Marcus

Both of us, Lucas and I disguise ourselves as common people and leave the capital Aetheron; and soon, by the cave, we reach Wantra. Standing atop the hill, my eyes get mesmerized by the beauty of Wantra. It looks completely opposite to Aetheron.

The grand structure appears like a dream carved into the mountainside. The palace seems to grow out of the cliffs, its pale stone walls glowing softly in the light of the setting sun. Every arch and dome is delicately crafted, blending seamlessly with the natural beauty surrounding it.

The building rests on the edge of a steep drop, with its balconies hanging over the abyss below. From where I stand, I can see the lush white trees framing the palace, their branches brushing against the ancient stone. A narrow path winds up to the entrance, almost hidden among the rocks and foliage.

Below, a river winds its way through the valley, its surface reflecting the soft pinks and oranges of the sky. The water glitters like a ribbon of light, adding to the palace’s otherworldly aura. I pause, taking in the beauty of it all, feeling like I’ve stepped into another world—somewhere where time moves differently, and everything is touched by magic.

I have shrouded myself in black from head to toe. I have worn a hooded cloak that draped over my shoulders and a mask that covered my face, leaving only my eyes visible.

I step further onto the cobblestone street, feeling the warmth of the sun on my back. The town is nestled in a valley, with charming houses stacked closely together, their roofs covered in lush green moss and dotted with white flowers. The buildings are made of wood and stone, each one uniquely crafted, giving the entire place a quaint, almost magical feel.

As I walk through the narrow street, I notice the details—small balconies overflowing with flowers, windows with intricate wooden shutters, and doors painted in vibrant colors. The air smells fresh, carrying the scent of blooming flowers and freshly baked bread from a nearby bakery. People move about, engaged in their daily routines, some chatting in small groups while others tend to their gardens or shops. This place feels like a hidden gem, a peaceful retreat where the worries of the outside world seem far away.

“Your highness, forgive me if I say something wrong, but why are we here?” Lucas asks, breaking the ice between us. “I mean if you wanted to punish that girl…anyone would have taken her head for you.”

“Do you really think that?” I say, raising one of my eyebrows. “Didn't you see how she was fighting with our soldiers? She killed everyone easily. It's not a piece of cake to take her head for my soldiers. Only I can punish her.”

“As you say, my lord,” Lucas murmurs.

“Don't use these words here,” I growl, gritting my teeth as I continue walking in the streets.

He nods, without uttering anything this time.

Then suddenly a woman's voice passes through my ears, “Our princess Elara is such a compassionate girl. She is giving us clothes and food; and then there is that executioner, despite being the emperor of Aetheria, he has never taken care of his populace and their needs till date.”

My blood boils as soon as I hear this. I avert my gaze, fuming with rage, to look at that woman. I'm wanting to rip this woman's skin. Right now.

Lucas fears that I might turn into my demon form, so he immediately runs to me and says, “Your Highness! She has gone from here. We should go. Right?”

I swallow my anger and nod as I look back at him. Soon, a palanquin arrives there with a group of soldiers; and then, my eyes fall on Elara. I become mesmerized as soon as I see her through the sheen white curtain of the palanquin.

Elara, who has hidden her face with a veil, is looking gorgeous. I am longing to see that face behind the veil. I am eager to see her. I want to see how the one who can look so lustrous and dainty with a veil, how she would look without it. I keep gawking at her and abruptly my steps take me toward Elara.

“Stop,” the soldiers shout at me, and block the way with their spears, not letting me step any further.

I want to chop their bodies, but somehow I control my wrath. I shouldn't make any scene, otherwise people will get to know that I'm Marcus Darkwood, the person they are haunted by.

Slowly, Elara's palanquin, her courtlady, and the soldiers disappear out of my sight, as they've gone too far from here. I wish I could see her face.

“What are we going to do now, my lord?” Lucas murmurs slowly.

“You go and gather every single information you can gather about this realm. I'll go to the palace,” I say, looking into his eyes. “We'll meet again at the same place tomorrow in the middle of night.”

He nods his head, and lowers his gaze. “As you say my lord,” he says, and after bowing his head in front of me, he walks away from me.

I make my way to the palace, and wait in the shadows, my heart pounding as I watch the lone soldier approach. With swift and silent movements, I walk forward, overpowering the soldier and silencing him before he can cry out.

Quickly, I drag the body into a dark corner and change into the soldier's uniform. Now disguised, I make my way through the dimly lit palace, blending in with the other guards.

Reaching the door to the secret room, I carefully enter, closing the door silently behind me. The room is filled with shelves of scrolls and maps, each one detailing the kingdom's military strategies and territory secrets.

I move quickly, unrolling a large map on the central table, scanning it for the crucial information I need. Just as I am finishing, I hear footsteps approaching the door. I roll up the map, put everything back in the place, and slip out the room.

Moving swiftly but silently, I retrace my steps and find myself lost in a series of winding corridors. Unwittingly, I stumble upon a hidden passageway and follow it, hoping it would lead me out.

To my surprise, the passage opens up behind a beautiful, mesmerizing waterfall inside the palace. The sound of the cascading water fills my ears, and the air is cool and misty.

As I step forward, I see a woman sitting on a rock under the waterfall, her back turned to me, surrounded by a couple of maids. She has worn a thin, sheer gown that clings to her wet skin along with her long blonde hair, leaving little to the imagination.

I know who she is. Elara. I can recognize her even in the darkness, even though I've not seen her face yet. I stand frozen, mesmerized by the sight before me. The way the water glistens on her skin and the grace of her form leaves me breathless. I can't tear my eyes away from her, although I know I need to keep moving.

As I watch, Elara steps out of the water and onto a set of stone stairs that lead to the pool's edge. "Julie," she calls out in a melodious voice, her back still turned to me; and soon she pulls the curtains after reaching inside.

Her silhouette is visible on the curtains since the lights of candles are lit up inside, reflecting her body figure. She slowly slips her wet gown, revealing her soft body curves. I can't tear my eyes away from her reflection. My breath hitches in my throat.

I feel a rush of emotions - fascination, desire, and a pang of guilt for intruding on such an intimate moment. Yet, the image of her silhouette seems to imprint itself on my mind, haunting me with its beauty and allure.

I shouldn't look at her reflection on the curtains. However, I can't help.

A moment later, a maid appears from a side entrance, carrying a soft bathrobe. She approaches Elara, draping the robe over her shoulders and carefully wrapping it around her wet body. Elara pulls the robe close.

She starts to walk away, her footsteps echo softly against the stone floor. Once her reflection is out of sight, I blink my eyes, realizing I've been holding my breath for a long time; and then, I find my way back to the main corridors of the palace.

Finally, I emerge outside into the cool air. I find a quiet spot on a tree's branch. I lay down on it carefully, hoping to relax in this quiet place. However, as I close my eyes to sleep, my mind continues recalling the glimpse of Elara under the waterfall, her silhouette illuminating by the moonlight.

My hands reach inside the pocket, pulling Elara's earring that has molted down in the grass the day when I saw her for the first time fighting with my soldiers. I toss it up and down in my palm, my lips quirk into a smile.

I don't know why I picked it up that day. I want to crush her spirit for what she did. Yet, part of me can't help but admire her guts. How do I make sense of this mess inside me?

You're the first person in this world, who has troubled me and is still breathing, Elara. I don't want to kill you, that will be easy punishment for you. I will make sure that you regret it your whole life. Chastisement should be bigger than death. Something that kills you day by day.

You stabbed me in my chest, but I'll make sure you feel the pain tenfold.