The air in the crown room was suffocating. The heavy scent of old wood and candle smoke lingered, mixing with something more putrid—blood. The moment Amon laid eyes on Anna, tied and beaten, his breath caught in his throat. Bruises marred her pale skin, and crimson streaks painted her torn clothing. His fists clenched so hard that his nails nearly dug into his palms.
Then came the sound of footsteps—many footsteps.
Valen entered with a slow, deliberate stride, flanked by a dozen enforcers. They formed a wall behind him, their presence suffocating. The smirk on Valen's face was infuriating, smug, as if he were welcoming old friends.
"Well, well," Valen drawled, his voice laced with mock amusement. "You actually made it. I almost thought you'd get lost wandering the halls like rats."
Amon forced himself to stay composed, but the rage in his chest burned. His voice was low, sharp. "How did you know we were coming?"
Valen chuckled, shaking his head. "You seriously thought you could sneak in here? I'm not so dumb as to lose track of every soul that enters this world."
Amon narrowed his eyes. "What does that mean?"
Skolo stepped forward, his deep voice firm. "That doesn't make any sense. How did you know he was going to attack you?"
Valen clicked his tongue, feigning disappointment. "You monsters always assume you're the only ones with knowledge. But the thing is… I know everything about the curse."
Star's expression darkened. "That's impossible," he hissed. "The curse isn't something any random bastard knows about."
Valen's smirk widened. "Oh, but I do. And I must be incredibly lucky to find the Chosen One himself standing right in front of me."
Amon felt his pulse in his ears. This wasn't just a battle for survival anymore—Valen wanted something deeper. And then it hit him.
"Then why," Amon growled, his voice trembling with restrained fury, "why did you attack Anna?"
For the first time, Valen hesitated, his eyes meeting Amon's. Then, with a slow shake of his head, he laughed.
"Well, you see," Valen mused, crossing his arms, "I was unsure of your strength. So I needed a little bait."
Amon barely heard the gasped breath beside him before Star snapped, his body a blur as he lunged forward. "You animal!"
An enforcer clothed in black moved just as quickly, striking Star with a brutal kick to the chest. Star crashed back with a gasp, skidding across the stone floor before Skolo caught him.
"Are you alright?" Skolo muttered.
Star coughed, clutching his ribs. "Bastard…"
Amon's fury was barely contained. His voice was steel. "What do you want from me?"
Valen tilted his head, pretending to ponder. "Hmm… Your life? No. To hand you over to Dracula?" He scoffed. "Please. I have much more interesting plans for you."
Amon's fingers twitched.
"I want you to participate in a little game for me." Valen gestured lazily toward Anna. "You play, and maybe—just maybe—I let her live."
Amon's body tensed. He wanted to strike, to rip Valen apart limb by limb, but his gaze drifted back to Anna. She was barely conscious, her head hanging, her breaths ragged. He had no choice.
"Fine," Amon said. "I agree."
Skolo's gaze shot toward him. "Amon, think about this."
Star wiped the blood from his lip. "Don't worry. We'll break through anything and get her back."
Valen clicked his tongue. "Oh, I think you misunderstand." His smirk returned as he gestured to his men. "Your two comrades will be coming with us. Just to make sure you stay motivated."
Amon's stomach twisted, but he nodded, looking at Skolo and Star. "Trust me."
Two enforcers stepped forward, grabbing Star and Skolo. Star thrashed violently, snarling curses, while Skolo merely narrowed his eyes, his muscles tensing as if already calculating an escape.
Valen turned to an enforcer beside him and chuckled. "That was easier than I thought."
Then, as he turned back toward Amon, his expression darkened. "And don't even think about running. If you do, I'll make sure the girl wishes for death. And your companions will cry, begging for your return."
Amon glared as an enforcer stepped behind him, gripping his arm. He didn't resist—yet.
But before they led him away, he spoke, his voice low, filled with a fury unlike before.
"Just remember," Amon said, his golden eyes burning, "if you break your word… if any of them suffer… I'll hunt you down and kill every single one of you until my last breath."
The enforcer pulled him forward.
And as Valen turned away with a satisfied smirk, he realized—his hands were sweating.