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EARLIER THAT MORNING.
Rachel's P.O.V
After breakfast, I walked over to him, but he wasn't giving me the attention he usually did. Still, I had to try.
He was about to leave the hall with Thomas and Miss Grump by his side when I stepped in front of him.
"My king, could I have a little of your time?"
He didn't say a word. Instead, his deep eyes roamed over my body. A chilling aura surrounded him, making me shiver. His face showed no emotion.
The first time I met him—at a gala—I had fallen for him instantly. We had many encounters, and eventually, I got pregnant with his child. But I lost the baby. When my father found out, he saw it as a lost opportunity for a powerful alliance. He was furious.
Since then, he kept pressuring me to find ways to get close to Azreal again, but no matter how hard I tried, Azreal never touched me after that. His eyes, once warm, now looked at me with pure disgust.
But now... as his gaze roamed me again, I felt a flicker of hope.
"If you want, we could have a long talk. I'm all yours, remember?" I said, biting my lip seductively.
I moved closer, almost touching his chest when suddenly a hand yanked me away. I looked up—Thomas.
How dare he touch me, interrupt me! Rage flooded me. I pulled my hand away and slapped him across the face.
"Know your place, servant," I spat.
Thomas just smiled mischievously. His smugness made my blood boil. I lifted my hand to slap him again when a strong grip caught my wrist.
Azreal.
His grip tightened painfully.
"Azreal, please—you're hurting me," I whimpered.
His grip tightened even more.
"Know your place, woman," he said plainly, yet the weight of those words crushed me.
Without another glance, he walked away with Miss Grump and Thomas at his side, leaving me humiliated before mere slaves.
I clenched my fists. How could he embarrass me like this?
Burning with anger, I decided to follow them. I watched as they disappeared into a room and shut the door.
---
Azreal's P.O.V
Out the window, I watched Erica wandering about. I knew she would try to escape. I couldn't let her leave—not like this.
"She is beautiful and kind-hearted. Perfect to be our queen," Miss Grump said with a warm smile.
"She is not capable!" I snapped, turning sharply to them.
"We cannot be sure, my king. Right, Thomas?"
"She's good... and well-behaved. She's everything Rachel isn't," Thomas said.
"Give her a chance," Miss Grump pressed. "You're getting older, and the kingdom will soon need an heir."
"Enough. I don't want to hear about this anymore. Miss Grump, keep an eye on her," I ordered, turning back to the window. "She wants to run."
"As you command, my king," Miss Grump said before vanishing.
I sighed in frustration.
"My king, what troubles you?" Thomas asked.
"Nothing. I have an important message for you to deliver later."
"Anything else, my king?"
"Nothing. Leave."
"Yes, my king," he said, bowing before leaving.
Again, I stared out the window and saw Miss Grump approaching Erica and Eve.
"She must be there to deliver my message," I muttered.
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Jarel's P.O.V
I followed Eve down the alleyways, careful not to be noticed. Rough men leered at her like hungry lions, but one look from her and they all scattered—expected, considering she was the lord of black magic.
After some time, she suddenly stopped. I knew she had sensed me.
Quickly, I transformed into a shadow, blending with the surroundings. She turned to where I hid but then continued walking. She knew I was there... but pretended not to.
Still, I followed.
She turned a corner—and a sharp dagger was suddenly at my throat.
I smirked.
"Why are you following me?" she growled, her eyes full of rage.
"Hahaha!" I laughed, even as the dagger dug deeper. "What's with the disguise?"
"You haven't answered my question," she hissed.
Blood trickled down my neck, but still, I smiled. "It's nice to see you smile. You look even more beautiful that way," I said, grabbing the dagger and pulling it away.
I wiped the blood with my fingers. "Not bad, my lord," I teased. "But I have to go. Let's play again some other time."
With that, I disappeared into the shadows.
---
Eve's P.O.V
As soon as he left, I hissed. "Such a loser," I muttered.
I had better things to do. I pushed forward until I reached the edge of the alley, where a vast stretch of sand and a river awaited. The woman had told me to follow the river to the falls.
The sun blazed harshly. The ground beneath my feet burned hotter with every step.
Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a large, magnificent fish tail in the water.
Suddenly, music floated through the air—sweet, hypnotizing. I felt an unnatural urge to follow it.
I closed my eyes, forcing myself to clear my mind. This was a trap. A deadly one. I tried to summon my powers, but the more I tried, the harsher the sun and sand grew.
I was weakening.
Could this be the end? Images of Erica's bright smile flashed in my mind. No—I couldn't give up.
I blocked my ears with magic and scanned the area. On the far side of the river stood large trees.
Quickly, I formed tentacles with my powers and launched them toward the trees. I swung myself across, but just as I reached safety, a massive wave slashed the tentacles, sending me crashing into the river.
Sharp teeth tore at my skin.
Fighting blind, out of air, I created a black matter sphere around me. The creatures swarmed it, but I held on, letting it carry me to the river's edge.
With one final push, I exploded the sphere outward, blasting the creatures away.
Soaked, bleeding, and with my dress torn, I stumbled onto the riverbank.
Miraculously, the note I carried was still intact.
There was nothing written on it—except: "The Enchanted House of Ramah."
Suddenly, sunlight struck the note, and a glowing image of a mansion appeared.
Before I could move, a water ball enveloped my head—and everything went black.
---
Erica's P.O.V — In Hedron
We sat at the table—me, Rachel, and the king.
I felt uncomfortable under Rachel's constant glare, and the king's silence didn't help.
I stole a glance at him... and caught him already looking at me. Embarrassed, I quickly looked down and focused on my meal.
When lunch ended, the king left first. I was relieved.
I stood to leave—but Rachel appeared before me.
"What, Rachel? You almost scared me!"
"It's Queen Rachel," she snapped. "And I just wanted to warn you: be careful. You're not at home here. Know your limits."
She smiled wickedly, her eyes gleaming with something dangerous.
"My lady!" Miss Grump called out.
At the sound of her voice, Rachel hissed in annoyance, bumping my shoulder as she stormed off. She threw Miss Grump a sneer before disappearing.
"My lady, are you alright?" Miss Grump asked kindly.
"Yes... but I don't know what that was all about," I replied, still shaken.
"Do you need anything, my lady?"
"No, I'm fine. Thank you," I said, managing a smile.
I decided to walk around the garden to calm my nerves. But I soon felt like someone was watching me.
I glanced around—nothing. Still, I stayed alert.
After wandering for a while, I sat on a bench.
Suddenly, rustling in the bushes caught my attention. Curious, I went closer and saw two tiny, white rabbits playing.
I smiled. I loved animals.
I bent down to pick them up, but they darted toward a wall—and slipped through it.
Confused, I approached and placed my hand on the wall. To my shock, my hand passed through.
Fear gripped me.
I turned to leave, but curiosity won.
I walked through the wall—and found myself at the top of a dark staircase lit by flaming torches.
Taking a torch, gathering my dress in my hand, I began to descend.
---
Eve's P.O.V
Voices echoed around me. My body ached all over.
Slowly, I opened my eyes.
Two men stood nearby, one holding a bag—a physician, probably. After a moment, the physician left, leaving me alone with the other man.
"Where am I?" I croaked.
The man walked toward me and sat down.
Those ocean-blue eyes... I knew them.
"Luka!" I gasped, hugging him before shoving him back.
"I should be furious with you for almost killing me!" I snapped.
"I never meant for you to suffer like that," he said softly, taking my hand and gently kissing it. "It's good to see you again, Eve."
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