Isolde's mind spun with questions, each revelation leading to another layer of confusion and uncertainty. "Wait… then… how did the bloody ritual of the Sable family start?" she asked, her voice tinged with bewilderment.
Lucian's expression grew somber as he considered her question. "Even I am not sure," he admitted. "But one thing I am certain of is that all of this was orchestrated to weaken the Sable family, to sow discord and division among them."
"Then, how did you break out from the seal?" Isolde inquired, her curiosity piqued.
"Well, I have the Cedric family to thank for that," Lucian replied with a hint of bitterness. "For centuries, I was trapped within that seal, unable to break free. But then, one day, the last Duke of Cedric stumbled upon the place where I was sealed and, driven by his greed for dragon's powers, he shattered the seal."
A shadow passed over Lucian's features as he recalled the events of that fateful day. "When I emerged from the seal, I was in the form of a young dragonling. It took me some time to regain my human form. He took me in as an adopted son, but his intentions were far from noble. For years, I endured torment at his hands."
Isolde's eyes widened with realization. "So, you… you killed him?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
A dark laugh escaped Lucian's lips as he nodded. "Of course," he replied, his tone laced with bitterness and regret. "He got what he deserved.
Isolde's mind raced as she attempted to process the flood of information that Lucian had revealed. While some pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place, many more remained elusive, leaving her feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. She couldn't shake the feeling of doubt that lingered in the back of her mind, wondering if she could truly trust Lucian or if he had his own agenda.
Feeling her confusion, Lucian gripped her shoulders tightly, his gaze searching hers for any sign of understanding. "Isolde, I am certain that Leostratus initiated this twisted game," he asserted, his voice filled with conviction. "He must have feared that the Sable family would once again pledge their loyalty to me, and so he manipulated the documents and prophecies to ensure their downfall. The prophecy about a woman leading the Sable family and bringing its destruction—it's all a fabrication, designed to prevent any woman of the Sable bloodline from uncovering the truth."
"But how can I trust your words?" Isolde questioned, her voice trembling with uncertainty. "If what you say is true, then my entire life has been built on lies. My beliefs, my values—everything would be called into question."
Lucian watched her struggle with her newfound reality, his expression softening with sympathy. "Take your time, Isolde," he urged gently. "I understand that this is a lot to process. But remember, you cannot trust the royal family. As soon as you leave this place, Emperor Leonidas will likely summon you to the capital to prepare for your marriage. And I have no doubt that there will be attempts on your life at your own castle. Why not stay with me? Here, you'll be safer."
Isolde weighed his words carefully, her mind still reeling from the revelations. Could she truly trust Lucian, the man who had been both her captor and her protector? Or was there more to his intentions than met the eye? As she grappled with her decision, she couldn't shake the feeling that her fate hung in the balance, teetering on the edge of a precipice with no clear path forward.
Isolde's resolve hardened as she thought through Lucian's offer, but her determination to protect her mother remained unwavering. "I can't," she declared firmly. "I need to protect my mother."
"I can bring her here," Lucian insisted, his grip tightening on her shoulders. "Both of you can stay under my protection."
Isolde pushed him away, her eyes flashing with defiance. "Enough. You are the last person whom I will trust with my life," she asserted, her voice trembling with anger. "Leave."
Instead of obeying her command, Lucian forced a kiss upon her lips and pushed her onto the bed, his desperation evident in his actions. Isolde struggled against him, her heart pounding with fear and frustration. "I don't know how to express my feelings for you," Lucian confessed, his voice strained with emotion. "But I cannot leave without you. Your absence drives me crazy!"
"Please, listen to me, Isolde," he pleaded, holding her down. "I can help you get revenge on your father!"
"I don't need your help!" Isolde retorted, her voice filled with contempt. She bit her lower lip in frustration before delivering a sharp slap across his face. "Come back to your senses!"
Lucian recoiled, his expression filled with guilt. "I'm sorry," he murmured, his voice barely audible amidst the tension that hung between them.
"Now it's too late to back down from the trials. So it's better if you send me back," Isolde stated firmly. "But…fine. Only if you promise me that you won't die," Lucian replied, his expression filled with concern.
"I promise," Isolde affirmed with a smile. "Alright then, you can come back here whenever you want," Lucian said softly, his hand gently stroking her cheek before he clicked his fingers, teleporting her back to where he had found her.
As Isolde found herself back in familiar surroundings, she sighed heavily, her mind still reeling from the revelations and emotions of the past days. Making her way back toward the Sable Dukedom, she couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty that loomed over her return.
It had been almost a year since her quest had begun, and now, as she crossed the threshold of her home, an unknown fate awaited her. But one thing was certain—she would face whatever challenges lay ahead with courage and determination, ready to uncover the truth and forge her own path forward.
[Author's Note: This was the end of first season, meet you soon with the second season!]
To be continued.....