Today's second update.:)
~Back at the Blackthorn Villa~Yuna exhaled a soft sigh of relief once the front door closed behind Emmeline and Richard, leaving her alone with Zavian.She turned to face her husband, her lips curving into a bright, innocent beam. Her arms stretched out invitingly as she closed the distance between them, fully intending to envelope him in a warm, wifely embrace as was expected of her. However, a deep, guttural snarl suddenly rumbled up from Zavian's chest, causing Yuna to freeze in her steps.Her eyes widened in shock as she took in the full force of his expression - his ruggedly handsome features were twisted into a look of such intense hatred and disgust that she felt her heart stutter in her chest.Zavian's usually deep blue eyes were literally engulfed in flickering flames right now as they bore into hers with an intensity she had never witnessed before, not even in their most heated arguments.The usual calm control and casual arrogance he exuded was utterly shattered, replaced b
Aetherion launched himself high into the air, rapidly becoming a dark speck against the ominous gray clouds that mirrored his foul, thunderous mood.Not far away, Grandma Eva’s spies and Zavian's most elite, hand-picked guards had watched in awe and reverence as their King transformed into his majestic beast. He was beyond… magnificent.They instantly dropped to one knee and bowed their heads low in respect to the second Aetherion's true draconic form emerged.Luca felt a shiver of unease trickle down his spine as the dragon King took to the skies. He knew all too well that this level of towering fury could only herald imminent disaster and chaos.He had recently uncovered disturbing leads about the treacherous activities Yuna had been carrying out behind everyone's backs, and it was nothing short of a miracle that Zavian hadn't simply snapped her slender neck on the spot in his blinding rage once he inevitably discovered the truth.Luca immediately opened his mind, establishing a secu
Luca quickly snatched up another robe to wrap around himself before hurrying after Zavian, who had already turned and started striding with grim purpose toward the immense central building where the high council's meeting was taking place.A hush fell over the courtyard as Zavian passed, every person dropping to one knee and bowing their heads in utter respect and deference for their king whose eyes blazed with an intensity that seemed to scorch the very air around him.Zavian did not so much as spare a glance at his subjects as he stalked by, Luca scurrying to keep up with his master's long strides.When they reached the council hall's towering double doors, two hulking warriors pushed them open, and Zavian swept inside with all the elegance and majesty befitting his noble bloodline.The cavernous chamber fell utterly silent as his eyes turned toward the dais where the high council was seated."Your Majesty!" The gathered lords and ladies rose as one in a reverent chorus of respect fo
A momentary, deafening silence blanketed the grand hall as all eyes turned to Grandma Eva in shock and disbelief. Never in their wildest dreams could they have imagined the revered queen mother to be...an abomination."By the gods, what trickery is this?" an elder exclaimed, breaking the stunned hush."She has betrayed us all by practicing foul sorcery!" another council member cried out accusingly.Murmurs quickly escalated into a rumbling cacophony of outrage and disbelief."How could the queen mother practice the forbidden dark arts?""She has consorted with demons! She has defiled our sacred bloodlines!"Luca swiftly used the brief moment of distraction to whisk away the insolent Thomas Bardot before the irate Zavian lost control and killed him. He grabbed the man in a blur of supernatural speed and vanished from the hall.Eva gritted her teeth in annoyance at Zavian for forcing her to expose this long-guarded part of her true nature. Her icy glare could have frozen even the most ha
It's been four days since Emmeline went back to Richard.Today was Saturday.Emmeline donned her new white top and black shorts athletic set that had arrived the previous day. She'd ordered the workout gear online since she rarely had time to go shopping.Pulling on an autumn jacket, she headed for the gym.She was mid-stride on the treadmill when a familiar figure got on the one beside her with his expression unreadable."I thought you'd given up working out," Zavian remarked coolly. "I don't see you at the club much these days."Emmeline glanced around before pointing at herself. "Are you talking to me? You actually know who I am?"Zavian’s upper lip raised in clear exasperation. "Don't be childish now, Emmeline."He tapped the controls, gradually increasing his speed until settling into a brisk pace. The effort of running lent a breathless quality to his deep voice. "We're neighbors across the street, we go to the same gym and pub. We're bound to keep running into each other whethe
Zavian remained stubbornly mute until they reached a deserted hallway. Then he slammed her back against the wall, his solid chest caging her in."I can see your fucking ass, Emmeline," he growled right in her face, eyes blazing with undisguised jealousy and possessiveness. "Do you want every man here hitting on you?"Emmeline held Zavian's gaze with unwavering bravery. His left hand was clamped around her wrist like a vise, while his right fist remained rock-steady against the wall beside her head from the force of his earlier punch."By what right do you get to police what I wear, Mr. Blackthorn?" Her tone dripped with defiance.Zavian’s jaw tensed until the cords of muscle protruded starkly. Rage caused his grip on her wrist to tighten viciously, but she refused to wilt before him."You're not in any position to criticize me, no matter how scantily I might dress." Emmeline lifted her chin a stubborn notch. "This is my personal freedom, and I don't appreciate strangers meddling in my
The past two weeks had been absolute torture for Emmeline. Sheer, agonizing torment.Zavian had kept his damn word, staying completely out of her life since that day she'd told him to let her move on.She didn't understand what prompted his uncharacteristic bout of actually listening to her wishes for once. Part of her was impressed he'd had the willpower, but mostly Emmeline felt a constant aching longing for him.Whenever a car passed by her house, she'd drop whatever she was doing and rush to the window, desperately hoping it might be him only to be disappointed time and again. It was pathetic, really, how obsessed she'd become with catching even the briefest glimpse of him.Emmeline always made sure to scan the crowds at the club whenever she went there for her usual workout, frantically searching for his familiar face and tall, powerful frame to no avail. The only time she managed to spot him was when he paused to chat with Taehyung outside his home across the street.It was 2 a.
Emmeline woke up the next morning feeling refreshed like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders.She had fallen into a deep, blissful slumber on the library sofa – the first decent rest she'd had in two torturous weeks of tossing and turning with her mind plagued by thoughts of a certain infuriatingly handsome man.As the fog of sleep cleared, she recalled the previous night's events – the phone call, the heated words exchanged, the promises made. But she quickly dismissed it as nothing more than an alcohol-induced delusion, a fleeting moment of weakness that held no real weight in the harsh light of day.After going through her usual quick morning routine, she headed to work, wearing a crisp black shirt tucked into a flirty brown skirt, with Zavian's jacket. It was a subconscious move, one she didn't fully understand herself, but the familiar scent that still clung to the fabric was comforting.Richard had left for work early, and Emmeline was grateful to avoid another confrontati
From where Emmeline stood, she could see the sharp lines of Zavian’s jaw and the calm determination in his expression.“But that won’t be enough.” Zavian’s voice sharpened, each word carrying an edge of steel. “We’re going to reclaim everything that was taken from her. Her rights. Her dignity. From anyone who frames her for a crime she never committed.”His gaze darkened and his next words were laced with quiet fury. “A man who, let’s be honest, is the real criminal here.”Richard’s face turned pale. “Criminal?” he repeated, barely audible.Zavian rested a steady hand on Emmeline’s back. All of the fear she had been clinging to seemed to vanish when he looked directly into her eyes.“Yes, criminal,” Zavian said firmly. “Emmeline has been a victim of domestic violence, and she plans to file a lawsuit against you as well.”He turned back to Richard, his voice steady but cold. “In fact, we’ll be heading straight from here to get a medical report documenting the injuries she suffered befo
Emmeline offered Zavian a faint, tired smile. Her exhaustion was evident in the way her shoulders drooped and her gaze flickered to the floor as if even holding eye contact required too much energy.Minnie leaned closer and automatically put her hand on Emmeline's shoulder. “I’m sorry you had to go through all that,” Her voice was warm but tinged with irritation.Emmeline felt grateful. “The original plan was to have Mr. Blackthorn stay outside the house to protect me from Richard. However, I decided to handle this on my own. I thought being calm would be enough to keep me safe.” She drew in a shaky breath that seemed to rattle in her chest. “But I ruined everything when I blurted out that Mr. Blackthorn was outside in a moment of anger. He made sure I couldn't call for help after that.”"Don't you dare blame yourself," Minnie’s eyes flashed with fury. "Richard is the only one responsible for his actions. You were trying to protect yourself."Her gaze darted toward Zavian, who stood a
Zavian’s eyes closed for a moment and his shoulders sagged under the weight of his guilt.“I’ll be fine,” Emmeline whispered. “For both of us.”His eyes opened, and he stroked her hand with his thumb. “Did you call Minnie, or do you want me to?”“Can you?” Emmeline asked, handing him her phone.Zavian nodded, pulling his phone from his pocket. As he typed out a message, he glanced at her, his expression softening. He didn’t want to remind her of what had happened, not now. She’d been through enough.The phone vibrated in his hand about a minute later, pulling his attention away from Emmeline. He glanced at the screen then turned back to Emmeline.“She’s on her way home,” Zavian announced as his thumb brushed over the back of her hand in a soothing rhythm.The quiet comfort he offered was enough to keep her from spiraling again. But the moment was interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps and a familiar voice echoing through the house.“Emmeline!”Minnie’s voice carried urgency. Sh
Emmeline clamped her hands over her mouth. Her wide eyes were fixed on Richard’s motionless body sprawled across the kitchen floor.A wave of nausea churned in her stomach.“Oh my God,” Emmeline whispered, trembling. “What have I done?” Her legs felt like they were about to give out beneath her. She couldn’t tear her gaze away from him as her mind spun with the worst possible thoughts.Tears welled in her eyes, but they refused to fall. They were frozen in place as her lungs struggled to draw in air.“I killed him,” Emmeline choked out then shook her head in frantic denial.“No, no, no. This can’t be happening.” Her hands trembled as she crouched down beside him. “Richard? Can you hear me?”There was no response.Emmeline’s heart thudded even more violently in her chest. She hesitated, then reached out with a trembling hand. She slowly pressed her index finger under his nose while holding her breath.Relief flooded through her when she felt the faint warmth of his breath against her
Zavian pulled the car to a smooth stop in front of Emmeline’s house a while later.He stepped out and circled around to the trunk, helping her lift the suitcase out. His movements were calm, and efficient while his eyes lingered on her for just a moment longer than necessary.“Let me help,” Emmeline offered, stepping up beside him.“I’ve got it,” Zavian replied.He set the suitcase down on the ground. His hands lingered on the handle for a moment before he straightened.For a second, neither of them moved.“Thanks for the ride,” Emmeline said quietly, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.Zavian nodded. “Anytime.”She hesitated before reaching out again for the handle of her suitcase. “You didn’t have to go out of your way, though. I could’ve managed.”His brow lifted, just enough to make his point without words. “You really think I’d let you haul this thing around on your own?”Emmeline’s lips twitched. “I’m perfectly capable, you know.”“I don’t doubt it,” came Zavian’s rep
Zavian didn’t elaborate. He simply kept his focus on the road.“How does he know?” Emmeline pressed. “Are you talking about New Year’s Eve?”He hummed in response.His silence only fueled her frustration.“You told me several times that Taehyung didn’t remember what he saw outside the women’s bathroom,” she accused. “I believed you even though his hints made me suspicious. Why did you lie to me?”Zavian gently brushed the back of her hand. “It was a white lie,” he said quietly. “I didn’t want to worry you. You don’t trust Taehyung, and I didn’t want you to carry that burden.”Emmeline yanked her hand away. “You should’ve told me,” she muttered angrily. “I had a right to know if someone found out about us.”Zavian took her hand and intertwined his fingers with hers again. “You’re about to enter a crucial stage in your life, little girl. Your mind needs to be clear. I didn’t want you filling your head with unnecessary worries.”Their eyes met, and though she pretended to be upset, his w
Taehyung glanced between Zavian and Emmeline, his smirk widening. “Richard left with Yuna in a rental car,” he said. “Which means Emmeline has to share a car with one of us.”Emmeline’s stomach twisted. She could already see where this was headed.“The question is,” Taehyung continued, “Who will take her?”“My best friend is coming with us, of course.” Minnie’s voice was firm.Her gaze darted to Zavian, who responded by squeezing Emmeline’s thigh so hard it made her want to cry out.“I think Emmeline would be embarrassed to ride alone with Mr. Blackthorn,” Minnie added sharply. “Since they’re strangers.”Zavian’s lips curved into a mocking smile. “Strangers?” he echoed. “We had a French kiss two days ago. If we were strangers before, we aren’t now.”His hand slid higher, and Emmeline instinctively closed her legs. However, his grip tightened until she reluctantly parted them again as her body betrayed her mind.“You have your husband, Mrs. Kim,” Zavian said coolly. “It’s not fair for
Once the room was empty, Emmeline sank on the sofa. Her head tilted back, and she stared at the ceiling, trying to convince herself of something she wasn’t sure she even believed."Minnie will keep her promise." The words echoed in the empty room, hollow and uncertain.The soft hum of the air conditioning did nothing to drown out the doubts swirling in her mind.People always took sides in situations like this, their judgment colored by personal bias. And Minnie..."Please don't tell Yuna." The prayer slipped from Emmeline’s lips, barely louder than a breath.The bathroom tiles felt cool beneath her feet as she dragged herself there. Harsh fluorescent light illuminated every flaw… every sign of guilt in her reflection.The woman staring back at her through the mirror wore her face but seemed like a stranger - someone calculating, someone who put her own desires above others' feelings.Zavian's love had been like a healing balm, carefully mending the fractured pieces of her heart. Yet
Emmeline’s head shot up and her eyes went wide with realization. “You ambushed me,” she said with disbelief. “You pretended you didn’t know anything in the message, and then you waited for me outside his suite to catch me.”Minnie’s expression was smug. “Of course I did. I knew you wouldn’t confess easily. You didn’t even deny having a lover when I found out about that. You were cold that day.”Her words hung in the air, and Emmeline knew she was waiting for an explanation. She didn’t hesitate.“That’s because you didn’t know who it was,” Emmeline said quietly. “If you tell anyone about us, I’ll make sure am the only one affected.”Minnie’s eyelids twitched, a flicker of emotion crossing her face before she let out a sarcastic laugh. “I forgot you’re in love with your lover.”Emmeline lowered her head, her cheeks burning with shame. She wanted to close her eyes and wake up in her bed, to discover that this was all just a nightmare.“Sacrificing for love is so touching!” Minnie’s sudde