---
Eve's P.O.V
I stood by Erica's bedside, watching as the pale color of her skin slowly returned. Her body was marred with unbearable scars. I quickly used my powers to heal the wounds, making her skin smooth and fresh again. I could tell she would endure terrible trauma, knowing what Asher had made her witness. My heart ached at the thought of how much she had endured.
I also noticed another Gemlock around her neck. Luckily, I still had the Freedom Pass Destiny had given me. I quickly brought it out and used the key to unlock the small bondage around her neck. As expected, it easily came off when I placed the key against it.
"Knock! Knock!"
A knock drew my attention. The doors opened, and Azreal walked in, his gaze drifting from Erica to me, and finally settling on her. His face held its usual cold expression, but his eyes—his eyes were filled with tenderness. A change I had never seen in him.
He walked over and gently held her wrist, his gaze never leaving her pale face.
"Has she made any effort to regain consciousness?" he asked.
"Not yet, brother. How about the poisoning?" I replied.
"It's cleared. I want to be alone with her," he said.
"Yes, brother."
With that, I left the room, though questions flooded my mind. Strangely, I felt no doubt. I trusted him completely.
---
When Eve left, Azreal sat on the edge of the bed, his hands wrapped around Erica's delicate ones, his gaze fixed tenderly on her face. He leaned over and whispered in her ear.
"Erica," he murmured as he gently brushed a strand of hair away from her eyes. His movements were agile and soft.
Suddenly, Erica's eyes fluttered open. She gently scanned the room, fear visible in her movements, until her gaze landed on Azreal—and then she relaxed, just a little.
"Thank you for saving me," she whispered, her voice tinged with exhaustion and relief.
"Hmm," he replied, a flicker of guilt and relief crossing his eyes, though he quickly hid it.
He stood up and quietly left the room.
Not long after, Eve ran inside. When she saw Erica awake, her eyes clouded with emotion, and she threw herself into Erica's arms.
"I'm so happy you're awake!" she cried, tears streaming down her face. Erica gently stroked her back, her face beaming with a weak but genuine smile.
"Thank you, Eve, for always looking out for me. I truly appreciate it," Erica whispered.
"Don't say that, Erica. You're my friend—and friends do whatever it takes to put a smile on each other's faces," Eve said.
Hearing those words, Erica felt warmth—and worry—fill her heart. It seemed like anyone close to her ended up hurt. She remembered how her father and Thomas had died... A surge of anger welled up in her heart.
If I want to deal with Asher... I must face him myself. I can't let another life be lost for my sake.
---
Asher's P.O.V
I sat in the tub, the cool water easing my tense body. The door opened, and I heard footsteps approaching.
"Where is she now?" I asked, eyes closed, savoring the water.
"Master, she is now in Azreal's hands," the man answered.
"Good. Then we move to Plan B. Be careful—Azreal is now involved."
"Yes, Master," he replied. But he hesitated, shifting uneasily.
I opened my eyes slightly, irritation creeping in.
"Speak," I commanded.
"Master... Jarel escaped. He's become... a tricky situation," he said reluctantly.
"How could that be?" I snarled.
"Master, he's using a powerful ancient spell—the Slave Bond. He transforms others to mimic him and lets them do his bidding."
The room fell into tense silence before I spoke again.
"Hmm. A cunning fox indeed. Be more cautious moving forward. You may leave."
"Yes, Master," he said. I listened as his footsteps faded away.
---
Erica's P.O.V
After some rest, I ate and chatted with Eve. But even as we talked, my mind was elsewhere—consumed by thoughts of revenge.
It was all too well-planned. Someone had orchestrated everything, ensuring I would be too weak to fight back at home, allowing them to capture me easily.
Someone is manipulating everything from the shadows. But who—and why?
What could they possibly gain from handing me over to be sacrificed?
I needed answers—and I was sure my aunt had them.
First, I needed to leave.
With that decision made, I tidied myself up and went to search for Azreal.
---
In the Throne Room
In the grand hall, Azreal sat upon his throne, surrounded by generals at his side.
Among them, he stood out the most—his oppressive aura making the others wish they could disappear. His eyes scanned the plans laid out before him, while the generals sat frozen, too afraid to even breathe.
Suddenly, the doors burst open. Several armed guards dragged a middle-aged man into the center of the hall for all to see.
At the sight of Azreal, the man's face flushed with rage.
"Azreal! What is the meaning of this? Is this how you treat your elders?!" Raphael bellowed.
Azreal's gaze was cold and piercing.
"Where is your daughter?"
"What kind of question is that?! Isn't she your mistress? How would I know where she is?!" Raphael shouted.
Azreal's stare intensified, causing Raphael to instinctively step back. Sweat beaded on his forehead as fear gripped him.
"Lock him up. Do not release him until Rachel shows herself," Azreal commanded.
"What?!" Raphael screamed, thrashing as guards dragged him away.
His panicked cries echoed until the doors shut, plunging the hall into silence once more.
Moments later, a staff member hurried over and whispered something into Azreal's ear. Azreal nodded casually and rose from his seat.
"Excuse me," he said, leaving the hall.
---
Erica's P.O.V
I was told to wait for Azreal in a room. As I roamed around, my eyes caught sight of something familiar—a flower bracelet placed carefully on a table.
I remembered having one just like it.
Drawn by some invisible force, I reached out.
The moment my fingers brushed it, a strange sensation coursed through my body. A sharp pain throbbed in my head, followed by blurry, unfamiliar images flashing before my eyes.
"I was told you wanted to see me," Azreal's voice snapped me out of my daze.
I turned to face him.
If I was going to get my revenge—I needed to leave.
"Yes, my king. I want to discuss my departure. I h—"
"No," he cut me off sharply.
"Why?" I asked, disbelief thick in my voice.
"You know the reason yourself," he replied.
"Why are you being so difficult? I thought this was what you wanted!"
"Like you said—you thought. I have no intention of letting you go. After all these years... I finally found you, and you want to leave me?"
Azreal closed the distance between us with a few strides.
I instinctively stepped back, uncomfortable, but suddenly I felt his strong arm wrap around my waist, pulling me tightly against his chest.
I looked up, questions flooding my mind, only to meet his intense, almost searing gaze.
"Do you really want to leave me?" he murmured.
"My king... hmm—"
I couldn't even finish my sentence before he claimed my lips in a deep, possessive kiss. I struggled to breathe, and only when I was almost out of air did he release me.
His cool breath fanned my flushed face.
Ashamed, confused, and angry, I dared not meet his eyes.
He leaned in close, his voice a teasing whisper against my ear.
"What did I tell you to call me when we're alone?"
Before I could even react, he turned and walked away, leaving me stunned and speechless.
What's really going on?
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