[Seraphine's POV]With the hypnotic distraction released, I continued my telepathic conversation with my inner power, searching for a way to remotely hypnotize Dorian.[It worked for a moment, but we need something more potent to truly affect Dorian from a distance.]I felt the urgency of the situation and knew that a stronger hypnotic influence was required.[Is there a way to enhance the hypnotic distraction, to make it more compelling and impossible for Dorian to resist?]I inquired, my determination unwavering.[Yes, Seraphine. You must infuse the distraction with your own emotions, your deepest desires, and your unwavering intent to protect Cassian and your kingdom.]My inner power's guidance offered a glimmer of hope. I focused on my love for Cassian and the burning desire to keep him safe, blending these emotions with my intent to overpower Dorian's hold.[I understand. I will pour my power and determination into this hypnotic distraction, making it irresistible.]With a renewe
[Seraphine's POV]With the intensified hypnotic distraction enveloping Dorian, I could sense his resistance, but I wasn't ready to give up. My inner power continued to guide me through the telepathic connection, encouraging me to press on.[Seraphine, he's fighting it, but you must remain steadfast. Focus on your love for Cassian, your determination to protect your kingdom. Pour it all into the hypnotic distraction.]I understood that my emotions were the key to breaking Dorian's control, and I had to make them stronger than his willpower.‘You're right. I won't back down.’With unwavering resolve, I channeled all my love and determination into the hypnotic distraction. It pulsed with newfound intensity, a radiant force aimed directly at Dorian.[Now, Seraphine, direct it toward Dorian. Make him see the truth.]Following my inner power's guidance, I concentrated all my strength on targeting Dorian's consciousness. The hypnotic distraction shimmered with a brilliant light, a beacon of
[Seraphine's POV]As the battle between Cassian and Dorian raged on, my inner power offered guidance once again.[Seraphine, we've made significant progress, but we must be cautious. Your magic is waning, and we can't afford to deplete it entirely. Your child's safety is paramount.]The reminder of my child's safety hit me like a sledgehammer. I couldn't ignore the fact that every bit of magic I used brought me closer to the brink of exhaustion, endangering both myself and my unborn child.‘You're right. I can't risk pushing myself to the limit, not with the baby at stake. But what can we do to stop Dorian without using all of my magic?’My inner power contemplated for a moment before responding.[We need a plan that doesn't solely rely on magic. We must outsmart Dorian, catch him off guard, and use your remaining magic wisely.]I took a deep breath, realizing the truth in those words. Magic alone wouldn't be enough to defeat Dorian; I needed a strategy that exploited his weaknesses a
[Seraphine's POV]"Ugh!"Once again, a hindrance arrived just as I had prepared myself to initiate my attack against Dorian. What my earlier warning of my powers had cautioned me about had started to manifest far sooner than I could have anticipated.My body, which I had frequently pushed beyond its limits to continue fighting, thinking, and depleting my magic and energy to defeat Dorian, was beginning to show signs of fatigue. I still felt capable of battling Dorian, even killing him. However, this did not seem to apply to the condition of my pregnancy.Suddenly, when I had already gripped the small knife I had in my gown pocket, an excruciating pain surged through my abdomen. It had been a long time since I had felt pain like this, causing me to fall to the ground, curled up in agony while clutching my swollen belly.‘It hurts so much. Is this the side effect of pushing myself too hard? Or is it time for me to miscarry? Considering how I've always pushed myself, it's reasonable that
[Seraphine's POV]"Haha."Dorian laughed.Even though I had tried to sound as natural as Cassian often did with me, even though I had used all my strength and understanding to portray Cassian's character perfectly...It was still not enough to deceive a Dorian Phoenix.He laughed after hearing me speak, asking him to admit his wrongdoing.The laughter he emitted was just like when we first met, when he doubted me and asked me to abort my baby.It was a laughter that sounded mocking and full of contempt. A laughter that Dorian would only give when he knew his enemy's weaknesses."How intriguing, Cassian. So, all this time, you still believed we were brothers?"Now, it was my turn to be surprised."What?" My lips began to tremble as I spoke. "You... What did you just say?""Haha." Dorian laughed again.This time, he didn't hesitate to brush off my hand that had been resting on his wrist all this time. For the second time, I was surprised to find that Dorian's strength had grown stronger
[Seraphine’s POV]In my thoughts, I still wondered if Dorian truly knew who was speaking to him right now. The intensity of his gaze was filled with hatred and deep wounds. I recognized that look all too well, having experienced something similar myself.‘I, too, have been in his position. When the entire village, including my foster parents, considered me a cursed object that needed to be eradicated. As proof, they even sold me to Cassian,’ I thought, my mind inexplicably drifting into the past.The aura of hatred emanating from Dorian somewhat reminded me of my former self when I once had eyes filled with rage like that.‘It makes me wonder, what sin has Cassian committed to provoke such anger in Dorian?’ I pondered, curious.I decided to forgo delving into Cassian's memories, given my uncertainty about my magic reserves. I had no idea when I might become exhausted and powerless while having to kill Dorian here.Regardless, whatever problem had Dorian so enraged at Cassian, my duty
[Seraphine’s POV]‘No, I can't. I can't let Cassian die here. I can't! If Cassian dies, everything will be in vain!’Unbeknownst to me, the hand I used to cover Cassian's large wound had gone numb. I, who had been inside Cassian's body until now, slowly began to feel unable to control his movements perfectly.Only now did I realize how ashen Cassian's skin had become. The blood flowing from his abdomen couldn't be stopped. All I could feel was cold and stiffness.I sensed that the sense of touch in Cassian's body had become numb. I knew what this meant; it was a sign that someone was about to die.‘No, this can't be happening, can it? Cassian can't die here, can he? It's impossible!’I screamed within my own heart. I couldn't accept the reality.How could all the struggles I had gone through, we had gone through, nearly dying multiple times to reach this point, be in vain? Was this as far as we could go?‘No! I won't accept it!’ I continued to scream inwardly.Then, the hand I could n
[Seraphine's POV]In this desolate battlefield, only the moonlight accompanies me. The disappearance of trees due to hundreds of assaults from the alpha forces worsened the already tumultuous wind that seemed eager to engulf me alive.I sit on the cold, yet dry ground. My teardrops are the only living water here. The wind blows so fiercely that it makes my body sway.But it's my heart that's wounded. The more I gaze at Cassian's lifeless body over there, the more I can't bear it. It's the first time I've seen someone die up close, and I'm the only one witnessing how Cassian's life slips away.‘I wonder if Cassian knows he's dead now?’ that's what's on my mind.As my magic almost gathers, suddenly my body trembles. I, who could hold back my tears, now sob again. My hands cover my face, hiding how much of a mess I am right now.I cry in silence. The baby in my womb starts kicking erratically. ‘Ah, surely, it's uncomfortable in there. Knowing his father is no longer here, my baby must b