Sara's povA tear rolled down my face as I heard the words from Jethro. I wanted to scream, to tell him that he was wrong, that he was under some kind of spell. However, my voice seemed locked in my throat."You don't even make sense, Jethro," Emma said, her voice elevating. "Elias's accident had nothing to do with Sara. And your memories. that was Tunisha's doing, not Sara's."But Jethro only smiled again, and that gloating light in his eyes made shivers go up and down her spine. "You don't know the truth, Emma. But I do. And soon, everyone will see Sara for what she truly is."It felt like someone had taken a fistful in the stomach and knocked the wind right out of me. Deep were the cuts by those words, and I felt in my eyes that sting of beginning tears. Still innocently protesting, I would like to declare it was not my fault, but the words just wouldn't seem to come off my tongue.Emma strode forward, beet red with anger. "How dare you, Jethro!" she spat. "Sara has done nothing b
Instant irritation flared with the interruption and wanted to rage, but the grip on my wrist from Tunisha was strong. I knew what she meant, but I hesitated. Since when do I listen to her? I opened my mouth to answer, but Tunisha's grin widened, reaching her eyes. "The Elders are waiting, Jethro," she reminded me, her voice firm but gentle in tone. "Your destiny is calling. Don't be swayed it by. things which do not matter."With her words, I plunged into guilt, but Tunisha was holding my wrist in a vice. I knew I was to go with her and find out what the Elders wanted. I cast one last look at Sara, who had been carried out of the room by the stranger, before turning to follow Tunisha.She tugged on my wrist as Tunisha led me through many long and winding halls, stopping at a very ornate door. She just set her fingers on the handle and opened it casually.The room was ill-lit on the inside; it was hardly sufficient to look at as only a few candles were flickering to light up the space
EMMA'S POVI rose as the door opened, Natalie's hand still grasped in mine and gave a shallow bow. "I'm so sorry for this inconvenience," I replied with the best amount of respect I could give her.As my eyes met those of Henry, I couldn't help but look upon the goodness in his eyes, that stranger who had helped Sara up when she fell just before. I reflected on the warm smile, the way his strong yet gentle hands caught her fall.Tall, ruggedly handsome, and messily so with his brown hair. Deep brown eyes, filled with concern and compassion there. Wearing a simple white shirt and some jeans, somehow his presence was anything but that."Hi again," he said in his soft voice. "How is she doing?"I nodded and felt a surge of appreciation in my heart toward this stranger. "She's still unconscious. I don't know what had happened to her."The soft expression in Henry's eyes showed he was concerned. "I'm no expert, but I think she probably just fainted—probably out of exhaustion or extreme str
That got her to calm down a bit so that she laughed a little. "Yeah, that does sound like a good idea. I don't feel like dealing with any more of their shenanigans right now."I smiled, glad she took it well. "Good, you can stay right here for as long as you need to. Henry is such a cool guy, his house is fancy."Sara got her gaze to roam across the room to catch the full picture of opulent decorations. "Definitely. It feels like I'm in a different world or something."All I could do was nod in agreement. "You are very far at least for now away from your family's problems."We had barely started arguing our points in dialogue when the knock at the door lapsed into momentary silence. Both of us turned toward the door; we had temporarily dropped the thread of our dialogue.We both froze up at once and uttered not a word as we awaited to identify who was to enter. A soft voice came through the door excitedly: "Mrs. Jenkins, housemaid; some refreshments of tea and snacks for the ladies."
Emma's POV I walked into the kitchen and Tunisha was seated at the table. "What is Tunisha doing here?" I asked firmly, but curiously.Jethro was close to the counter. He responded, "She is staying with us."Automatically my eyes widened in surprise. "What! She can't stay here!" I yelled. I was protesting.I shook my head, a feeling of unease in the pit of my stomach. "No, Jethro. This isn't a good idea. She can't just stay here."Tunisha stood, her eyes flashing defiance. "I can too stay here. And I'm not leaving."I exhaled, irritation rising. "Tunisha, please. This isn't safe for you. You know what's going on in this family."But Tunisha crossed her arms over her chest, her jaw clenched. "I'm not leaving, Emma. I'm staying right here."I dropped the glass on the table, my hands shaking with frustration. "From what I've gathered, you're rich and I'm sure it's not going to be a problem for you," I said, heavy with sarcasm.Jethro raised an eyebrow, his expression unperturbed. "What'
Emma's POVMust have lain in bed, maybe for an hour or so, just trying to calm down and mull over everything that happened. My mind was a battlefield; it was impossible to get all these thoughts of betrayal and anger out of my head.After a little while, I got up and went to my window, which overlooked the garden below. I saw Jethro walking around down there, with his head in his hands, like he tried to wrack his brains for what to do.Knowing well that he was still being manipulated by Tunisha was a frustration in the heart. Thinking of Sara-my friend, hurt because of Jethro-kept me in the fight. Standing there, I heard a knock at the door. It was Tunisha."Hey, Emma, can I come in?" she asked, her voice oozing with sham sweetness.I hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Yeah, come in."Tunisha came in and sat down on my bed with a smug grin. "So, Emma, I can see that you still stick to fighting for Sara. But it is pointless. Jethro had chosen, and he has chosen me."I narrowed my ey
Emma's P.O.V.Tunisha laughed. It was cold and mirthless. "You think you know me, Emma? Do you think you can predict what I'll do? I have been playing this game for years, and you're just a pawn. A pawn that's about to be sacrificed."I didn't move, just crossed my arms, glaring at her. "I am not afraid of you, Tunisha. I know all your tricks and manipulations. You are not as clever as you think you are."She smiled all the larger. "We shall see, Emma. For I have been watching you too, and I know all about your little plans to take me down. And I gotta say, I'm impressed. You're much sharper than I gave you.With a vicious glint in her eyes, she took another step closer toward me. "Time will show everything, though. I always come out of the shock victoriously. And you this time, you will fall harder than you've ever fallen in your life."I raised an eyebrow. My heart pounding against my chest, I said, "Is that a threat?"Tunisha chuckled. "Oh, it's a promise. And you can't do anything
Jethro's PovSitting in my study amidst the comforting familiarities of dusty tomes and flickering candles, all at once my mind starts drifting. Images of the party crowd my brain; suddenly, I was back to the instance when Sara collapsed on the dance floor.The disquiet remembers the rising concern in my chest. But why? Sara's only an acquaintance, someone I barely know. "What in the heck am I concerned about with someone like Sara?" I say to myself shaking my head in utter confusion.The memory stays put and refuses to be shooed away. I can almost see Emma's perturbed face run towards Sara. And then there's Tunisha at the corner keenly watching it all, the spark in her eyes runs a chill down my spine.My brow furrows, and my mind catches fire. What is it about Sara's collapse that unsettles me? Why do I have this feeling that there's more to this than meets the eye? I lean forward, resting my elbows on the desk- my eyes fixed on the candle flame. Instantly, the shadows on the walls t
Sara's POV As night fell, we spoke and laughed to make up for lost time. The announcement of the baby's arrival brought tears of joy to our eyes as Emma and Elias announced it. Henry and Anne's reunion was warm and welcomely received.We sat down to dinner at which time Jethro reached for my hand, his eyes locking mine. "I'm so glad to have you home," he whispered.I smiled, knowing full well the deep connecting nerve that was between us, and simply replied, "Me too.".Not one of my loved ones was missing from the dinner table, and for the first time in a very, very long time, I was whole.As the night wore on, Jethro took me toward our chambers with his arm securely wrapped around me."You're safe now," he whispered as his lips tickled my ear.I nodded, finally, the memories no longer weighing on my shoulders. "I'm home," I said out loud.Jethro's eyes sparkled, his lips curving into a smile. "Forever," he replied with a promise.I smiled in return; knowing all was right in the worl
Sara's POV As night fell, we spoke and laughed to make up for lost time. The announcement of the baby's arrival brought tears of joy to our eyes as Emma and Elias announced it. Henry and Anne's reunion was warm and welcomely received.We sat down to dinner at which time Jethro reached for my hand, his eyes locking mine. "I'm so glad to have you home," he whispered.I smiled, knowing full well the deep connecting nerve that was between us, and simply replied, "Me too.".Not one of my loved ones was missing from the dinner table, and for the first time in a very, very long time, I was whole.As the night wore on, Jethro took me toward our chambers with his arm securely wrapped around me."You're safe now," he whispered as his lips tickled my ear.I nodded, finally, the memories no longer weighing on my shoulders. "I'm home," I said out loud.Jethro's eyes sparkled, his lips curving into a smile. "Forever," he replied with a promise.I smiled in return; knowing all was right in the worl
Sara's P.O.V I hummed softly to myself as I cleaned Vincent's bedroom, my hands gliding easily across the surfaces. My eyes strayed to his dresser, toward that one drawer he'd always said not to touch. Curious, I wondered what could be so special in that one little drawer. "A surprise?" I asked innocently.My fingers found the handle and drew the drawer open in a second. Inside were heaps of photos. The first I picked was of a man crowned, an aura of melancholy diffused about him. A lot about him seemed so familiar, yet I just couldn't place who he was.I went onto the next picture couple embracing. The woman's face stirred something in my system. "Emma? Elias?" I blurred my head racing. Then, a sharp pain pierced my head, and pictures slipped from my hands as a groan escaped my lips.A voice reverberated inside my head, "I love you, and you are forever mine." But it wasn't Vincent's voice. There came confusion inside me. Picking up the coronation picture, the rise of tears was to be
Jethro's POV Three Months later…%.Three months had passed since that fateful day. I sat in my throne room, full of the grandeur of a restored kingdom but my heart was still shattered. Ryker's defeat and Tanisha's demise brought peace, but only Eldrid still stirred in my heart.Elias entered, his face solemn. "Your Highness," he greeted low. I did not even look up. "Did you find her?" I asked without any expectation of a different answer.The pause that followed was all the answer Elias needed. "Nein, Your Highness." I looked down, my eyes welling up hot. I had sent Elias to scour the ruins-to search every inch of the explosion site. But there was nothing. No sign of Sara. No indication of her fate.I clung to hope, tenuous as the thinnest of threads but refused to break. She may yet be alive. She must. Elias stepped near. His footsteps made quiet echoes in the still hall. "I have searched every possible place, Jethro," he said, using my name rather than my title. "I have interrogate
Jethro's P.O.V.I stormed down the corridors of Ryker's lair-my sword slicing through the shadows. Guards leaped to intercept me, but with rage fueling my movements, I cut them down with precision.Finally, I burst into Ryker's chamber, my eyes locking onto the man himself.Ryker stood calmly, an amused hint dancing on his lips."Where is Sara?" I yelled, my voice echoing off the stone walls. "Where are you keeping her?"Ryker's smile spread wider, but nothing fell from his lips. "Liar!" I spat, my hand tightening on my sword hilt. "I know you're behind this." Ryker somehow managed to lift an eyebrow. "Sara? Do you think I have Sara? You ought to know me by now, Jethro. If I had Sara, I'd leave a message. But I don't have Sara." Anger spilled over and I was yelling, "You're lying!Ryker's men drew their swords and, in the dim light of the room, angled them at me."Be careful, Jethro," Ryker said, his voice thick with malice. "You're on my turf, surrounded by my men. Your recklessne
Sara's POV I slowly opened my eyes, grogginess fogging my brain. Where was I? The air was heavy with darkness and an eerie silence.A faint splash sounded through the room followed by a cold trickle down my face. I jackknifed upwards, gasping.Someone was sitting beside me, swathed in shadows. My eyes slowly accommodated to the dim light and the outline of a woman appeared."Welcome back, Sara," she said, her voice oozing malice.The woman leaned forward, and a sliver of light danced across her features, revealing Tanisha's sinister smile."You must be wondering where you are," Tanisha said, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Let's just say you're guessing with me."Memories came flooding back to Emma's visit, the figure in black, the knock to the head. My mind reeled; fear clawed its way up my throat.Tanisha did not even bat an eye. "You see, Sara, you're quite valuable to me. Your. Particular talents could tip the scales in Ryker's favor."My heart plummeted. Emma's words replayed
Tunisia's POV I was sitting in my dark living room; only a little light was in view, as it was occupied with dancing candles casting gruesome shadows on the walls. Marcus came in. "Ma'am, our spy says Emma is planning to open Sara's gate of energy for the war," he informed me with low urgent tones.My gaze jerked up; my eyes slit. That gate was the key to unimaginable power, and I wouldn't allow Emma to unlock it. "And?" I pushed my voice tight with anticipation.Marcus did hesitate this time before finishing, "Emma's trying to harness Sara's energy to aid her cause." My fist clenched alongside my jaw. That would be Ryker's death sentence. Failure. Defeat. No, I wouldn't let that happen."We cannot let that happen," I muttered to myself as my mind started racing. "Ryker would lose." Marcus stood before me, a look of neutrality upon his face. "What do you think we should do?" he asked.I smiled, cold and calculated. "We'll kidnap Sara, rendering Emma's plan useless. And this might jus
Emma's P.O.V.I pushed the door open of our modest home, worn out. The last few days had messed with my head, turning into a blur of anxiety and fear, as Mamma's condition deteriorated further with each passing hour. I walked toward her room, apprehension hanging heavy in my heart. Inside, she lay frail, pale with clammy skin."Mother?" I said, my voice barely more than a whisper. I took her hand in mine. She stirred, her eyes fluttering open. "Emma. . my dear," she whispered, just barely audible. I forced a smile onto my face, trying to hide my tears. "I'm here, Mother. You're going to be all right."But before I could get her reply, Lia strode into the room, a frown etched on her features. "Emma, don't tire her out," she reprimanded, firm in her voice. I frowned, suspicion dawning that something wasn't right. "Lia, what's going on? Mother isn't getting better," I said, accusation creeping into my tone.Lia's smile was syrupy and sweet. "Oh, Emma, you know your mother's illness is.co
Tunisia's Pov I snuggled deeper into Ryker's side, my fingers tracing the outlines of his chest. His eyes gleamed with amusement, and I knew he was right where I wanted him."Ryker, now that Jethro knows about me. Secrecy," I started, letting my voice drop to a fragile state, "I will have to be protected even more. More men."Ryker's brow arched, and a teasing smile curled his lips. "So that's why you came to me."I smiled back, feigning innocence. "Can you blame me? You are the most powerful man in the realm after all."Ryker chuckled, his eyes glinting with desire. "And what do I get in return?"My heart skittered as my gaze met his. This was it."Whatever you want," I whispered, my voice husky.Ryker's eyes flashed to mine, an inferno of intensity blazing there. "Will you?" he asked, his voice so low it was little more than a whisper and sensual.My heart fluttered at the sound as I nodded, my lips grazing his. "Whatever it will take to ensure our alliance is solidified."Ryker's