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
A cold chill had run down my spine as I read the message over and over, the words burned into my brain. "You'll never be rid of me." A threat and a promise that something bad was going to happen. And I knew that I couldn't ignore it, not anymore.I crumpled the paper in my hand, trying to shake off the feeling of unease that had fallen over me. But it was no use. I knew I had to confront Tunisha, to demand answers from her. What had she summoned? And what did she mean by "change everything"?Taking a deep breath, I began to turn to leave, determined to find Tunisha and get to the bottom of things. That was when I heard a whisper beside my ear: "You will never escape me, Jethro."I spun around, but there was no one there. The room was empty save for the shadows that seemed to twist and writhe on the walls. I knew then that I was in grave danger Tunisha's game was far more sinister than I could have imagined.I stepped out into the hall-my heart racing with anticipation. I knew I needed
Sara's POV Groggily, I opened my eyes, taking in my surroundings. Where was I? This wasn't my bedroom. I tried to sit up and immediately found myself dizzy again, so I fell back onto the pillow. Ugh-my head was killing me.Fragments of memories now flashed back as I lay there. I was at Jethro's party, wasn't I? No, wait, I remembered now. I was at Henry's place. Emma's friend Henry. I had gone with Emma, and we had been hanging out.But how did I end up in this bed? And why did my headache so much?Slowly, I tried to sit up again. The dizziness in my head still wobbled, but I managed to keep upright this time. Gazed around the room, and was really in proximity to the unfamiliar surroundings. Henry's room, no doubt. I remembered now; Emma had introduced us to him and we'd all hung out. But what happened last night? I just couldn't remember.I got out of bed, still in a daze, and made my way to the door in the hopes that some answers would be there waiting for me. Entering the living r
Sara's POV As I shook Henry's hand, I couldn't help but note the way crinkles fanned out from the corners of his eyes as he smiled. It was warm, and a very genuine smile that put me immediately more at ease."It's nice to meet you properly, Henry," I said, trying to sound casual, as my chest fluttered.Henry let go of my hand, but his eyes did not let mine go. "The same to you, Sara," he replied in that low, smooth voice of his. "I'm glad you could join me in the garden. This is one of my favorite places."I nodded, taking in the beauty of the garden. "It's beautiful," I said. "I can see why you like it here."Henry gestured for me to walk with him, and I fell into step beside him. We strolled along the curving path, birdsong and soft fountains filling the air.As we walked, Henry asked me questions about myself and listened attentively to my answers. I couldn't believe how this was supposed to be so easy for me to open up to him, sharing stories and laughter with simplicity.It was
Sara's Pov Henry's eyes were two foci that had locked onto mine; the burning of his gaze was like a branding iron seared into my skin. "Jethro's darkness will pull you in, Sara. It'll make you feel like you're the only one who can save him, that you are the only one who truly understands him. But trust me, it's a lie. He'll use you, Sara. He'll use you until there's nothing left of you."A shiver went down my spine, and Henry's words began to replay themselves in my head. Was this true? Was Jethro using me?"No," I whispered, shaking my head. "Jethro would never hurt me. He cares about me."Henry's face had fallen, and he looked so sad. "You don't see it, do you? You don't see the way he looks at you, like some sort of possession, not a person. You don't see the way he manipulates you, using his charms and good looks to get what he wants from you."I felt doubt wash over me. Was Henry right? Was Jethro manipulating me?"Leave me alone," I said, shoving Henry. But he caught my arm and
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