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 POVMy mind was racing with thoughts of Jethro and Henry’s warning as I locked myself in my room. I needed someone to talk to who would understand me. My fingers shook when I picked up my phone and dialed Emma’s number while waiting for her response.But she didn’t pick up.I tried again hoping that this time she would answer but once more it went straight to voicemail.Frustration and concern hit me hard; where could Emma be? Why wasn’t she picking up my calls?One last time, I decided to leave a desperate message. "Emma, please call me back. I want to talk to you about Jethro. I am scared; I don’t know what is happening. Please just call me back”.Feeling hopeless and alone, I hung up the phone. I paced in circles within my room as if trying to figure something out but all it did was confuse me even more.The silence was palpable in the still air of my room; only thoughts remained as my companions.The ticking minutes added fuel to an already blazing fire of anxiety that simm
Sara's POV Elara nodded with a serious expression. “Yes, Miss Sara. Mr. Henry will do anything to keep you safe. He’s a loyal friend and a fierce protector.”I nodded feeling a trust towards Henry I’d never felt before. Maybe just maybe he was the one person who could help me unlock the truth about Jethro and the forces surrounding him in mystery.As Elara stood up, her expression was enigmatic to me as she said, “Well, that’s for Mr. Henry to answer, isn’t it?” and her voice dripped with amusement.Suddenly I felt a wave of frustration come over me . . . why were they all being so cryptic? I needed answers, not more questions.Elara seemed to sense my confusion when she said, “Miss Sara if you need me I’ll be in the kitchen just ringing the bell.”As she glided out of the room I could not help wondering what it was that she knew but never told me. Was Henry's warning simply a self-preservation maneuver? Was he scared of Rogues, whoever they may be?I threw off the covers and got out
Sara's POV I could not believe it, FreshCon was known for transforming the perception of power.Henry nodded his head, he looked serious. "Yes, Sara! We are at the forefront of the environmental movement and this means away from home for months to meet with global leaders, investors, and scientists who drive us forward on our mission."I felt like I was living with a stranger. You don’t know how influential, and rich Henry is. How come Elara kept it all secret? The reason could only lie in this man being frequently absent for long periods.But why had you not informed me?” I enquired amidst diverse emotions.Henry relaxed his expression.” To keep you safe Sara; away from the limelight or curiosity… But now I think you need no more lies as it is time you knew everything”.With a serious expression on his face, he leaned closer to me. "Emma called me to the party on that night, Sara. She told me that she wanted me to come for your sake."I was taken aback. "My sake? But why?"Henry’s
Sara's POV Suddenly I felt an urge to fight on this issue. “We should learn what happened and who is responsible,” I said.That’s it, Henry said quietly nodding his head in agreement. “Let’s start working now, Sara.”I stood up with a flurry of ideas and emotions racing through my head.”I will refrain from talking about it as much as possible,” I said, glancing at Henry. “But if anything happens alert me please because I want to know whether I am included too or not.”Henry understood it all and nodded. “Of course, Sara. I’ll keep you posted at all times. If you ever find yourself needing to talk or have questions, I’m here for you.”He was so nice and it made me feel thankful. “Thank you, Henry. That means a lot.”Just as I was about to leave, I turned back to him again. “And Henry?”“Yes?”“Be careful. If there is a mole, we cannot trust anyone."With grave seriousness written all over his face, Henry answered, “I will Sara. It’s my word.”With my heart racing from the news I walke
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