All Chapters of ECHOES OF DECEPTION: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

"What was that sound?" Clara enquired, her voice barely above a whisper.Lucian tilted his head toward the entrance, his face inscrutable. "It's nothing to concern yourself with," he murmured, yet his eyes sparked with something Clara couldn't quite place."Don't lie to me," she yelled out, taking a step forward. "You heard it too. Something's coming."Lucian's jaw tensed as he stepped near the wide window staring into the dark woodland. The mild rumbling got stronger echoing through the walls."Stay here," he said, his tone mean, leaving no space for debate."No," Clara whispered, resistance to comply kindling in her chest. "I deserve to know what's going on, Lucian."Lucian turned to her, his visage black and cold. "You're safer here. That's all you need to know."Before she could dispute more, he strolled out of the room, and the heavy door slammed shut behind him. Clara stood paralysed, her heart thumping in her chest with panic. She looked at the door for a while before

"Alexander!" Clara yelled, her voice echoing through the dark tunnel as she pounded her fists on the cold metal gate. "You'll regret this!"The tone of her voice reduces to quiet, separating her from her anger and anxiety. She placed her forehead on the rods, attempting to calm her breathing. She then turned her back to the gate and confronted the dark tunnel in front of her. Her chest was tight, yet she compelled herself to move ahead."Clara?" a voice called from the darkness softly.She froze. It wasn't the same tone as before. This voice was familiar."Lucian?" she whispered, her voice shaking with fear.Lucian emerged from the darkness, becoming visible. His complexion was pale. He appeared as though he had endured hell."What brings you here?" Clara insisted, her annoyance rising once more. "Are you complete to complete what Alexander started?"Lucian moved closer, his jaw tightening. "I didn't send Alexander. I didn't know he'd betray you.""You expect me to believe that?" Clar

"Clara, wait!" Lucian's words echoed over the low cave.Clara's was heart beating, her hands balled into fists. "You've talked enough, Lucian! You feel you can twist anything and convince me of this?"Lucian got closer, his hands lifted in resignation. Clara, pay close attention to me. You do not know what's at risk of being lost; I adore you." "What could be lost?" Clara snarled, her voice dripping with anger. "You mean my trust?" Mine? Lucian, you already wrecked. I'm done hearing your lies!"Lucian's look softened, thoughts of anguish flashing in his eyes. "I was attempting to protect you. Everything I've done was for you." "Protect me?" Clara made fun, her voice cracking. "You exploited me, Lucian. You lied to me about Isabella, about everything!" "She and Alexander are controlling you!" Lucian responded, his voice increasing in agitation. "Isabella isn't who you think she is. She's dangerous, Clara. She's been playing you all along!" Clara glanced at him, her wra

"You're wasting your breath, Lucian." Clara's tone was piercing, her arms firmly crossed as she gripped the crystal. "I don’t know who to trust."Lucian's shoulders sagged, but his look didn't shift back. "Clara, I realize I have made so many mistakes." I deceived you and hid matters from you, yet all my actions were meant to keep you safe. "Kindly, trust me.""I meant to protect you?" Clara let out a hollow laugh. "You mean to protect yourself. Or maybe protect whatever you have not me"Lucian moved at her words seeing how emotional she was but took a step closer. "You have all right to be angry, Clara. You have ample reason not to trust me. At this moment, the crystal is altering you, and if you fail to learn how to manage it, you will be risking your safety.""I never requested your assistance," she retorted, turning her back to him. "All of you regard me as a pawn." I'm done being controlled."Before Lucian could respond, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the ro

“Do you always have to be so stubborn?” Isabella asked, her voice breaking the silence as they trekked through the dense forest.Alexander looked at her, his eyebrows knitted together. "And you’re always right, aren’t you?"She halted in her steps, turning to confront him. “You behave as if you’re shouldering the world's burdens by yourself that have turned you into some sort of martyr.” It no not, Alexander. "You have to have trust in others."“Trust?” he echoed, his tone laced with anger. "That's amusing to hear from you, Isabella." "You've built a career by doubting my decisions every time."“Perhaps it’s because accepting your strategy has been unbearable!” she retorted, her hands clenching into his.Walking a few paces behind, Lucian rolled his eyes but said nothing, his envy simmering as he watched the heated exchange between them. He had noticed the romantic moment between Alexander and Isabella several times, and it gnawed at him in ways he didn’t want to admit.Alexander’s