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Erica's P.O.V.
At this point in my life, I felt weak and helpless.
The people who cared for me had sacrificed their lives for mine.
The rain fell in small droplets, the cold dew on my skin reminding me that I had no chance of escaping this mess.
I looked up and saw Asher's determined back as he roughly dragged me across the muddy ground.
I was stained with mud and blood, my body still damp from the rain.
In the distance, I caught sight of Thomas's body lying in a pool of blood and water.
This monster had killed him without remorse—and I would be next.
Hopelessness crushed me.
Suddenly, Asher stopped.
> "Surrender the girl, Asher, and you might have a chance of leaving this place alive," Jarel's voice rang out, setting alarm bells off in my mind.
"Why are things only getting worse?" I cried in my heart.
> "Ha, ha, ha! If you think you're capable, come and take her from my hands," Asher's malicious voice answered from above.
I wanted to scream and shout, but my voice was no more than a whisper.
My throat burned with dryness and pain.
I had no choice but to await my fate.
One by one, Jarel's men charged toward Asher, wielding terrifying weapons.
I could only watch in horror as Asher mercilessly killed them with his bare hands.
Covered in blood, he wore a cold smile, and his eyes held nothing but brutal viciousness.
Suddenly, I felt someone lift me from the ground.
I looked up—and froze.
Jarel's mischievous eyes stared back at me.
Panic surged through me.
I tried to push him away with what little strength I had, but it was useless.
> "I told you I would come back for you, my love," he said in a low, husky voice, his gaze filled with hunger, like a lion eyeing helpless prey.
For some reason, I felt safer with Asher than with Jarel.
> "Don't make a move, Jarel, if you value your life," Azreal's voice rang out sharply.
I couldn't hide the relief that bloomed in my heart; my lips curved into a weak smile.
> "Erica, no!" Eve's desperate cry followed, wrapping my heart in a brief warmth.
Asher laughed darkly.
> "Clearly, I can't win today. But rest assured, Erica, I'm coming for you. And Jarel... stay alert. You messed with the wrong person," Asher said before transforming into a dark shadow and vanishing.
Azreal and Jarel faced each other, their hatred thick in the air.
I turned my head and met Azreal's furious eyes, a trace of worry hidden deep beneath the anger.
The last time I saw those blazing eyes... things had not ended well.
With what strength I had left, I pushed myself out of Jarel's grip, falling onto my belly in the mud.
I must have looked truly pathetic.
> "Erica!" Eve screamed, her voice filled with fear and concern.
It was comforting, even in the midst of danger, to know someone cared.
Roughly, Jarel grabbed my hands again, pulling me up as he shifted his gaze from Azreal to Eve.
> "She's mine. I'm taking what belongs to me. Besides, you people couldn't protect her. I'm doing what you couldn't, right, Azreal?" Jarel sneered, his eyes gleaming with victory.
"You know she can't be with you. You two are a danger to each other."
He paused, then added with cruel pride:
> "Besides, how are you coping with my little present? I must say, you're stronger than most. But any moment now, you won't be able to save yourself, let alone the girl."
Azreal's gaze grew more intense, dark power radiating from him.
> "So that little gift from Rachel was from you," Azreal growled. "You're right. It should be taking effect... now."
His talons grew longer, and the sound of ripping cloth filled the air as he shifted into a terrifying beast.
Jarel's expression stiffened—he hadn't expected this outcome.
Azreal lunged forward, launching a fiery attack.
Jarel immediately let go of me and moved to defend himself.
Amidst the chaos, Eve rushed toward me with a man following close behind.
Tears streamed down her face.
The man scooped me up and carried me toward a waiting carriage.
He gently placed me inside.
> "Thank you. We'll go first. Stay with my brother. And here are some clothes, in case he calms down," Eve said to the man before closing the carriage door behind us.
Now, knowing I was finally safe, the exhaustion overwhelmed me.
My vision darkened.
The sounds of the world faded away.
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Azreal's P.O.V.
The strong stench of blood woke me.
I sat up slowly, taking in the battlefield littered with limbs and broken bodies.
> "Carl!" I called.
It wasn't long before he appeared, carrying a fresh set of clothes.
> "Master, does this mean Jarel is no more?" Carl asked, anticipation in his voice.
I glanced at the mutilated body lying nearby.
A symbol marked its chest—a symbol I recognized all too well.
"Jarel will return," I said coldly.
"He only used a slave to do his dirty bidding."
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