Sara's POVI groggily fluttered my eyes open, struggling to take in my surroundings. I was in a hospital room, vulnerable to the harsh beeping of machines and cold white walls. Coming into focus was my mother's face, her eyes blazing red from crying. "Sara, oh thank goodness you're awake!" she exclaimed, running to my side.I tried to speak but could utter no more than hoarse whispers. My mother hurried to help me drink a little water from a cup.While drinking, memories began to rise. The phone call with Emma, the pang in my chest, falling to the floor.My mother saw the confusion on my face and gently took my hand. "This is a good thing that has happened; besides, Eliza came to know about you," she said. "You were lying unconscious, and we had to rush you to the hospital. We were so concerned."I nodded, still trying to process everything. My mother smiled and squeezed my hand."The doctor will be in to see you in just a minute. But I'm so glad you're awake, Sara. I was so scared."
Sara's POV I nodded patiently, but I was very near to my patience wearing thin. I felt that I was on the verge of uncovering something big, something that could very well explain everything that had been happening.My mom came back into the room, looking relieved. "All taken care of," she said. "Now, Sara, the doctor says you need to rest. Emma, why don't you go home and get some rest too? You can come back and visit Sara later."Emma nodded, though I knew she didn't want to leave. "I'll be back soon," she said, squeezing my hand.Feeling a twinge of apprehension, I watched her as she left the room. What had Emma discovered? And what did that mean to me? I did try to rid my thoughts and just rest, but my mind was a slave to racing thoughts.Hours went by. I couldn't shake the feeling of apprehension. My mom sat next to me, reading a book. I wasn't able to focus on anything except what Emma had said.Finally, Emma returned. She crept into the room, closing the door behind her."What i
Sara's POVI walked out of the hospital, and Emma was waiting for me by the car with a slight smile. "Hey, ready to take on the night?" she asked before her eyes took in my outfit – the hospital gown and slippers."Wait, no you aren't. Let's get you some clothes first.""I chuckled, even feeling a little daft. Yeah, I guess this ain't exactly party attire."Emma knew more than enough to open the door on the passenger's side of the car. "Hop in; I know where to take you to get patched up."I got into the car with Emma, who sped off, snaking through the streets with such confidence that I had to hold on tight. She then pulled up to some trendy boutique and dragged me inside, throwing clothes through the air so fast and so true that it pretty much took my breath away."Try this, no this, wait try that one…" she chattered, until the shop manager, a chic woman with a chic bob and a warm smile, took it upon herself to intervene, "Emma dear, let the poor girl breathe! You're going to drown h
Sara's POV I stood there in silence, appalled, and his grip on my arm continued to tighten. "Sara, long time," he said-an aura of familiarity with that one statement.That was so low. What is he doing here? And his attitude is so. so unrepentant?"Please, let me go," I said in a whisper, squirming in a futile attempt.Amusement flashed in his eyes, and he chuckled a little. "Oh, Sara. You're still as feisty as ever."That just had to be one of the most horrible things he could've said. I glared at him, wrath and suffering throbbing through my heart. "What do you want, Vincent?"He just shrugged, his ever-present smile never leaving his face. "Just checking up on you. You look a bit. lost."I snorted, trying to laugh at the pain he'd so callously inflicted. "Lost? Me? Never."Vincent's eyes are slitted, with the look of a lance. "Don't play games with me, Sara. I know you're here for Jethro. And I know you're in over your head."My heart hit my stomach. How did he know about Jethro? A
Sara's POVEmma's eyes locked onto mine. "I mean your memories. They're not quite right, are they?"A wave of panic washed over me. How the hell did Emma know?"What do you mean," I deflected.Emma got all serious, her face. "Sara, I think that you could be in danger, but I also think it's time we discovered the truth about who you are."My world began spiraling out of control. What did Emma know? Even more concerning, what did she mean by "the truth about who I am?""Find a quiet place to talk," Emma said, pulling me toward a nearby bench.I simply nodded, following her to the place where we would sit. What secrets was Emma about to reveal now? And how would they change everything?Emma flitted her eyes around, only casting a look on us now and then as if apprehensive that we were being watched. "I think we need to be very careful," she said in a low, serious voice. "I don't know what's going on, but I think we're in over our heads."My spine had just had the chill of it. Just what t
Sara's POV But Jethro's voice cut in, a venom dripping from every word. "Oh, she can leave. It is best if she does."I felt an instant burst of my anger rise with the words he had uttered, but Emma dug her nails into my arm. "No, Sara, please stay. We need to discuss this."I wavered; then didn't know which way to turn. But something in the set of Jethro's jaw compelled me to rebel. I sat down again, and my eyes met his."I'm not going anywhere," I said. My voice came out surprisingly steady. "At least, not until I get some answers."Jethro's face screwed up in a scowl, but Vincent merely smiled. "Splendid," he purred. "Then let us discuss the parameters of our. arrangement."Emma's hand on my arm was steady, her eyes locked on mine with a reassuring stare. I swallowed, hard, mentally preparing myself for what was about to happen. What did they want from me? And why was Jethro being so hostile?Vincent leaned forward, an excited glint in his eyes. "You see, Sara, we have been watchin
From Sara's POVEmma helped me out of the chair; her eyes traveled over my face. "We have to get you repolished," she said firmly. "All your makeup is gone, and you look like you've been through a war."I nodded, a little groggy. Encounters with Vincent and Jethro had buoyed me out of a daze.Emma took my arm, marching me through the crowd. She nodded at a few as we walked along until we reached the ladies' room. Emma threw open the door, pushing me inside.It was a cool, quiet space taken away from the noise and chaos of the gala. Emma sat me down in front of the mirror and then began digging around inside her clutch."Where is your makeup bag?" she asked, her eyes scouring the room.I shook my head. "I don't have one with me. I just didn't think I was going to need it."Emma nodded. "It's okay. I have everything we need in here.She started in on fixing my makeup fingers flying, deft, putting mine to shame in their talent alone. I watched in awe as she turned me from a tear-soaked m
Sara's POV"Hey," I said, making my voice casual. "I gotta get outta here."Emma sounded concerned. "What's wrong?"I shook my head. "I just gotta get outta here."Emma nodded and took my arm. "Let's go.".We wormed our way through the crowdedness of the room, Emma in front. I could feel the gazes on me; I knew the subject of their gossip and speculation was me, but I just didn't care. I had to get out of here.We were right at the door now when a voice behind me called, "Sara, wait!"I turned to find Jethro standing behind me, a look of concern etched on his features. I shrugged him off and continued on my way, Emma at my side. We burst through the doors and out into the cool night air, leaving all the gossip and speculation behind us.I turned to meet Jethro's eyes, my tongue sharp with a piece of my mind, but before I even had time to open my mouth, the host was booming across the room."Ladies and gentlemen, we have a very special guest today!"Everybody turned to him in astonishm
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