Chapter 31

ISABELLE'S POV

As I stepped back out of the palace, I allowed myself a brief moment of triumph. I took a deep breath of the cold air carrying fragrance from the royal gardens and smiled.

I did it, I have finally succeeded in conquering my first target. My fingers instinctively reached out to the small crook of my neck, touching the mark on my skin that Kael left, with a small self-satisfied smile playing on my lips.

Conquering a General was no easy feat, especially one as cold and controlled as Kael. At first, I thought it was impossible but Kael melted right into my hands.

I glanced up above my head and I could see the time ticking on the countdown had been extended. I let out a deep exhale, shutting my eyes for a second with relief.

Although I was grateful to achieve one goal, I knew I couldn't stop, my death was still looming like a dark cloud over me and if I let go now, I would never be able to break the curse.

My death was just delayed, but I have not yet ended the curse. The clock was still ticking above me, and I needed to start planning my move on my next target with precision.

Alan. The artist.

In the following days after Kael left for war, I found myself wandering the familiar street where Alan used to have his stall to sell his paintings.

I searched for the artist, but he was nowhere to be found, it was almost like he disappeared into thin air. Every day I was sure I was going to finally see him but he was never there.

Frustration built in me until I had no other choice but to ask a nearby vendor about his whereabouts.

“Oh, Alan? Poor guy,” the vendor said with a deep sigh and a frown. My heart skipped a beat at the vendor's sad reaction.

“What happened to him?” I snapped.

“He got beaten up a few days ago. Been recovering at home since.”

I blinked, momentarily stunned. “Beaten up? Why?”

The vendor leaned closer, dropping the volume of his voice dramatically, his voice as though he was sharing a very scandalous secret.

“A married woman kept visiting his stall, flirting shamelessly with him. Her husband found out and thought Alan was having an affair with her. The guy lost his mind and taught poor Alan a harsh lesson.”

‘A disaster magnet’, I thought as I shook my head slowly. He was always getting in some type of trouble.

“And do you know where he lives?” I asked, leaning in with expectation.

The vendor hesitated, accessing me for a moment, and then he nodded. After he gave me Alan’s address, he added, “Be safe around him.”

I wasted no time giving the driver the address and in a few minutes, I arrived at Alan’s residence.

I slid out of the car staring at the building with squinted eyes. The driver gave me a questioning glance and then I nodded in response as I slammed the car door shut.

I pulled my cloak tighter as I approached the red brick house. It was quaint and small with hardly any windows and a low wooden door.

As I approached the entrance, the scene I stumbled upon was nothing short of chaos.

A stout, blonde woman stood outside the modest apartment door, her expression tight as her fist pounding against the wood with full force. Her loud booming voice was shrill and furious, echoing down the street.

I narrowed my eyes at her as I got closer, wondering what was happening.

“I’m leaving him for you, Alan! I’m divorcing my husband for you.” She shouted, her face red and flushed.

Her breaths were heavy, her chest heaving as she kept screaming at the closed door. “Don’t you dare ignore me!” she screamed, her cheeks flushed with either rage or desperation or maybe both.

I watched her with pure disbelief and confusion for a moment, wondering if I should consider intervening.

Eventually, my curiosity won as I continued advancing towards the door and the raging woman. I approached her slowly, my heels clicking against the cobblestone pavement.

“Do you even know who lives here?” I asked coolly, crossing my arms over my chest.

The woman whirled around, her dark tear-filled eyes suddenly fixed on me. She seemed surprised for a moment before her mascara-streaked eyes narrowed. “Of course I do! This is my future husband’s house!” She snorted with a haughty expression.

I raised an eyebrow, cocking my head towards her. “Future husband? Are you sure he sees it that way?”

She sputtered for a moment taken aback by my question. Her face contorted with anger, her eyes glaring daggers at me. “And who the hell are you to ask? What does this have to do with you, what are you even doing here?”

“You haven't answered my question,” I replied, with a sly smile I knew would only annoy her further.

“And I said who the hell are you?” She snarled, taking a step towards me.

I ignored her, taking my time and staring down to inspect my nails with a dramatic flair. I flashed her a nonchalant smile as her face reddened even further.

“Answer me!” She growled.

My eyes snapped towards her and I smirked darkly, my voice dropping to a dangerous sweetness. “I’m Alan’s girlfriend.”

The woman’s eyes widened in shock before narrowing with venom. “You’re a dirty liar.” She screamed at me. “ You tramp! Alan would never cheat on me!”

I let out a harsh laughter, closing the distance between us. “I don't think Alan even cares about you,” I replied, my tone sharper now.

The woman’s fury boiled over, the air between us heating up with rage.

She rushed towards me at full speed and she raised a trembling hand, preparing to slap me across my cheek.

I didn't see it coming and I froze but before the blow could land on my face, the door swung open.