---
Stunned by his outburst, an unnamed anger brewed inside me. I struggled to get up and chase after him, but my legs got caught in the sheets, making me stumble off the bed.
My body crashed onto the hard floor, pain enveloping me instantly. I couldn't move; I could only lay there, helpless.
"Help!" I screamed, hoping someone would hear.
Not long after, the doors swung open and two guards rushed to my side. One of them gently carried me back to the bed, while the other tucked me in.
"Thank you," I whispered, my voice barely audible.
They bowed and left, leaving me alone once again.
---
Meanwhile...
Deep within the mountains of a faraway land, Asher moved steadily into a dark cavern. In his hands, he carried the remnants of two ancient, powerful swords, along with a ring now slipped onto his finger. A torch in his other hand lit his path as he ventured deeper.
At a dead end, Asher began to chant. Strange, guttural words echoed through the stone walls. Miraculously, the rocky barrier before him parted, revealing a hidden hall filled with relics of immense power.
At the center stood a grand statue of a woman, everything in the hall positioned as if worshiping her.
A sly curve played on Asher's lips. He approached and placed the ring against the statue's forehead. Instantly, a blinding light burst forth as the stone began to crumble, revealing a real woman beneath.
The woman's eyes snapped open, scanning the room with a chilling glint before landing, cold and resentful, on Asher.
"What do you want?" she demanded, her voice heavy with malice.
"Nothing much," Asher smirked. "The first half of my plan is complete. It's time to proceed with Plan B."
"Does that mean I'm free from his bondage?" she asked cautiously.
"Not yet. You're in my hands now. Obey me, and you might enjoy this little taste of freedom," he said.
"You cunning snake," she spat through gritted teeth. "Fine. I'm yours, Master."
"Good," Asher said triumphantly. "Your first assignment: absorb the abilities of these weapons... and bind them to me."
The woman's eyes widened in awe.
"That's dangerous," she warned. "These are ancient relics—combining their powers in one body could destroy you."
"I didn't ask for your opinion. Just do it!"
"Yes, Master," she replied bitterly.
She gathered the weapons, laid them before Asher, and retrieved a dusty old book from a shelf. After flipping rapidly through its fragile pages, she found what she sought.
Chanting in a forgotten language, the torches around them extinguished, plunging the cave into darkness. Light radiated from the relics—white light from the Banisher and dark mist from the Soul Taker—both flowing toward Asher like rivers of power.
"Arghhhh!"
Asher's screams tore through the cavern as his body absorbed the forces. His eyes glowed fiercely, his muscles convulsed, and strange tattoos etched themselves across his bare chest, wrapping around him like brands of fate.
When the light faded and silence returned, the woman approached cautiously.
"How do you feel?" she asked.
Asher raised his hand and with a casual wave, the ground rumbled violently, causing a mini-earthquake.
A wicked smile crossed his face.
"Does that answer your question?" a deep, powerful voice reverberated through the hall, sending shivers down her spine.
The woman sealed her lips and nodded, fear gripping her.
"Good," Asher muttered. "Azreal... I'm coming for you."
---
Erica's P.O.V.
I felt it—the trembling beneath the earth. The castle walls quivered. Fear crept into my heart. Something terrible was coming.
The doors swung open and Azreal stepped in, his tall figure commanding the room. His sharp, piercing gaze fixed on me. That intense, oppressive aura he carried made my heart race uncontrollably.
"Are you alright?" His deep, magnetic voice vibrated through me, leaving my senses reeling.
Erica, focus! I told myself, trying to shake off the effect he had on me.
"I'm fine," I managed to say. "Please, can I see Eve?"
"She's unavailable. Besides," he said smoothly, "I want to take you somewhere."
"I'm not going."
"I wasn't asking for your opinion," he said coolly before turning on his heel.
"Hmph!" I snorted, pulling myself together and climbing carefully off the bed. My legs wobbled but I steadied myself, freshened up, and followed the guards to a waiting carriage.
The carriage door opened, revealing Azreal's handsome but unreadable face. He stretched out his large hand toward me.
Though I wanted to refuse, my body betrayed me. The moment our hands touched, a strange tingling sensation shot through me. His lips curved into a smile as he helped me inside and sat beside me.
Before I could react, his arms wrapped around me, pulling me close to his chest. His scent filled my senses, and a warmth bloomed within me.
"This is wrong, Azreal!" I protested weakly, biting my lip.
"What makes it wrong, my love?" he whispered, his breath brushing my ear.
My heart skipped painfully. My love?
What about Rachel?
What about the dreams?
Reason screamed inside me.
Mustering my strength, I freed myself and sat opposite him, staring out the window to avoid his compelling eyes.
"What's wrong?" he asked, concern threading through his deep voice.
"Where are you taking me?" I asked flatly.
"You'll find out soon enough. Is there something wrong?"
"Nothing, Your Highness," I lied.
The journey was long and silent, his gaze burning holes into my back. Finally, the carriage stopped.
"Sire, we have arrived," a man called out.
Azreal stepped out, offering me his hand once more. I ignored it at first, but he quickly pulled me to his side.
"Stay and wait for us here," he ordered the guards before leading me away.
I struggled to keep up with his long strides, panting heavily when he finally stopped.
"We're here," he announced.
I looked up—and froze.
The old tree from my dreams stood before me, towering above everything else. Its massive trunk bore a familiar carving—our initials intertwined.
With trembling steps, I approached it.
As my fingers traced the carved letters, memories flooded into me—sweet, painful, precious memories I had long forgotten.
Tears blurred my vision as I crumpled to the ground, sobbing uncontrollably.
"Erica," Azreal whispered, pulling me into his arms.
I forgot him...
I let him go... but he never let go of me.
"You deserve better, Azreal," I cried into his chest. "I don't deserve your love."
He only held me tighter.
"It's okay. After everything... I still found you. And I won't let anyone come between us again."
"No," I said, pulling away painfully. "I won't let you risk your life for mine. Azreal, we have to end this before it's too late. The price of happiness... is grief."
"What are you talking about?" he growled, grabbing my hands, his grip fierce. His burning eyes bored into mine.
"You may be willing to give everything... but I can't let you. It's better this way."
"You can give up so easily... but I won't!"
His voice thundered through the field, raw and broken.
"We are bonded by fate, Erica. You can't run from destiny."
Before I could respond, he dragged me back to the carriage, determination hardening his every step.
---
End of Volume One
Will Erica reclaim what is rightfully hers?
Will she fight for her forbidden love, even if the world stands against them?
And what deadly challenges await them now that Asher, their greatest threat, has risen?
Find out in Season Two! Goodbye for now!
---