'Your Highness," Skylar stammered, fear evident in her voice.
"Shh," he hushed, placing a finger on her trembling lips. "I'll make it an unforgettable experience," he promised, pulling her closer by the waist.
"Please, Your Highness," she pleaded, tears streaming down her cheeks. Derek looked at her, an unsettling expression on his face.
"If you behave, I'll treat you well, my dear. But if you defy me, you'll regret it," he warned with a twisted smirk. "Is this your first time?" he added, but she remained silent.
"I suppose I'm quite lucky. Don't worry, I'll take it slow and easy."
Skylar glared at him, seething with anger. He was privileged with his royal title, while she was at his mercy. She would rather die than be in his grasps.
"Your Highness, I cannot comply with your request," she spoke with courage. A frown appeared on Derek's face as he grabbed her by the neck.
"It seems you don't value your life, my dear," he murmured, tightening his grip. She struggled to breathe as he slowly tore her clothing.
"Let's make this simple. You have one chance. Undress," he commanded, releasing his hold on her.
"I belong to my master until my last breath. He did not give me the authority to fulfill your desires, Your Highness," she stated firmly.
"And who might that be?" Derek inquired with a fierce glare.
"Who else but Prince Ramiel?" she declared loudly. In a moment, she found herself pinned to the bed.
"You have no fear of death, it seems. When I am through with you tonight, you'll beg for it," he threatened, but he suddenly slumped onto the bed. Skylar's eyes widened in shock, and then fear took over. She knew she was doomed from the moment she rejected him. Now, with him unconscious, it seemed like her
bad luck had sealed her fate.
"Hello, skylar," she
diverted her gaze and turned her eyes towards the opposite direction.
Skylar was inexplicably drawn to the figure standing by the window, emanating a mysterious yet enchanting energy. His locks were a striking silver, his orbs ablaze with amber intensity, while his skin had an ethereal shimmer, reminiscent of polished rock. He exuded an air of sophistication that masked his devilish nature. As he met Skylar's gaze, she sensed a alluring yet dangerous spark in his smile. She frantically tried to cover her body, her dress ripped in some places.
"Allow me to introduce myself, Prince Damien," he spoke as he approached her.
"Your Highness," she said, taking a step back.
"Fear not, I am no beast like him. But I must warn you, be careful with your words. They have brought you into this predicament, but they have also saved you. You are lucky, my dear maiden,"
he grinnes broadly. It wasn't until she found herself back in her room that she realized what had happened. She let out a sigh of relief as she sat on her bed, her bravery and courage shattered. She felt helpless, scared, and alone. She had almost been ravaged by a beast. She looked at her torn dress, clutching it to her chest as she covered herself with her arms.
Her eyelids felt heavy and they closed...
•••••
Ramiel's chamber
Ramiel sat on a black cushion, his eyes fixated on some deep thoughts. Suddenly, Damien appeared from the wall with a smirk on his face.
"Greetings, brother," he greeted, waving his hand before continuing, "she's fast asleep."
"Hmm," Ramiel replied.
"It's amusing how you finally came to her rescue, after throwing her into the lion's den," Damien chuckled.
Earlier, Damien had entered his brother's chamber to find Ramiel sipping on a glass of wine. He smirked devilishly as he put down the glass. The words she had spoken kept echoing in his mind.
"She belongs to her master alone," Ramiel chuckled. "She truly is extraordinary."
"I find her useful," he said with a sly smile.
"Ramiel, doesn't Skylar remind you of someone?" he asked, his gaze shrouded in mystery. But Ramiel remained silent.
"I'll take my leave now, I have more pressing matters to attend to," he said, his smirk oozing with sex appeal.
"At the hotel," Ramiel prompted, his tone dark.
"Yea, in bed," he smirked before disappearing into a cloud of smoke.
"You never cease to amaze me," Ramiel muttered.
•••••••••
Arya sat at her vanity, gently brushing her tresses with slow, languid strokes. Her hair was a cascade of silver-grey, falling in soft waves past her shoulders. She wore a silk dress in shades of grey, with intricate lace details at the sleeves and neckline. Her reflection in the mirror exuded a serene beauty as she took her time getting ready for the day, her actions carefully calculated. Suddenly, she sensed a presence in the room. Recognizing it, she calmly placed her brush down and turned around.
"Will you ever see me as more than just your little sister?" she asked.
Ramiel gracefully settled onto a cushion, crossing one leg over the other.
"My apologies," he said with a charming smile that lit up his face.
"You should smile more often," she said, making his smile turn into a wide grin.
"Why are you here, Your Highness?" she asked, knowing there must be a reason for Ramiel's visit.
"Why did you change her identity from Elina to Skylar?"
"I did not, Your Highness. She chose to use that name, each one representing a different personality and aura," Arya explained.
"There's something off about that woman. And why does the name sound familiar?" Ramiel asked, looking troubled.
"It's up to you to find out, Your Highness," Arya replied with a satisfied smile before turning away. "Is something bothering you, Your Highness?" she asked with a hint of amusement.
"Who is she?" Ramiel asked seriously.
"Her identity seems to be shrouded in mystery. It's curious that only her master would know about her. She claims to belong to her," Arya revealed.
Ramiel was not taken aback by the fact that she was aware of this; she was certain that she possessed knowledge
related to Elina.