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Annalisa 33
33ADRAINFEW HOURS AGOFrustration gnawed at me like a particularly persistent rat. I’d lost Annalise. One minute she was strolling down the flower-lined path, the next, she was a wisp of lavender chiffon disappearing into the night. Poof! Gone like a magician’s disappearing act, only without the applause (or the cute bunny in a top hat).Kicking at a pebble with unnecessary force, I retraced my steps, grumbling under my breath. My mission to win Annalise’s heart, it seemed, had hit a rather large snag. Not to mention, I now had a very disgruntled Duchess breathing down my neck.Speaking of disgruntled Duchesses, the imposing figure of Her Royal Highness Camilla, Duchess of Wales, materialized in front of me, her posture as rigid as a Buckingham Palace guard. This wasn’t exactly the meet-cute I had envisioned.“Mr. Adrain,” she began, her voice laced with an icy disdain that could curdle milk at fifty paces. “A word, if you please.”I swallowed, forcing down a sarcastic retort. It pr
Last Updated : 2024-10-07Annalisa 34
34ANNALISAThe world narrowed to the sliver of space between the floorboards and the bottom of the heavy oak door. My heart hammered a frantic tattoo against my ribs, each beat a frantic drumroll echoing my fear. Spencer’s voice, laced with a sickeningly sweet amusement, sent shivers down my spine.“Annalise, Annalise,” he cooed, the sound as grating as fingernails on a chalkboard. “Playing hide-and-seek, are we? Not very sporting, don’t you think?”Trapped. The word echoed in my mind, a cold, suffocating truth. The woman, bless her kind heart, wouldn’t be able to hold him off for long. I had to do something.But what?A memory, a flicker in the recesses of my mind, surfaced. Self-defense lessons. Dad, his voice booming with mock seriousness, teaching me how to block a punch, how to use my body weight to my advantage.A spark of defiance ignited within me. Maybe I wasn’t completely helpless after all.As the sound of the doorknob rattling intensified, I scrambled to my feet, adrenali
Last Updated : 2024-10-07Annalisa 35
35ADRIANThe scene of the accident, or rather, the staged scene, offered no clues. Where was Annalise? Where were the Duke and Duchess?Panic, a cold serpent coiling around my heart, tightened its grip. Every passing minute felt like an eternity. I couldn’t just stand there, helpless. I had to do something.Turning towards the nearest group of startled partygoers, I launched into a frantic search. “Has anyone?” I barked, my voice raw with urgency. “Has anyone seen a young woman, with lavender hair and… well, fire in her eyes?”The group exchanged bewildered glances. “Sorry, can’t say I have,” one man mumbled, fiddling with his cravat. “Haven’t seen anyone like that.”The others echoed his sentiment, their polite but clueless responses doing little to quell the rising tide of fear within me.Then, a glimmer of hope. A wizened old man, leaning heavily on a cane, shuffled forward. His rheumy eyes held a flicker of… recognition?“Young miss with purple hair?” he rasped, his voice barely
Last Updated : 2024-10-07Annalisa 36
36ANNALISEFEW HOURS AGOTears streamed down my face, blurring the path ahead. My lungs burned, a searing protest against the relentless pace I pushed myself to. Escape. That was the only thought hammering in my head. Escape Spencer’s cold grip, escape the suffocating confinement of the hidden room.The woods, once a familiar playground, now loomed like menacing giants, their gnarled branches reaching out like skeletal fingers. Every rustle of leaves, every snap of a twig, sent a fresh jolt of fear through me. Was he close? Could he hear my ragged breaths, the desperate pounding of my heart?Suddenly, a flicker of light pierced through the dense foliage. Hope, a tiny ember, ignited within me. Could it be a clear patch of sky? A way out?Scrambling through the undergrowth, I emerged into a small clearing. And there, bathed in the soft glow of an oil lamp, sat a woman. An old woman, with eyes that seemed to hold the wisdom of ages, and a head adorned with fiery red hair.A fortune tell
Last Updated : 2024-10-07Annalisa 37
37ADRIANDisappointment gnawed at me like a particularly persistent rat. The abandoned mines yielded nothing but dust and the unsettling feeling of being watched. The map, clutched tightly in my hand, now felt like a cruel joke. Where was Annalise?Emerging from the desolate clearing, I stumbled back onto the forest path, frustration bubbling within me. Just then, a flicker of movement caught my eye. A small figure darted behind a gnarled oak, a flash of dark hair momentarily visible.My pulse quickened. Could it be…?Approaching cautiously, I called out, “Hello? Is anyone there?”Silence. But a twig snapped nearby, confirming my suspicion.“Don’t be scared,” I said, my voice gentle. “It’s just me, Adrian.”The figure hesitated for a moment, then emerged from behind the tree. It was a girl, no older than ten, with eyes as dark as the encroaching night and a smudge of dirt across her cheek.Recognition dawned on me. “Elara, isn’t it?” I asked, remembering Annalise mentioning a girl sh
Last Updated : 2024-10-07Annalisa 38
38ADRAINI made sure the physician arrived quickly. The duke was slipping in and out of consciousness, and Annalise—well, she looked as if she had been through hell. I didn’t want to think about what might have happened if I hadn’t found her in time. The thought gnawed at me like a wild beast.As I paced the room, I couldn’t take my eyes off her. She sat on the edge of the bed, her hands trembling slightly. She hadn’t spoken much since we returned to the estate, and I couldn’t blame her. The terror she’d faced, seeing Spencer kill the coachman, hiding with the duke, all of it—it was too much for one person to handle.“Are you hurt?” I asked her, my voice quieter than I intended.She shook her head, but I didn’t believe her. Not really. I could see the fear in her eyes, the uncertainty. It wasn’t just physical pain I was worried about. I wanted to reach out, to comfort her, but something held me back. Perhaps it was the way she had looked at me earlier, as if I were a stranger.“The p
Last Updated : 2024-10-07Annalisa 39
39ADRAINThe moment we returned to the estate, I made it clear who was in charge. The duke and Annalise needed protection—protection from whatever vipers lurked within these walls. I couldn’t trust anyone, not after what I’d seen. So I gave strict instructions. No one was to enter their chambers apart from the physician and a few trusted housekeepers. Anyone else, and they’d have to answer to me.I turned to the head servant, a seasoned man with a face as lined as old leather. He’d been with the duke’s family for decades, but even that wasn’t enough to earn my trust now. “You understand what’s at stake?” I asked, my voice cold, my eyes locked on his.He nodded, but I wasn’t satisfied. “I need more than a nod,” I pressed. “I need your word. You let anyone near those rooms who shouldn’t be there, and it’s your head on the line.”The man swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down like a cork in rough water. “You have my word, sir. No one will get past me.”Good. I left him sta
Last Updated : 2024-10-07Annalisa 40
40ANNALISEThe room was quiet except for the faint rustle of the curtains. My father was settled comfortably in his bed, his breathing steady after the physician had finished attending to him. I sat beside him, the exhaustion of the day weighing heavily on me. Adrian’s quick actions had saved us both from disaster. The gravity of his bravery was still sinking in. My heart ached with gratitude, and I knew I had to thank him properly.When Adrian walked into the room, his face showed a mix of relief and weariness. His eyes were fixed on me, and I could see the concern still etched on his features. I stood up as he approached, my hands clasped tightly in front of me, trying to steady my racing heart.“Adrian,” I began, my voice trembling slightly. “Thank you for saving us. I don’t think words can truly express how grateful I am.”He stopped a few steps from me, his expression softening as he looked at me. “You don’t need to thank me, Annalise. I did what anyone would have done in my pla
Last Updated : 2024-10-07
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Annalisa 90
90JANETThe night felt endless as I tossed and turned, caught in a whirlpool of nightmares. Each time I closed my eyes, Marcus’s screams echoed in my mind, piercing the dark like a knife. His face twisted in terror, eyes wide with panic. I could feel his fear wrap around me like a cold fog, suffocating and real.I jolted awake, my heart racing. The remnants of his screams clung to the edges of my consciousness. I tried to sit up, but my body felt heavy, as if I were dragging a weight behind me. The bed sheets were tangled around my legs, and I fought to free myself, but the dream lingered, making it hard to breathe.As I finally pulled myself upright, I felt a sharp heat on my shoulder, and instinctively, I pressed my fingers against the spot where Marcus had marked me. It burned. The area felt hot and red, a reminder of his twisted claim on me. I shivered, recalling his words echoing in my mind: *You will forever partake in my suffering and pain.*The bitterness of those words twist
Annalisa 89
89ANNALISEI stood in the clearing, the remnants of our victory still echoing in my ears, I turned to face Janet. The moment felt monumental, heavy with the weight of our shared past. I had witnessed her strength, her courage, and I knew she was ready to lead the pack into a new future.“Janet,” I began, my voice steady. “I am handing you the leadership of the pack. You are their alpha now. You have the strength and wisdom to guide them.”Her eyes widened in surprise, a mix of joy and disbelief flickering across her face. “Annalise, I… I don’t know what to say.”“Just accept it,” I encouraged her, a smile creeping onto my lips. “You’ve earned this. They need you, and I trust you to lead them well.”Janet stepped forward, her eyes filled with gratitude. “Thank you, Annalise. I promise I will do my best.”I nodded, feeling a swell of pride. “I know you will. You have always been stronger than you think.”As I turned to leave, Janet called out to me, urgency lacing her words. “Annalise,
Annalisa 88
88ANNALISEThe air was charged with energy, and I could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on us. I stood before Marcus, my heart pounding in my chest. This was it. I had to make this choice—not just for myself, but for everyone who had suffered under his cruel rule.“Marcus Blackwood,” I began, my voice steady despite the fear bubbling inside me. “You have brought chaos and destruction to this realm. Your actions have hurt so many, and now, you will face the consequences.”He sneered, his bravado still intact, but I could see the cracks in his facade. “You think you can banish me? I am stronger than you can imagine!”Ignoring his taunts, I raised the totem high above my head. The ancient symbols glowed bright, casting an ethereal light across the clearing. “By the power vested in me, I pronounce your banishment into utter darkness!”The energy crackled around me, and I could feel the pull of magic surging through my veins. The air thickened, swirling around us, and a deep,
Annalisa 87
87ANNALISEThe tension in the air was thick as Nula raised her hand. Her gesture was clear. Lemuel, the captain of the pack, stepped forward, his voice booming with authority. “We surrender! Lower your weapons!”The pack obeyed without hesitation, their eyes shifting nervously from Marcus to Nula. I could feel their fear, but it was a different kind of fear than before—this was the fear of the unknown. Would Marcus retaliate?Marcus transformed, his muscles rippling under his dark fur. He let out a furious roar that echoed through the clearing. The sound sent chills down my spine. With one swift movement, he charged at Nula, his claws extended.“No!” I shouted, but it was too late. Marcus scratched Nula with his paw and bit down hard. She went down, blood pooling beneath her, and my heart dropped.“Protect her!” I yelled, urgency racing through me. The pack quickly transformed, forming a protective ring around Marcus, but he was wild, thrashing against their hold.I clenched my fists
Annalisa 86
86SPENCERFLASHBACKThe grand hall of the Blackwood clan was filled with tension as I faced the royal family, their expressions a mix of curiosity and unease. The dim light from the ornate chandeliers cast long shadows, highlighting the seriousness of our meeting. I could feel my heart racing, knowing the weight of what I was about to reveal. I took a deep breath, ready to expose the truth about Marcus.“Thank you for gathering here,” I started, trying to steady my voice. “I have urgent news about Marcus and his plans. What I’m about to share is crucial for the future of our realms.”Nula, one of the prominent leaders, leaned forward, her brow furrowed with concern. “What is it, Spencer? We can sense the gravity in your tone. Speak freely.”I nodded, gathering my thoughts. “Marcus is not just seeking power; his intentions are far more sinister. His plan is to cause chaos among all the realms. He wants to open the door to the utter dark realm to free the Blackwood alpha clan that was
Annalisa 85
85ANNALISEThe night was charged with energy, an electric tension crackling in the air as I floated above the two armies, suspended under the eerie glow of the blood-red moon. Below me, warriors lined up, their faces a mix of fear and determination. I could feel their anxiety swirling like a storm. Marcus and Spencer stood at the forefront, their expressions betraying their confidence.I took a deep breath, feeling the power surge through me, ready to speak the truth they had tried so hard to conceal. “The Blackwood clan has a secret desire. A desire to corrupt all realms, to make them bend to their will. You stand at the brink of destruction, facing a choice that could save you.”The murmur of disbelief rippled through the crowd. I could see Marcus’s eyes narrow, assessing the situation, realizing he could not ignore what I was saying. “You think you can sway us with empty threats? The Blackwood family will not yield to your whims.”I raised my voice, letting it echo through the nig
Annalisa 84
84ANNALISEI stood by the window, gazing out at the horizon. The sun dipped below the trees, casting a warm glow over the landscape. It felt like a moment frozen in time. Adrian stood beside me, close enough that I could feel the warmth radiating from him. I didn’t want to look away, not now.“Isn’t it beautiful?” he asked, his voice soft, breaking the comfortable silence between us.I nodded, still lost in thought. “It reminds me of those days in the village when the sun would set, and everything felt perfect.”Adrian turned to me, his eyes searching mine. “Do you miss it? The village, I mean.”I took a breath, trying to find the right words. “Sometimes. But I think it’s not just the village I miss. It’s the feeling of safety, of knowing where I belong.”He shifted slightly, leaning closer. “You belong with me, you know that, right?”His words sent a rush of warmth through me. I turned to face him, our eyes locking. “I want to believe that. But everything has changed. We’ve both cha
Annalisa 83
83SPENCERI walked into Marcus’s office, and the air felt thick with anger. Marcus stood by his desk, his fists clenched, the tension between us practically crackling. I could tell something was wrong even before he turned to me.“Why did the royal family withdraw their packs into the realm?” he demanded, his voice low and dangerous.I took a breath, steadying myself. “They wanted to meet you in the realm, Marcus. They won’t fight alongside you unless you go there.”His expression darkened. “They’re betraying me at a time like this?”Before I could respond, he grabbed a wineglass from his desk and hurled it at the wall behind me. I dodged just in time to see it shatter, glass flying in all directions.“Do they think they can just abandon me when victory is so close?” Marcus’s voice dripped with fury.I had to keep my cool. “They have their reasons. They believe the earth realm limits their power. If we fight here, they won’t be able to harness their full potential. They need the bloo
Annalisa 82
82ANNALISEI needed to see Sumel. The thought consumed me as I paced the small apartment where Molu had brought us. I felt the weight of everything resting on my shoulders, and I knew that Sumel’s strength could make a difference in our fight.“Can you take me to him?” I asked Molu, my voice steady but filled with urgency.Molu nodded, his expression serious. “Of course. Follow me.”As we walked through the ancient corridors, I felt a strange mix of hope and fear. Sumel had always been a source of wisdom and strength. But the last time I saw him, he had been weakened by Marcus’s darkness. I had to believe that I could help him.When we reached the small chamber where Sumel rested, my heart sank. He lay on a simple bed, his face pale and drawn. The flickering candlelight cast shadows over him, making him look even more fragile.“Sumel,” I whispered, moving closer to his side.His eyes fluttered open, and a faint smile crossed his lips. “Annalise,” he breathed, his voice barely above a
