---
Erica's P.O.V
I don't know why, but I felt disappointed by the news. My heart was torn in two — part of me wanted to stay with Eve, while another part longed for the familiarity of home. I glanced back and caught the sadness in Eve's eyes. My gaze shifted to Azreal, who was deliberately avoiding eye contact.
"We have to go, Erica. You're not safe here. Your presence could bring harm to the people," Christopher whispered in my ear.
"I can't leave without the king's permission," I said hesitantly.
"Don't worry, Erica. He doesn't have the right to keep you here. I'm here to take you home," he reassured me.
"Hurry and leave before unwanted people find out about your departure," Azreal said coldly, his voice carrying his kingly aura. But even then, I could see the sadness lurking in his eyes.
"Why would he be sad?" I pondered.
I walked over to Eve and pulled her into a warm embrace. Then I made my way to Azreal and bowed respectfully before him.
"Thank you, My King, for your kindness. I will never forget all you have done for me. Please, take care of yourself."
When I looked up, our eyes met. Though he tried to hide it, the sadness in his gaze was unmistakable. I worried — what could be troubling him? Suddenly, he broke eye contact and turned away.
"Go now," he commanded, then rose and left the throne room.
A wave of sorrow crashed over me. Does he really want me to leave?
A hand gently pulled me back — it was Uncle Christopher, smiling warmly. Oh, how I missed him. I hugged him tightly, and we both left the castle together. I looked back one last time, meeting Eve's tearful gaze. With a heavy heart, I waved before walking away.
As soon as we reached the castle gates, Christopher took my hand. With a flash, we vanished, reappearing before a giant golden gate.
---
Jarel's P.O.V
I lounged on my throne, being fed grapes by a maid at my side. Suddenly, a man ran in, breathing heavily and sweating. His nervous smile told me everything — good news.
"Master, it worked. Our plan is making progress."
"Hmm." I smiled, pleased.
"That's good. Keep a close eye on Azreal, and make sure Rachel plays her role well. We need her if we are to succeed," I ordered.
"Yes, Master," he said, bowing deeply before leaving.
Now, Azreal... watch and see how I steal her from you and use her to bring about your downfall.
A dark smile curled my lips. I am in a good mood today.
---
Rachel's P.O.V
I could barely contain my joy. Finally, my biggest obstacle was gone! Now, I only needed to reclaim Azreal's heart. I was sure he missed me — he just needed to be reminded.
I admired myself in the mirror, satisfied with today's victory. In my hand, I held a small vial, my ticket to winning him back.
Soon, Azreal will be mine again.
---
Azreal's P.O.V
From the balcony, I watched her small figure fade away into the distance. A heavy disappointment weighed down my chest — she was leaving me again.
"Master," Thomas called from behind me, but I didn't bother turning around.
"Did you find them?" I asked, swirling the wine in my glass.
"Yes, Master," Thomas confirmed.
"Good." I turned and made my way to the dungeons.
The stench of blood and despair filled the room. Ten men were chained to the walls, their bodies battered and bruised. I sat down on the large armchair placed before them, my cold gaze sweeping over their faces before locking onto one man — Acceive.
Acceive looked up, a crooked grin twisting his face.
"So, the mighty Prince of Darkness graces us. What offense have we committed to deserve this?" he rasped.
"Where are they? Where is your hideout?" I asked calmly.
He chuckled, tilting his head back mockingly.
"I can't tell you that. It would spoil the surprise. But I can tell you this — your reign will soon end."
His cruel laughter grated on my nerves. Without hesitation, I drove a dagger deep into his thigh. His groan of pain was music to my ears.
"Will you talk now?" I asked, tilting my head.
"I'd rather die," he spat.
Without a word, I yanked out the dagger and stabbed a fresh spot. Again and again, deeper and deeper, until his entire left leg was a mess of blood and torn flesh. His screams filled the room, but I remained unaffected.
"Are you ready to talk yet?" I asked.
"You can do whatever you want. I won't talk!" he snarled.
Just as expected. My gaze swept over the other prisoners until I spotted the youngest among them. A wicked smile curled my lips.
"Bring me the boy."
Acceive's face darkened in horror, but it was too late.
The young man — barely a boy — was dragged down, his bruises lighter than the others but no less painful. His eyes burned with hate.
"He's your son, isn't he?" I said coldly. "You will watch him die, and then the others, one by one... until you break."
The dungeon fell into a heavy silence.
"Proceed," I ordered.
The boy screamed curses at me as they dragged him to the torture room.
"Make it... unforgettable," I added, sipping my wine calmly as the boy's cries ripped through the hall. Bone after bone, flesh after flesh, his young body was reduced to a bloody mess.
By the time he died, the remaining men were pale with horror — exactly what I wanted.
"Dispose of the body. Tomorrow, we continue."
I left the dungeon, but something was wrong. My body heated up unnaturally, a strange weakness washing over me. The monster inside me stirred violently.
"Azreal, are you okay?" Rachel's voice rang out.
I turned to see her approaching — dressed in nothing but a sheer robe. Her body pressed against mine as she tried to help, but I barely had the strength to push her away.
"Azreal, let me help you," she insisted, holding onto me tighter.
I stumbled, falling onto something soft — her.
"Oh, Azreal, what's happening to you?" she whispered, climbing over me. Her hands reached for my shirt, but I grabbed her wrists with my remaining strength, pulling her close to whisper:
"Run."
"No, Azreal! I can't leave you like this. You're hurt, and your clothes are bloody—"
I had warned her. I closed my eyes, surrendering to the raging struggle inside. In that moment, I knew... I was no longer in control.
---
Erica's P.O.V
I sat quietly in the carriage, doubts swirling in my mind. My thoughts drifted to the days spent with Eve and Azreal.
Though the land was strange, I felt at peace there — as if it were where I truly belonged. Yet, here in Zoar, I felt alien, always on edge, always wary of my scheming aunt.
Could I really call this place home?
"Erica, what are you thinking about?" Christopher's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.
"Nothing, Uncle," I replied softly.
"Hope Azreal didn't hurt you."
"He didn't, Uncle. Azreal is not that kind of person," I said, defending him instinctively.
Silence stretched between us until he finally said:
"You can never truly know someone, Erica. People are not always what they seem. But don't worry — I will protect you."
---