Marco’s POV
My father's frustration reached its boiling point, his face contorted with anger and disappointment. In a fit of rage, he raised his hand and delivered a stinging slap across my face. The room fell silent, the echo of the impact lingering in the air.
Shock and pain washed over me as I clutched my cheek, my eyes welling up with tears. The emotional turmoil I had been wrestling with suddenly transformed into a seething anger. The weight of his expectations, the years of feeling controlled, had finally reached its breaking point.
"You dare strike me?" I hissed through gritted teeth, my voice trembling with a mixture of anger and hurt. "I won't be treated like a puppet any longer. I deserve respect, Father, as your son and as a human being."
My father's expression wavered between remorse and defiance, but I was no longer willing to bear witness to his volatile emotions. Without another word, I turned on my heel and stormed out of the room, my heart pounding in my chest.
As I walked through the hallways of our opulent estate, the weight of my father's actions bore down upon me. The sting of the slap reverberated through my entire being, fueling a burning determination to forge my own path, away from the toxic cycle of control and manipulation.
Anger swirled within me, mingling with the hurt and betrayal. How could my father, the man who should have been my guide and support, resort to such violence? It was a painful reminder that our relationship had been damaged beyond repair.
As I reached the entrance of the estate, I paused, taking in a deep breath to steady myself. The cool breeze brushed against my face, offering a momentary respite from the turmoil within. I knew that walking away meant severing ties with my family and the wealth that had surrounded me all my life, but the cost of remaining within that suffocating environment was far too high.
Gathering my resolve, I whispered to myself, "I will build my own legacy, free from the chains of my father's expectations. I will find my purpose and create a life that is true to who I am."
With each step I took away from the grand estate, I felt a sense of liberation washing over me. The weight of my father's demands, the weight of a legacy that did not align with my dreams, lifted from my shoulders.
In that moment, I knew that I had chosen the path of self-discovery and authenticity. It would be a challenging journey, filled with uncertainties, but it was a journey that I had to embark on to reclaim my identity and find true happiness.
As I walked into the world beyond my father's reach, I carried with me a renewed sense of purpose and determination. No longer defined by his expectations, I would carve out my own destiny, guided by my own passions and values.
The pain of the slap still lingered, a painful reminder of the fractured relationship with my father. But I vowed to myself that I would heal, that I would not let his actions define me. I would find the strength to create a life of my own choosing, where love, respect, and personal fulfillment would be the guiding principles.
Scarlett’s POV
As I stood hidden behind the corner, my eyes strained to catch every word of the heated exchange between Macro and his father. The weight of their conversation pressed upon me, overwhelming my heart with a mixture of sadness and anger. It was in that moment that the harsh truth settled within me like a heavy stone: I had been nothing more than a pawn in Macro's relentless pursuit of political ambition.
A surge of emotions threatened to spill over as tears welled up in my eyes. I grappled with the magnitude of Macro's deception, realizing that our marriage, the sacred vows we had shared, had been tarnished by his ulterior motives. The pain of this revelation cut deep, tearing at the core of my being. How could my love and commitment have meant so little to him? How could he have manipulated our union for the sole purpose of appeasing his father?
As I struggled to make sense of the betrayal, a mix of heartache and resentment coursed through my veins. The promises we had made to each other, the dreams we had shared, had been nothing more than a charade. It was a devastating blow to my faith in our relationship, a realization that shattered the foundation upon which our love had been built.
The tears streamed down my face, an outward expression of the pain and anguish that consumed me. I felt a profound sense of loss, mourning not only for the love I thought we had, but for the person I had believed Macro to be. The depth of his deceit left an indelible mark on my heart, eroding the trust I had placed so wholeheartedly in him.
As the conversation between Macro and his father escalated, I could sense the deep-rooted frustration and yearning for independence in Macro's voice. The slap across his face echoed through the corridor, and I felt a surge of anger rise within me. How could his father resort to such violence? How could Macro bear the weight of his father's expectations for so long?
As Macro stormed out of the room, his footsteps growing louder with each passing moment, I braced myself for the encounter that awaited us. The pain in my heart mingled with a burning anger that had been ignited by the revelation of Macro's true intentions.
When he finally emerged from the grand estate, his face etched with a mix of determination and vulnerability, I couldn't contain my anger any longer. I stepped forward, blocking his path, my voice trembling with a mix of hurt and frustration.
"How could you, Macro?" I spat out, my voice laced with disappointment. "I thought our love was genuine, that our marriage meant something to you. But all along, it was just a charade to please your father, wasn't it?"
Macro's gaze met mine, his eyes filled with regret and sorrow. "Scarlett, please understand. I never meant to hurt you. I was lost, trapped in the expectations forced upon me."
His words fell flat, failing to provide the solace I desperately sought. "Lost? Trapped? Is that what you call it? You used me, Macro. You used our love to further your own ambitions, and it breaks my heart."
Tears streamed down my face as the weight of the betrayal settled upon me. I had believed in our love, in the promises we had made to each other. But now, it felt like a cruel illusion, shattered by the reality of his actions.
"I can't be with someone who sees me as nothing more than a pawn in their political game," I said, my voice quivering with a mixture of pain and resolve. "I deserve better, Macro. I deserve someone who loves me for who I am, not for what I can offer them."
Macro reached out, his hand trembling, but I stepped back, avoiding his touch. The hurt ran deep, and forgiveness seemed like an unattainable horizon.
"I don't expect you to understand now," he whispered, his voice filled with regret. "But please know that I never meant to hurt you. I was trapped in a world of expectations, but I'm determined to break free and find my own path."
His words hung in the air, but they offered little comfort. The damage had been done, and trust, once broken, was not easily repaired.
“What was I going to do?”, I thought….
Marco’s POV As Scarlett's words echoed in my mind, guilt and remorse washed over me like a relentless tide. I watched as she walked away, her figure slowly fading into the distance, and the weight of my deception settled upon my shoulders. I felt a mixture of sadness, regret, and an overwhelming desire to make things right. I had lied to Scarlett, kept her in the dark about the true nature of our marriage. I had failed to reveal the underlying motive behind our union – my father's political ambitions. The realization of my actions pierced through me like a thousand needles, each one reminding me of the pain I had caused her. As I stood there, lost in my thoughts, the grand estate surrounding me felt cold and empty. The opulence that once held allure now seemed hollow and meaningless. The love I had for Scarlett had been tainted by my own selfishness, and I was left grappling with the consequences of my choices. Regret consumed me, and I couldn't help but replay the moments that led
Scarlett’s POV I pulled away from Marco, my body still humming with desire, as the knock on the door interrupted our intimate moment. My heart raced, and a mix of annoyance and curiosity flickered in my eyes as I called out, "Who's there?" The muffled voice on the other side responded, "Your Highness, it's a messenger with urgent news. The King requests your presence immediately." A surge of frustration coursed through me. How could this be happening now? Just when Marco and I had found solace in each other's embrace, the outside world intruded upon our private sanctuary. But duty called, and I couldn't ignore the King's summons. Reluctantly, I disentangled myself from Marco's embrace, a sense of longing lingering in the air between us. With a quick, apologetic glance, I hastily adjusted my appearance, ensuring that no trace of our passionate encounter remained visible. "Please inform the King that I will be there shortly," I called out to the messenger, my voice laced with a hint
Marco's POV Macro emerged from the grand palace gates, feeling the gentle touch of a cool breeze on his face. It provided a fleeting moment of relief amidst the turmoil that consumed him. His mind was heavy with thoughts about the perplexing exchange between Scarlett and his father, the King. Questions swirled in his head, leaving him bewildered. Why had his father summoned Scarlett instead of him? What could be the motives behind this unexpected decision? Lost in contemplation, Macro noticed a group of guards stationed near the entrance. Their alert and watchful expressions caught his attention. Curiosity sparked within him, and he approached them, hoping to find some insight or solace in their company. One of the guards recognized Macro and greeted him with a respectful nod. "Good evening, Prince Macro. Is there anything we can assist you with?" the guard asked. Macro looked at the guards, recognizing them as loyal members of the royal retinue. Seeking a momentary escape from his
Marco’s POV I could feel my pulse quicken as I awaited the guard's response, my mind racing with a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. The safety of my guards and the integrity of the package were of paramount importance. The guard, his eyes filled with a mix of fear and determination, quickly began to recount the events. "The ambush was swift, Your Highness," the guard explained, his voice tinged with a sense of urgency. "The Crimson Pack attacked with ruthless precision, catching us off guard. Despite our best efforts to defend the package, they managed to overpower us. Some of our guards sustained injuries, but we were able to repel the attackers and secure the area." My mind whirled with a mix of relief and frustration. Though the guards had successfully fought off the ambush, the fact that the package had been compromised was deeply troubling. The importance of its contents couldn't be understated, and the implications of its potential exposure sent a shiver down my spine. "Te
CHAPTER TWELVE Marco’s POV "But there is still one minor issue," a voice said from behind me. Startled, I turned around to find one of my advisors standing there, his expression grave yet determined. I motioned for him to continue, my curiosity piqued by his words. "What is it?" I asked, my voice steady but tinged with concern. The advisor hesitated for a moment before speaking, his gaze fixed on mine. "Your Highness, while it is crucial to recover the stolen weapons, we must also consider the risk of arousing suspicion if all of us were to leave the palace. Your father, the King, is astute and observant. He will surely notice our absence and inquire about our activities." His words hit me like a heavy blow. He was right. We couldn't afford to raise any alarm or draw unnecessary attention to our mission. My friend, Michael, stepped forward, his brows furrowed in deep thought. "Perhaps we could devise a plan that allows us to investigate and retrieve the weapons without leaving t
Marco’s POV I stormed through the corridors of the palace, anger pulsating through my veins like wildfire. How could my father assign Scarlett such a significant responsibility without even informing me? We were supposed to be a team, sharing our lives and supporting each other through thick and thin. The thought of Scarlett keeping such an important matter from me gnawed at me, fueling my frustration with each step I took. Finally, I reached my father's study and barged in without a second thought. He looked up from his desk, surprise flickering across his face at my unannounced intrusion. "Father," I spat out, my voice laced with resentment, "how could you give Scarlett this task without consulting me? Aren't I her husband, her partner? Shouldn't I be involved in matters concerning our kingdom?" He sighed heavily and motioned for me to sit down. "Marco, calm yourself," he said in a weary tone. "I understand your frustration, but there are reasons behind my decision." I clenched
Alpha Damian’s POVLost in the torment of my own self-doubt, I followed the guard through the labyrinthine corridors of the palace. Each step carried the weight of my troubled thoughts, but the urgent matter at hand demanded my immediate attention. The unresolved issues with Marco lingered in my mind, a constant reminder of the fractured bond between us.As we emerged into the palace courtyard, my steps faltered, and a heavy weight settled upon my chest. The scene that unfolded before me was one of stark contrast to the regal surroundings. Ten figures stood in disarray, their presence an embodiment of suffering and resilience. Their bodies bore the marks of a brutal ordeal, their skin marred with bruises and cuts. Tattered clothing clung to their worn frames, evidence of the treacherous journey they had undertaken.The weariness etched upon their faces mirrored the depth of their torment. Lines of exhaustion etched deeply, and their eyes, once bright with hope, now held a glimmer of b
Chloe’s POVDays turned into nights, and nights turned into restless slumber. Each passing moment carried the weight of my actions, gnawing at my conscience. Fatigue settled upon my shoulders, a constant reminder of the burdens I carried. And then, one morning, as the sun began to rise, a knock on the door shattered the fragile tranquility of my thoughts.Startled, I pushed myself upright, my weariness evident in the heaviness of my movements. The guard's voice floated through the wooden door, muffled yet urgent. "Lady Chloe, the King requests your presence in the throne room."A surge of anxiety coursed through me as I stumbled to my feet. My body, once strong and resilient, now struggled under the weight of exhaustion and a mysterious ailment that had slowly taken hold. My hand instinctively moved to my stomach, where a small but unmistakable protrusion had begun to form. The joyous anticipation of motherhood mingled with the overwhelming fatigue, leaving me feeling vulnerable and u
Marco’s POVSwiftclaw laughed loudly in the passage, making fun of us. "Oh, Marco," he said, "is this your killer team? How cute. But you're too slow."I looked at Sage and Dave. They were ready to fight, having heard Swiftclaw's insults. We nodded at each other, knowing we had to work together to defeat the traitor.Swiftclaw didn't waste time. He suddenly moved very fast, surprising us. He hit Sage and Dave hard, and they fell to the ground.It seemed like Swiftclaw became one with the shadows, moving so fast that we couldn't see him clearly. He hit Sage and Dave with strong and precise punches, clearly having the advantage.Sage and Dave, although strong, were caught off guard by Swiftclaw's fast attack. They tried to get up but couldn't defend themselves before Swiftclaw attacked again.I watched in horror as Swiftclaw hit them repeatedly, his punches were strong and accurate. Sage and Dave tried to fight back, but Swiftclaw was too fast and skilled.As I watched the battle, I kne
Marco's POVBut it was too late. A spear, gleaming malevolently in the dim light, pierced through Michael's back and emerged crimson-soaked from his chest. The force of the blow was enough to send him crashing to the ground, the impact causing a sickening thud that reverberated in the stillness of the moment."WTF!!!" I exclaimed in sheer shock and disbelief, my voice echoing through the passage.I staggered to my feet, my eyes wide with horror as I witnessed Michael writhing on the ground, blood gushing from his wound in a torrent. His face contorted with agony, and he struggled to breathe, his life slipping away before my eyes.My gaze snapped upward, seeking the source of this sudden attitude by Swiftclaw to him. And there, with blood-soaked hands and a malevolent grin that sent shivers down my spine, stood Swiftclaw. His eyes gleamed with triumph, and he let out a chilling, mocking laugh as he looked down at Michael."You thought I would give you the Kingdom, Michael?" Swiftclaw t
Scarlett’s POVMy heart aced as Sage and I moved toward the exit, leaving behind the chaotic scene of the battle between Marco and his men. My mind was a whirlwind of fear, concern for Marco's safety, and the urgency of our escape. I glanced back over my shoulder, my eyes locked onto Marco, who was still locked in the fierce struggle with Swiftclaw.Then, a shadow loomed at the doorway, and my breath caught in my throat. Who could it be at this crucial moment, blocking our way to safety? My thoughts raced, trying to identify the person."Leaving so soon?" The voice sent shivers down my spine. I turned to see a sinister figure with an evil grin, lurking in the dimly lit passage. My heart pounded in my chest as I struggled to make out the intruder's features.Sudden relief washed over me as the person stepped into the light, revealing himself to be Michael. My anxiety shifted to anger. What was he doing here, now of all times? And why did he look so menacing, holding that large, dangero
Marco’s POVMy heart was beating fast, and I was breathing hard as I watched Swiftclaw coming toward me, looking really angry. I couldn't see a way out of this, and I tried really hard to think of a solution."Wait, Swiftclaw!" I said nervously, my voice shaky with fear. "Let's talk about this. Whatever's bothering you, we can find a way to fix it without fighting."Swiftclaw growled angrily but stopped for a moment, seeming to think about what I had said. The air was really tense, and I was thinking quickly. I couldn't mess up."I don't feel like talking, Marco," Swiftclaw said angrily. "You've gone too far, and now you'll pay for it."I was panicking, trying to figure out how to get out of being frozen with fear. I couldn't let fear take over; I needed to stay calm and focused."Swiftclaw, please, listen to me," I continued, my voice shaking but determined. "I didn't mean to upset you, but whatever happened, we can fix it. We're friends, right? Friends don't hurt each other like thi
Scarlett’s POV Before Swiftclaw could finish speaking, a spooky mist started oozing from the altar where Scarlett was tied up. It looked like a creepy snake, coiling around Swiftclaw, its dark tendrils moving towards him as he struggled. The room felt weird, like there was some strange power in the mist, and it got scarier by the second. Swiftclaw got really scared and started shouting as he turned into a big, scary wolf. He tried to fight off the dark mist, biting at it, which wanted to swallow him up. Scarlett was no longer in mortal danger, and she suddenly felt full of energy and determination. She knew she couldn't miss this chance. Her heart raced, and her hands were slippery with blood as she twisted and turned, trying to get free from the cold, unkind chains that held her down. Scarlett used all her strength to pull, and her wrists hurt as the chains cut into her skin, but she didn't give up. Her life depended on this moment, and she wouldn't let it slip away. The room got
Scarlett’s POVMy heart ached as I struggled to process what was happening. "Elara, what is going on? Why are you here in that robe? We were supposed to be against Swiftclaw, weren't we?"Elara's lips quivered, and she seemed on the verge of saying something, but before she could respond, Swiftclaw's cold, mocking voice cut through the tension. "You think Elara was with you all these years, Scarlett? How naive. She has always been with me... throughout. I used her to get you where I wanted you to be."The shock of Swiftclaw's revelation hit me like a physical blow. I had trusted Elara with my life, and now it seemed that trust had been horribly misplaced. Betrayal stung in my chest, and I felt tears stream down my face. "Elara... How could you?" I whispered, my voice trembling with hurt.Elara's gaze fell to the floor, and she seemed unable to meet my eyes. "I had no choice, Scarlett," she finally replied, her voice filled with anguish. "Swiftclaw... he had something that could destro
Scarlett’s POVEverything went crazy for me, and I felt like I was falling into a dark hole. It hurt a lot, and I was scared and confused. It was all mixed up like a loud, crazy song in my head. I couldn't understand what was happening, and I really wanted to call out to Marco to make sure he was okay, but I couldn't even talk.Slowly, like waking up from a bad dream, I started to notice where I was. The feeling of numbness started going away, and I felt a tingly feeling that told me I was waking up. I tried to open my eyes, but they felt really heavy, like there were invisible chains on them.I blinked a few times and started to figure out what was happening. I was tied up on something that looked like a scary table, with weird skulls all over it. Each skull had a creepy story, and the table itself was made of black stone with spooky symbols that glowed a little.The room around me was kinda dark, but there was a strange green light coming from the walls. The air smelled really bad,
Marco’s POVScarlett and I turned slowly, feeling scared in our hearts. It was Swiftclaw, looking at us with heavy eyes and a strange grin on his lips. Michael was beside him, smiling wickedly.Swiftclaw laughed in a mean way. "I knew you wouldn't go far, Marco. Love is a thing people always do." He laughed more, enjoying the scared feeling.I held Scarlett's hand tight, thinking hard. We were stuck, and Swiftclaw had us where he wanted. I had to find a way out, for both of us."Why, Swiftclaw?" I asked, my voice shaky and angry. "What do you want?"Swiftclaw grinned more and walked around us like a predator playing with its food. "Isn't it clear, Marco? I want power, and Scarlett here," he pointed at her, "has the key to it."Scarlett looked scared and confused. "What does he mean, Marco?"I clenched my teeth, trying to figure a way out. "It's a long story, Scarlett. Right now, we need to escape."Swiftclaw stopped laughing and got closer to me. "Oh, Marco, you always protected her,
Scarlett’s POVSwiftclaw had a creepy smile on his face, and I was nibbling on my tasteless food reluctantly. The room felt tense, and I couldn't help but feel that something bad was happening.I wanted to know more about how Swiftclaw knew Elara. It didn't seem like he should know her name, but he brought it up like it was important. I took a deep breath and gathered the courage to ask, "Swiftclaw, how do you know Elara? Who told you about her?" My heart raced as I waited for his answer.Swiftclaw looked at me with dark eyes and leaned closer. He spoke in a low, scary voice, "Oh, Scarlett, there's so much you don't know. You'll find out in time." His words sent shivers down my spine.I couldn't let him avoid my question, so I demanded, "Tell me now. How do you know about Elara?"Swiftclaw laughed, which made me feel even more uneasy. "Humans are easy to figure out," he taunted. "But I'll tell you a bit more. Your husband, Marco, was captured and brought here earlier. We tried to get