him. I didn't turn around, and only turned my head to the side.I nodded with a hum before walking away. I didn't uncover the truth for him, I only did it for myself. And I'm happy that the truth has finally been revealed.“I've got other things to say though.” His voice stopped me again. I exhaled a sharp breath, turned around with my arms crossed.“Yes?” I tried to sound indifferent, but my voice betrayed me, quivering slightly. He walked closer to me, as if trying to gather his words together. What I think he was doing given his expression.“There are some things you need to know
I stood outside the towering gates of the estate, my fists clenched so tightly they trembled. The world around me blurred as my rage boiled over."You'll regret this! You hear me?!" I shouted at the cold, iron gates, my voice cracking under the weight of my grief. "You'll all regret what you did to my parents! I swear on their lives, you won't get away with this! I promise you!” I growled, my chest heaved, my throat burned, and tears blurred my vision, but I didn't care. I didn't care if they saw me as this-broken, furious, desperate being."They didn't deserve this!" I continued, my voice hoarse. "You killed them! Why would you do that to my innocent parents? You….” I was interrupted.The gates opened with an ominous creak, and an old man stepped out, his face cold and stern with his two burly bodyguards. His features were sharp, his posture intimidating, and the way he looked at me made my stomach churn with disgust and fury.“You fvcker! You MURDER!” I growled louder, about to c
I sat on an old bench at the amusement park, staring at the kids running around, laughing without a care in the world. Their joy was contagious, but I couldn’t bring myself to feel it. Instead, I sighed deeply, my chest heavy with envy. I missed this—this innocence, this freedom to be happy without the weight of the world crushing you.I stood up, stuffing my hands into my jacket pockets, trying to shake off the gnawing bitterness. I just wanted to feed my eyes with something pleasant for once. Anything to take my mind off the nightmares that haunted me every night— nightmares of Mr. Clarke sinking his fangs into me, draining my life away while I was too weak to fight back.I was about to leave when a little girl, probably no older than six, tugged at my sleeve. She had tiny pigtails and the brightest smile I’d seen in a long time.“Hi.” She greeted, smiling brightly. I couldn't help but try to return the smile, stiffly.“Hi.” I responded.“This is for you,” she said, holding out a
Annabelle’s POV I stirred in my sleep, feeling strange as if a weight had lifted off my chest, yet my heart ached with something I couldn’t fully grasp. Then, in an instant, memories came flooding back—everything I had forgotten, everything I had done. The past ten years crashed into me like a violent wave, stealing my breath as I fluttered my eyes opened. I sat upright, clutched the sheets, my hands trembling as the realization sank in. Oh, God. What have I done? I thought tears welling in my eyes already before a soft knock pulled me from my spiraling thoughts. My throat tightened. “Come in,” I whispered, barely recognizing my own voice. The door creaked open, and Adams stepped inside, his eyes downcast, as if he were afraid to look at me. My chest clenched at the sight of him—so much thinner, his once-proud stance now slumped, his hair slightly disheveled as if sleep had long abandoned him. He held a tray of food in his hands, gripping it so tightly his knuckles turne
Author's POV“She doesn’t remember you at all?” Jack shook his head. Madison frowned deeply, arms crossed as she listened to Jackson after he explained to her that Emily had woken up but doesn't remember him. “She looked at me… it was like I was nothing.” His voice cracked slightly, but he pushed through. “Why? Why doesn't she remember me?” He asked, his tone pleading. She had looked him in the eye, completely blank, as if he were a stranger.Madison sighed, rubbing her temples. “It could be the aftereffects of Harper’s mark. We don’t know exactly what it did to her mind.” She paused before adding, “We need to test this. Bring Mason and Zaza. Let’s see if she really remembers them together with me.”Jackson hesitated. He wasn’t sure what he was hoping for. If she recognized them, it meant she was still herself—just without him. But if she didn’t remember them either, then he had to face the terrifying possibility that Harper had changed her forever.Regardless, he nodded. “Alright
Jackson's POV It had been two long, agonizing months. Every day since Emily fell into that coma, I felt as if I was drowning in my own guilt. Sitting beside her motionless body, I dabbed her forehead with a wet cloth, my hands trembling. Her pale face made my chest ache in ways I couldn’t put into words. Tears streamed down my cheeks freely. I didn’t bother wiping them anymore. What was the point? Every moment replayed in my head, the way she had sacrificed herself for me again without a second thought. That image of her collapsing haunted me. I reached for her hand, clasping it tightly in mine. “Please, Ann,” I whispered, my voice breaking. “Please wake up. I miss you so much.” My lips brushed against her knuckles as I choked back a sob. “You promised to give me a response to my apology once everything is over. But you're not here with me to see it, my love. I need you... please.” The weight of my mistakes crushed me every second of every day. If I could trade places with he
The moment Emily smashed the crystal ball against the ground, the yard erupted in chaos. A blinding light consumed everything, its intensity forcing everyone to shield their eyes. She staggered backward as an overwhelming surge of energy left her body, her knees giving way beneath her. She collapsed to the ground, her vision blurring as she fought to stay conscious. “Ann!” Adams’ voice cracked as he saw her fall. His heart pounded in panic, but his body refused to cooperate. Bound to the tree and weakened by the poisoned blade, he could only watch helplessly. Harper let out a blood-curdling scream, her hands clawing at the air as she fell to her knees. A thick, black substance oozed from her mouth, her once confident smirk replaced by pure agony. Beside her, Alan mirrored her pain, convulsing violently as the same dark energy poured out of him. Adams clenched his teeth, forcing his gaze away from Harper and Alan to focus on Emily. His instincts screamed at him to get to her, but
Jackson’s POV The sight of Alan standing before me was like a blow to the chest. I could barely believe my eyes. Someone I thought I had lost forever was here, alive, breathing, and yet... there was something wrong. His eyes were dark, hollow, and devoid of the warmth I remembered. "Alan," I managed to say, my voice thick with disbelief. "Is it really you?" He didn't answer. Instead, he smiled-a cruel, empty grin that sent chills down my spine-and before I could react, he dragged a sharp knife across my chest. "Goddess!" I hissed in pain, stumbling back. My hand instinctively went to the wound as warmth spread across my skin. “Alan, stop! What are you doing?" He didn't stop. His movements were quick and deliberate, like a predator closing in on its prey. I dodged as he lunged at me again, the knife narrowly missing my side. “Alan, listen to me!" I pleaded, trying to catch his wrist. "We need to talk. This isn't you-” But he wasn't listening. His entire focus was on one t
Emily's POV I stood inside the tent, pacing back and forth. My heart was restless, and my mind kept wandering to Adams. I had tried to focus on the little things around me, but nothing helped. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw his face, heard his voice, and imagined the mess he was walking into. I paused by the entrance, listening carefully. His retreating footsteps reached my ears, and I couldn’t help but whisper a prayer. Moon Goddess, keep him safe for me. Help him fight his battles and come back unharmed. But a part of me kept nagging: was I really doing the right thing by staying behind? Should I have pushed harder to go with him? The tent was too quiet, and my thoughts were too loud. I flopped onto the bed, staring at the ceiling, but my mind wouldn’t stop racing. Where was he now? Was he okay? Suddenly, I heard footsteps outside. My heart jumped, and I immediately sat up. The sound was faint, almost careful, like someone was trying not to be heard. My chest tightened, an
Jackson’s POV I stood outside the tent, staring at the flap as it fell shut behind Emily. She glanced back at me one last time before going in, and my chest tightened at the thought of leaving her here. But I didn’t have a choice. Releasing a shaky breath, I turned on my heels, pulled out my phone, and dialed Zaza. His voice came through almost immediately. “She’s there,” I said, glancing back at the tent. “Make sure she’s safe. Nothing happens to her, Zaza. You hear me?” “Understood,” he replied calmly. “I’ll make sure of it.” I exhaled, relieved, but my mind was already racing to the next problem. “And Kiara?” “She hasn’t left the location,” Zaza confirmed. “Same place as before.” “Good,” I muttered, hanging up without another word. I headed back to where I had parked my car. I dialed Mason this time, and he picked up after the first ring. “Meet me at the location I'll sending the address you to you.” I got his affirmation before disconnecting the car. As I slid the phone
Emily's POVI sat quietly in the passenger seat as he drove us along a winding road surrounded by towering trees. The further we went, the quieter it became, like we were leaving the world behind. The silence in the car was heavy, and it gnawed at me. I turned to him, breaking the quiet.“Adams, where are we going exactly?”He didn’t answer, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. I frowned. “Adams, you’re not seriously going to ignore me, are you?”He glanced at me briefly, “A few minutes more. Are you scared that I was going to kidnap you?”“Very funny.” I turned my head outside the window, slouched in my seat, crossing my arms. Whatever he was planning, I hope he does it well.It wasn’t long before the car slowed down and came to a stop in front of what looked like an old, abandoned graveyard. The air was eerily still, and the overcast sky gave the place a gloomy feel. My stomach knotted.“Why are we here?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.Adams stepped out of the car, and I he
Emily's POVI woke up late in the afternoon, feeling sluggish. For a moment, I stayed curled under the duvet, trying to make sense of my surroundings. But something felt off—something warm and familiar was missing. My eyes blinked open, and sure enough, Adams wasn’t beside me anymore.Sitting up, a sharp pain shot through my neck, making me wince. My fingers brushed over the sore spot instinctively, and that’s when it hit me. A sheepish smile crept onto my lips.I slipped out of bed, not even caring that I was completely naked. There was only one thing on my mind as I stumbled toward the mirror.When I saw the mark on my neck, my heart swelled with joy. His mark. My fingertips traced the slightly raised edges of it, glowing faintly under the dim light. It felt surreal, almost like a dream. I let out a shaky breath and told myself, Soon, everything will fall into place. Jack and I... no, Adams and I will finally have our happily ever after.With that thought keeping me grounded, I h