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8

Author: Um_royhan
last update Last Updated: 2024-07-17 18:39:32

8

ANNE

Fury vibrated through me like a poorly strummed lute. My perfectly manicured nails dug into the velvet of the armchair, leaving faint crescent moons of frustration. There he sat, my supposed father, the Duke of Wales, sipping his brandy with an air of nonchalance that would make a saint want to spit fire.

“That’s it?” I hissed, barely containing the storm within. “You just hand over the Dukedom to Annalisa? No fight, no argument?”

He chuckled, a dry rasp that grated on my nerves. “Fight with whom, Anne? Annalisa’s the one who actually cares about this crumbling pile of stones. You, on the other hand…”

His voice trailed off, the implication clear – I only cared about the wealth and prestige the Dukedom brought. He wasn’t wrong, not entirely. But that didn’t mean I wouldn’t fight tooth and nail to keep it.

“She’s reckless, impulsive!” I sputtered, leaping to my feet. “That so-called husband of hers appeared out of thin air, and she marries him within a day! Is that the kind of pe
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    9ANNALISEMy hand trembled as I reached for the doorknob, the polished brass suddenly feeling icy cold. I’d been drawn to the study by the sound of raised voices, my mother’s sharp pronouncements cutting through the air like a rusty blade. Now, pressed against the cool wood of the door, I strained to hear more.“She’s a whirlwind of reckless impulsiveness!” My mother’s voice crackled with fury. “And this Adrian fellow is a complete unknown!”My stomach twisted. They were talking about me, about Adrian.“Perhaps,” my father’s voice rumbled, laced with a hint of amusement, “but there’s a spark in Annalisa I haven’t seen in years.”A spark. My cheeks burned. It wasn’t just a spark; it was a raging inferno that Adrian had somehow fanned into existence. But could I sustain it? Could I build a future with a man who claimed to be from the future?“You’re impossible,” I heard my mother mutter, followed by the heavy thud of a chair scraping against the floor. “And you, Anne, are far too quick

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  • Annalisa    10

    10ANNALISEThe ballroom spun, a dizzying kaleidoscope of swirling skirts and flashing jewels. Duke Rhys and his coven of witches had thrown a bash to celebrate the successful retrieval of a mythical artifact – something about a talking teapot, if memory served. My parents, usually stoic and reserved, were practically waltzing on air. Dad, surprisingly light on his feet, kept twirling Mom around until her laughter echoed through the hall.Meanwhile, I was stuck with Adrian. Not exactly a punishment, but not the dashing prince I’d envisioned for this grand occasion, either. We’d been partnered together because, as the Duke helpfully pointed out, “we young folk need to stick together.” As if I needed reminding. Adrian, in his usual rumpled suit, stood out like a moth in a butterfly garden. But there was something about his smile – a hint of mischief in his eyes – that made him strangely endearing.He led me through the steps of a waltz, his hand surprisingly firm on my lower back. We ci

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  • Annalisa    11

    11ADRIANMy stomach lurched as I watched Anne sidle up to Annalisa, a sly smile playing on her lips. Annalisa, blissfully unaware, was engrossed in a conversation with Beatrice. A prickle of unease ran down my spine. There was something about Anne’s posture, the way she held the wine glass a little too close to her body, that set off my internal alarm bells.Years of poring over historical accounts of poisoning had given me a healthy dose of paranoia, especially around unattended beverages. I couldn’t pinpoint why, but Anne’s presence reeked of something off. Maybe it was the overly sweet perfume that clung to her like a cloying fog, or the way her eyes seemed to flicker between Annalisa and the glass with a glint that could only be described as...predatory.Whatever it was, I couldn’t ignore the gut feeling gnawing at me. Just as Anne reached out to offer the crimson liquid to Annalisa, I sprang into action. With a burst of adrenaline, I lunged forward, my foot connecting with the b

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  • Annalisa    12

    12ANNALISEMy stomach churned like a washing machine on high spin. Sleep was a distant dream, the events of the previous night replaying on a loop in my mind. Adrian’s accusations, initially dismissed as paranoia fueled by punch and party lights, now flickered with unsettling possibility. Anne’s overly sweet perfume, her persistent hovering near me with that damn wine glass – it all felt a little too…convenient.The first sliver of dawn peeked through the curtains, painting the room in a soft, mocking light. I tossed off the covers with a sigh, the decision solidifying in my gut. Answers. I needed them, and Anne was the only one with a key.I found her ensconced in our usual breakfast nook, a picture of serenity with a steaming cup of tea cradled in her perfectly manicured hands. Her blonde hair, usually a cascade of effortless waves, was pulled into a tight bun today, mirroring the steely glint in her eyes.“Anne,” I announced, my voice betraying none of the turmoil within. “We need

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  • Annalisa    13

    13ANNEI could feel the tension in the air as he paced back and forth.“Hey, Anne,” he said, running his hands through his hair. “I’m really stressed out. I don’t know if I can focus on anything else.”I bit my lip, trying to think of a way to help. And then it hit me.“Spencer,” I said, my voice low and seductive. “I could give you a blow job. It might help you relax.”His eyes widened, but then he nodded. “Okay. Yeah. That might work.”I moved closer to him, my heart racing. I could feel the heat radiating off his body. I reached for his belt, slowly unbuckling it.“Anne,” he whispered, his hands on my shoulders. “Are you sure about this?”I looked up at him, my eyes sparkling. “I’ve never been more sure about anything in my life.”I pulled down his pants, his cock springing free. I wrapped my hand around it, giving it a gentle squeeze.“Oh, fuck,” he moaned, his head falling back.I leaned in, my lips brushing against the tip of his cock. I could taste the saltiness of his skin. I

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  • Annalisa    14

    14ANNALISAA clammy sweat slicked my skin as I jolted awake, the dream clinging to me like a shroud. It wasn’t the first time this nightmare had visited, a recurring torment from a past life I barely remembered. This time, though, the details felt sharper, the emotions rawer.I was trapped in a crowded square, the cobblestones slick with a suspicious sheen. A jeering mob circled me, their faces contorted with a mix of fear and morbid curiosity. In the center stood a rickety wooden platform, the executioner sharpening his axe on a nearby grindstone with a chilling rasp.My throat constricted. This couldn’t be real. It was just a dream, a cruel trick my subconscious was playing on me. But the fear felt distressingly real, the taste of metallic terror thick on my tongue.“Annalisa Dubois!” A booming voice echoed through the square, silencing the jeers. A pompous man in a feathered hat stood on a raised dais, reading from a parchment that trembled in his hand. “You stand accused of the h

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  • Annalisa    15

    15ANNALISAI could feel Adrian’s warm breath on my neck as he pulled me closer to him. I was lying on my bed, wearing nothing but my nighties. My heart was racing with anticipation.“Everything will be fine, I promise,” he whispered in my ear.I looked into his eyes and saw the sincerity in them. I nodded, giving him my consent.He started off slow, kissing me gently on the lips. His lips were soft and tender, and I couldn’t help but respond. I parted my lips, allowing his tongue to explore my mouth. We French kissed, our tongues dancing to a rhythm only we understood.Adrian’s hand moved down to my breast, gently caressing it. He squeezed it softly, causing me to moan with pleasure. He took my nipple into his mouth, sucking on it gently. I arched my back, pushing my breast further into his mouth.I could feel the wetness between my legs growing. I wanted him inside me, but I also wanted to prolong this moment of pleasure.“Do you want me to continue?” Adrian asked, his voice husky w

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  • Annalisa    16

    16ADRIANThe crumpled note felt like a live grenade in my hand. It had arrived anonymously, tucked discreetly beneath the windshield wiper of my car. The stark message, scrawled in spidery handwriting, sent a jolt of ice through me: “The Dubois case. They framed the wrong one. Look deeper.”Annalisa’s tear-stained face flashed before my eyes, the raw vulnerability she’d shown me that night. The framed murder charges hanging over her like a Damocles sword felt like a personal affront now. Someone, it seemed, wanted justice for her, even if the official channels had failed her.The weight of responsibility settled on my shoulders. This wasn’t just about soothing Annalisa’s anxieties anymore. This was about uncovering the truth, no matter how deep the rabbit hole went.The first tendril of suspicion led me to Caleb, a childhood friend with a nose for sniffing out secrets. He ran a small but well-regarded investigative firm, his cynicism a perfect counterpoint to my relentless optimism.

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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

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