Share

Chapter 2: Nightmare

"I want to portray bravery and strength, not a weak and tragic role like this," Julian Pierce said firmly.

Liam Brooks sighed, trying to remain calm.

"Julian Pierce, I understand your thoughts, but you need to look deeper into this character. Ethan Caelan is not weak. He faces his fate courageously, enduring all suffering for loyalty and love. That is inner strength, not weakness."

"But that’s not enough to convince me," Julian Pierce said resolutely. "I want a role that can showcase more martial arts, external strength, not just beauty and inner emotions."

Liam Brooks stepped closer, his voice becoming more persuasive.

"Do you know why I chose you for this role? Because I believe you have a unique ability to portray Ethan Caelan's complexity. This is not just a tragic story but a journey of courage and sacrifice. It requires nuance and depth in acting, which I believe only you can deliver."

Julian Pierce listened, his eyes reflecting his thoughts. But after a moment, he shook his head.

"I appreciate your trust, but the image of a beautiful and tragic character is not what I want to pursue at this time. If you give me the role of the king, I will consider it."

Julian Pierce looked straight into Liam Brooks' eyes, his smile gentle but his gaze full of implication:

"Julian, only you can play Ethan Caelan. I believe that next time we meet, you will agree to take on this role."

Julian frowned slightly but maintained a polite smile.

"I'll consider it. Anyway, thank you for thinking of me."

"You'll see soon enough..." Liam hinted softly, as if talking to himself.

Julian shook hands with the screenwriter, still feeling a bit confused by the enigmatic words of this strange screenwriter. He said goodbye and left the room, stepping outside.

As Julian left Liam Brooks' house, he felt uneasy, his mind heavy with vague thoughts about the screenwriter's suggestive words. When he stepped outside, he saw his assistant, Lucas Grant, waiting by the car.

"Mr. Pierce, are you done?" Lucas opened the car door, flashing a bright smile.

"Yeah, all done," Julian nodded, getting into the back seat. "Thanks for waiting."

Lucas closed the car door, quickly got into the driver's seat, and started the car.

"How was the meeting? Was it enjoyable?"

Julian sighed, leaning his head back against the seat, looking out the window.

"It was interesting. He wants me to play a handsome historical figure."

"A handsome historical figure?" Lucas glanced at Julian through the rearview mirror, speaking while driving. "Sounds... fitting for you."

Julian raised an eyebrow. "Fitting for me?"

Lucas chuckled. "But you prefer gritty, strong roles, don't you?"

"That's right. I want to show strength, not play a role filled with tears and tragedy," Julian said, his voice a bit annoyed.

"But he kept insisting that I'm the most suitable for the role of Ethan Caelan."

"So you turned it down?" Lucas asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.

"Yeah, I turned it down. But he kept saying that next time we meet, I'll agree," Julian shook his head. "What a strange screenwriter."

"Maybe he has another secret plan?" Lucas said, his eyes lighting up as if he'd just thought of something.

Julian laughed, feeling his mood lighten up as he listened to Lucas.

"What secret plan? He's not James Bond."

"Who knows, maybe he has some special trick up his sleeve," Lucas shrugged, his eyes sparkling.

"I've heard that screenwriters can be very creative in persuading actors."

"Yeah, maybe. But anyway, I still don't like that role," Julian said firmly.

The car glided down the road, and Julian felt his mind gradually ease as he watched the scenery outside and listened to Lucas' cheerful chatter.

Back home, Julian Pierce felt exhausted after a long, eventful day. He looked around his familiar room, trying to relax his mind. Liam Brooks' words still lingered in his thoughts.

"What a strange screenwriter," he sighed, collapsing onto the sofa.

He opened the fridge, took out a bottle of water, and stepped onto the balcony. Darkness enveloped the sky over the always vibrant and brightly lit city.

That night, after showering and getting into bed, Julian quickly fell into a deep sleep. The surroundings were no longer his familiar room; a dimly lit candle on a round table made everything appear hazy and mysterious. The strange room was lavishly decorated with intricate details, with silk curtains draping a large bed. This was likely a room belonging to an aristocrat from ancient times.

In the corner of the room, a young man with a delicate, fragile appearance was bound tightly with iron chains, kneeling. Long black hair cascaded down his slender shoulders, highlighting his smooth, fair skin. His white clothes were stained with blood, enhancing his fragile yet resilient beauty. His eyes were closed, his head drooping in exhaustion. In the dim light of the dark room, Julian couldn’t clearly see his facial features, but he could feel the allure of the young man.

Suddenly, the door burst open, and a tall man walked in. He wore elaborate black robes embroidered with dragon patterns, exuding an aura of authority and power. The man approached the young man, his cold eyes slowly lifting the young man's chin.

"You're still as stubborn as ever." The voice was cold and commanding.

The young man’s eyelids fluttered, his pale lips moved, and his voice was weak but determined:

"Just kill me."

The tall man suddenly tightened his grip, squeezing the young man's face, his eyes filled with anger as he snarled:

"Kill you? Very well, but before that, you will be mine."

The young man opened his phoenix eyes, showing disdain as he looked at the man.

" Stop wasting your efforts; I will never change."

"Then let me tell you my plan." The tall man smiled with a hint of malice.

"First, your people. Reed Jace and Leo Grant, they are just like you, willing to die. And Harrison Ryder, a general of Helios, dared to betray me and take my people away."

The tall man sneered, his tone becoming even more venomous:

"Helios' 36 tortures, you probably haven't seen them before, have you? To broaden your horizons, I'll bring one of your men before you every day, so you can watch him writhe in agony through each torture. Let's see how long you can keep that mouth of yours shut. The fun doesn't stop there; you've been away from home for a long time, so you must miss your father, mother, and brothers, right? Taking this opportunity, I'll raze Aria and bring them to Helios to reunite with you. How does that sound? Are you happy?"

The young man suddenly trembled. Each word from the man was like a dagger to his heart. Images of his father, mother, and brothers flashed in his mind, and the fear rose uncontrollably.

"You... you want to be a tyrant forever scorned?"

The tall man laughed, his eyes still cold.

"You know I don't joke. My patience is running thin, Ethan Caelan. If you don't obey, I'll destroy everything you love and cherish. The only thing left for you will be me."

The tall man raised an eyebrow, his eyes showing ruthlessness and determination.

"A tyrant? Who dares mention that besides you? I am the king, the one who holds power, the one who decides everything, including your fate. But Ethan, who among Reed Jace, Leo Grant, and Harrison Ryder will die first tomorrow? I'll let you decide."

Ethan now resembled a small bird that had its claws cut and wings clipped, cornered by a beast. He had no choice, knowing that any resistance was futile against this man's cruelty.

"Please don't harm them. I... I'll listen to you."

Related chapters

Latest chapter

DMCA.com Protection Status