Author's POV "Leave the pack and go somewhere far away," Elias said, his voice firm. "And never come back."Tunisha's face contorted in a mixture of shock and amusement. And then, she burst into a smirk-filled laugh. "Sorry, Elias, but I can't lose to Sara," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.Elias's eyes narrowed. "You're not taking this seriously, Tunisha. You need to leave, for your good."Tunisha was laughing louder now, hysteria edging in. "My good? Do you think I care about my good? I care about winning, Elias. And I won't let Sara win."Elias's face darkened. "You're not going to win, Tunisha. You're going to lose everything if you don't leave."But Tunisha merely shook her head, her laughter dying down. "No, Elias. I'll take my chances. And I'll make sure Sara pays for what she's done to me."Elias's eyes flashed in anger, but Tunisha merely turned and walked away, leaving him seething with frustration. She knew she was holding the ace, and she would just use this one
Author's P.O.V.Tunisha walked towards her apartment building, the fire of her anger and determination still bubbling in her veins. But as she approached the gate, she spotted someone waiting for her. The figure belonged to Marcus, or so her trusted bodyguard's name."What are you still doing here, Marcus?" Tunisha asked harsher than usual. But her voice had slightly softened by a little bit, by the look of worry on his face."Ma'am, are you okay?" Marcus asked, his eyes scanning her face. Tunisha could tell that he was tensed up; his muscles were stiff beneath his suit."What's wrong?" she asked her instincts on high alert.But Marcus didn't utter a word. He simply turned and walked towards her door. Tunisha followed him, her heart beating with a sense of foreboding.When they got to the door, Marcus leaned in first, opening the door, then moved aside, and Tunisha went in for herself, her eyes perusing the room. And then there it was: a piece of paper on the coffee table with the mes
Author's POV Ryker suddenly grinned a wide grin that spread across his face and burst out laughing. "I like you, Tunisha," he said, crinkling the corners of his eyes. "You're feisty. I haven't met anyone that dares to stand up to me like that in a long time."Tunisha had taken an unconscious step back, Ryker's sudden about-face catching her off guard. She had expected anger, or perhaps violence, but he seemed to be enjoying himself."What's so funny?" she asked warily.Ryker wiped tears from his eyes, still chuckling. "You are," he said. "You're like a little ball of fire, aren't you? I can see why Jethro's so taken with you."Tunisha's eyes appeared to slice. "What do you know about Jethro and me?" she demanded.Ryker's grin faltered, and he leaned back in his chair. "Oh, I know all about your little romance," he said. "And I have to say, I'm a bit disappointed. I thought you had better taste than that."Tunisha's anger flared, but Ryker simply laughed. "Oh, don't get me wrong, Tuni
Author's P.O.V.Tunisha jumped into her car and drove to Jethro's, her heart racing with so many different emotions, both thrill and nerves. She reached his mansion and just went bursting in through the door.Jethro looked up from his seat, astonished to see her standing there. "What are you doing here?" he asked warily.Tunisha walked up to him, her heels making soft sounds on the floor. "What do you think?" she asked, her voice confident. "We are lovers, so we should be together."But Jethro's face did not wear an expression to anticipate. Instead of joy or excitement, he frowned. "After what you did, you think we would be okay?" he asked, his voice dripping with anger and hurt.Tunisha's feet had stopped. Taken aback by his reaction, she asked innocently, "What are you talking about?"Jethro rose from his seat, eyes ablaze. "Don't play dumb, Tunisha," he told her. "You know very well what I am talking about. You tried to kill Elias and then you have the guts to come here and act al
Author's POV Tunisha was in shock, and words were lost to her as her mind was filled with Jethro's words. "You. You remember?" she stuttered.Jethro cold and hard looked at Tunishia. "Yes, I remember," he spat. "I remember it all. The lies. The manipulation. The way you used me to your advantage."Tunisha took a step back, her eyes welling with tears. "Jethro, please.," she whispered.But Jethro shook his head. "No, Tunisha. It's too late to apologize. My memory is gradually coming back, and I can see things now. You used me, and that shall not happen again."Tunisha's face crumpled, and she buried her face in her hands. "Jethro, please forgive me." she sobbed.But Jethro turned his back on her. "Go, Tunisha," he said coldly, hard. "Do yourself a favor and go. Before I remember everything."Tunisha's body shook with sobs, pleading forgiveness, but the lines on Jethro's face did not soften. He turned his back toward her, eyes fixed at some point in the distance.She gave one final, de
Sara POVThe only thing I could do was stand there, frozen, staring as Jethro walked away. The dam that had held my tears in finally broke free, streaming down my face like a river; I just felt so submerged in a sea of emotions, that I couldn't seem to catch my breath."Hey, are you okay?" Henry's voice cut through my sobs, laced with so much concern.But I couldn't answer him, couldn't even utter a word. The only thing I could do was cry. The pain and hurt once again rose like it all was happening all over again.Henry wrapped his arms tightly around me, holding me as I fell apart. "Shh, it's okay," he whispered. "I'm here for you."But it wasn't okay, nothing was okay. Jethro had lied to me, used me, then taken all that trust and crushed it into a million tiny little pieces. And then he thought he could just waltz on back in and I would forgive him?I pushed away from Henry, my eyes afire with anger. "I hate him," I spat, my voice shaking.Henry's face softened then, his eyes unders
Sara's POV "Sara, please," Jethro whispered, his voice breaking with emotion. "Come home to me. I promise to spend the rest of my life making it up to you."I turned and looked back at him, and instantly, a tear rolled down my cheek. And in that moment, I knew what I had to do.I remembered Henry's words, his warning of how dangerous Jethro was. A feeling of unease just would not leave my stomach."I can't go with you, Jethro. Not now," I said, trying to sound firm even though my voice shook a bit.Jethro's face fell, clouding over in disappointment. "Sara, please. I promise I won't hurt you. I'll do anything to make it right."I shook my head, shaking the webs away. Henry's words surfaced once more in my mind - "Jethro's not what he seems. He's dangerous.""I need time to think, Jethro. And I need to talk to Henry," I said, trying to stand but my legs were jelly.A slight narrowing of his eyes and a flash of anger darted across his face. "Henry? What does he have to do with this?I
Sara's Pov I tried shaking the feeling off, but it lingered on, hauntingly echoing within my skull. I knew I needed to focus on my healing, but a part of me still clung to the hope that somehow Jethro would change, that somehow, he would be strong enough to overcome the darkness inside him.Henry must have realized my distress and laid a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Sara, you're strong enough to pull through this. You don't need Jethro to define your worth."I nodded, trying to believe him. But that voice in my head whispered again, "Don't give up on me."I shivered. Was I fantasizing, or was Jethro trying to get in contact with me?I turned to Henry, my mind made up to clear my head. "What can I do to protect myself from Jethro's influence?"Henry's face was now serious. "I can teach you some protective spells, but you need to be careful. Jethro is powerful, and he won't let go very easily."I steeled myself for all that was going to happen. "I'm ready, Henry. Teach me what I ne
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