---
Erica's P.O.V
In the dark room, I could only hear my heart pounding violently in my chest. My body was soaked in sweat as I slowly got out of bed.
The door suddenly pushed open, and Thomas rushed in, his face filled with worry.
"My lady, are you okay?" he asked gently, his eyes full of concern.
"I'm fine... I just... I need to see my father!" I said, panic rising in my chest.
"He went out this morning and hasn't returned yet," Thomas explained grimly.
My heart dropped.
I couldn't sit back and lose my father again.
"Oh no! We have to find him!"
"You need to calm down, my lady. It's dangerous outside — they're still looking for you."
"That's not a problem," I shot back, tears clouding my vision. "Finding my father is what matters now! Will you help me or do I go alone?"
Thomas's eyes softened. Gently, he caressed my cheek with his thumb.
"I'll do whatever you want me to do," he said.
"Thank you," I whispered, throwing my arms around him before quickly pulling away and running out to find my father.
---
Thomas stood frozen for a moment, a tender smile lingering on his lips as he watched me disappear into the distance, before he hurried to catch up.
---
Zuriel's P.O.V
I watched Asher's men pass by from my hiding spot, waiting until the last one was gone before stepping out.
"Going somewhere, Zuriel?" Asher's cold voice rang out behind me, sending alarm bells blaring through my mind.
I turned — there he stood, his eyes filled with pure malice.
"What do you want, Asher?"
"You know what I want," he replied with a chilling smile that promised death.
"If that's the case, I have nothing to offer you," I said, stepping back — only to realize I was surrounded. Asher's men closed in, blocking every path.
"You do have something," Asher said, twirling the blade in his hand lazily. "Don't worry — I won't force you. She'll come looking for you on her own."
"I won't let that happen!" I growled, reaching for my sword.
"But you don't have a choice," he said coolly.
With a snap of his fingers, a wave of weakness crashed over me. My knees buckled and I hit the ground hard, face-first.
Asher walked over, crouched, and grabbed my chin, forcing my gaze up to meet his.
"Like I said... you won't have a choice."
I gasped as I felt something sharp pierce my skin, my blood seeping out slowly.
"But until she comes... I'm going to have a little fun with you," he whispered darkly.
---
Jarel's P.O.V
I lay on my back, closing my eyes, basking in the feel of slender fingers trailing across my skin, awakening my inner demons.
But just as I was getting lost in the sensation, a knock sounded at the door.
I opened my eyes, my mood instantly soured. The woman beside me frowned but obeyed my signal to leave. She picked up her clothes and disappeared.
"Come in," I barked, making no attempt to hide my displeasure.
My little spy entered, trembling all over, not even daring to lift his head.
Good. He knew the risk of disturbing me.
"I'm sorry to interrupt, my king," he stammered, falling to his knees.
"You better have good news," I growled, my gaze like knives. "If not, your head won't be the only thing I chop off."
Sweat soaked his clothes as he stuttered, "M-My king... Asher has captured Zuriel. It's only a matter of time before Erica comes out of hiding."
"Good," I said, a dark smile curving my lips. "Tell me the moment she does."
"Yes, Master!"
"And make sure Azreal doesn't find out... I want him arriving at the perfect moment."
"Yes, Master!" the man squeaked before bolting from the room.
"Can't wait for the show, Azreal," I murmured, closing my eyes and picturing my coming victory.
---
Erica's P.O.V
I followed closely behind Thomas, trusting him to lead me to where my father might be.
Suddenly, he stopped and turned to me, his expression troubled.
"What's wrong?" I asked, fear gnawing at my heart.
"You need to stay hidden, no matter what. I promise I'll bring him back to you," Thomas said, avoiding my gaze.
Something felt wrong — terribly wrong.
I grabbed his arm, desperation in my voice.
"Tell me what's happening."
"Promise me you'll stay hidden," he pleaded.
"I can't promise that — not unless you tell me the truth!" I said, pulling away.
He caught my arm and pulled me close, but I quickly stepped back, uneasy at the sudden intimacy.
"My lady... Zuriel is now in Asher's hands," he admitted.
I froze, trembling violently as images from my dream flooded my mind.
Without thinking, I broke free and ran, not caring about caution or danger.
Thomas called out after me, but I couldn't hear — my mind was consumed by fear for my father.
Suddenly, strong arms wrapped around me, pulling me into a tight embrace.
"Let me go, Thomas!" I cried, struggling.
"I won't — not until you calm down," he whispered, gently stroking my back.
"I'm calm — now let me go!" I shouted, my voice raw with emotion. "I can't wait any longer — or my father might—"
The words choked in my throat.
"You can't help him if you get yourself captured," Thomas said soothingly.
But then another voice cut through the stormy air.
"How touching. You really got the girl, Thomas. I'm proud of you," Asher's voice mocked.
I stiffened and stepped back, glaring at Thomas in horror.
"Where is my father?" I asked, my voice trembling.
Asher smirked cruelly.
"Relax. It's not him we want. He was just bait. And now that we have you..."
He snapped his fingers.
A terrible stench of blood filled the air. Two men dragged out a battered, bloodied figure — my father.
Tears streamed down my face. I tried to rush to him, but two men grabbed me, holding me back.
"Erica, wait!" Thomas shouted, struggling against his own captors.
But I barely heard him. My whole being was focused on my father.
He lifted his broken face to look at me, tears glistening in his eyes.
"I'm sorry, my darling," he whispered.
Asher loomed over him with a wicked smile.
"No! Leave him alone!" I screamed, fighting against the iron grips holding me.
The clouds rumbled, dark and heavy, as lightning slashed the sky.
Asher didn't hesitate. He raised his sword high — and brought it down.
"Noooooo!" I shrieked as my father's head fell to the muddy ground.
The heavens wept with me. Rain poured down in sheets, washing blood into the earth.
I fell to the ground, numb, the world around me shattering.
Then —
A blinding flash of lightning struck, tearing through Asher's men, dropping their bodies like broken puppets.
The heavy rain turned the earth to mist and mud.
And through the fog, a figure approached me.
At first, I thought it was Thomas. But as the figure grew closer, I saw silver eyes gleaming with cruelty and a cold, victorious smile.
It was Asher.
Hatred burned inside me, igniting something wild and vengeful.
I saw a sword lying nearby in the blood-soaked mud.
Without thinking, I seized it.
"End it all," a voice whispered in my mind.
I gripped the sword tightly. Asher had stolen everything from me — and I would make him pay.
---
"Even in death, Zuriel tried to protect his little darling," Asher sneered. "But in the end, she still belongs to me."
"Don't get too cocky, Asher!" I snarled.
With a furious scream, I charged, sword flashing.
Asher dodged easily, laughing as my strikes missed him, his form blending with the thick mist and rain.
I struck harder, faster — but he was always just out of reach.
His attacks were brutal and precise, leaving me bleeding and gasping for breath.
Exhausted, I collapsed to my knees.
Above me, I heard the deadly whistle of a weapon.
I looked up just in time to see a dagger flying toward me.
I stood frozen, unable to move.
But then —
A dark figure flashed in front of me.
"Thomas, no!" I screamed.
The dagger struck him deep in the chest.
He fell into my arms, blood pouring from his wound.
"Thomas! What's happening? Why aren't you healing?!" I cried, my voice breaking.
Asher's laughter cut through the rain.
"I gave him a special poison," he said. "Betrayers don't get second chances."
"You're a monster!" I screamed, cradling Thomas's dying form.
"Erica..." Thomas whispered.
"Don't talk, please, save your strength!"
"I have always loved you," he said weakly. "At least... I got to tell you... before the end."
"Thomas, no, don't leave me!"
With a final breath, his eyes closed, and he went still in my arms.
I held him tighter, my tears mixing with the rain.
"It's time to go," Asher's cruel voice said.
I looked up, hate burning inside me.
"You heartless demon!" I spat.
"It's my nature," he replied coldly, grabbing me roughly and dragging me through the mud.
---
Not far away, hidden in the mist, Jarel and his men watched.
"Now," Jarel said in a low, menacing voice.
His eyes gleamed with wicked calculation.
----