Allegra's mind was a whirlwind of confusion as she retreated to her room. The words "Mark me" echoed in her thoughts, haunting her with their intensity. Why had she said that? And Donovan's unexpected outburst only added to her bewilderment. What had caused him to react with such anger?
Frustration bubbled within her, fueled by the lingering scent of Donovan on her skin. Determined to rid herself of his presence, she took decisive action. Setting her gown ablaze, she watched as the fabric consumed his lingering touch. Then, with determination, she scrubbed her skin raw in a scalding sponge bath, erasing any remnants of him from her body.
—-
The next day, Allegra shocked everyone with her stunning appearance and elegance. Her hair was cut short in loose curls, framing her face in a youthful and chic manner. Dark liner accentuated her mesmerizing grey eyes and long lashes, adding depth to her gaze. Her lips were painted in a bold shade of red, exuding confidence and allure. Allegra wore a tight black blouse and pants, complemented by sleek boots, all concealed under a big black fur coat that added a touch of luxury to her ensemble.
Calista, with her hair elegantly pulled back and dressed in a long white dress, approached Allegra with admiration evident in her eyes. "Wow, you look amazing! Where are you off to?"
Allegra's determined gaze met Calista's as she replied, her voice steady. "I want to walk around the estate."
Calista's initial enthusiasm waned slightly, sensing Allegra's resolve. "Oh, I'd like to join-"
"Alone," Allegra interjected firmly, leaving no room for negotiation.
Understanding Allegra's need for solitude, Calista nodded in silent agreement as Allegra turned and left to explore the estate on her own.
The chill in the air failed to quell the heat simmering within Allegra's mind. Donovan's behavior remained an enigma to her, oscillating between rudeness and kindness with bewildering unpredictability. Frustration gnawed at her as she struggled to make sense of his actions. Determined to shift her focus away from him, Allegra resolved to immerse herself in work. The thought of earning her keep provided a much-needed distraction from the tumultuous emotions swirling within her. Yet, beneath her determination lay a simmering anger at Donovan's erratic conduct, fueling her resolve to channel her energy into productive endeavors.
Allegra hurried past the estate's gate, her footsteps quickening as she made her way to the theater. Anticipation fluttered in her chest as she approached, eager to witness the upcoming show she had been eagerly anticipating. Finding a seat at the far back, away from the bustling crowd yet still within view of the stage, she settled in, her attention fully captivated by the unfolding performance.
"Carmela, why?" Josh's voice echoed through the theater, filled with anguish. Tears streamed down Carmela's cheeks as she struggled to find the right words. "I'm sorry, Josh. My heart has always belonged to Jonathan. He's my mate," she confessed, her voice trembling with emotion. "I can't deny the bond we share, no matter how hard I try. I love you, Josh, but I can't be with you."
As Carmela's words hung in the air, Allegra felt a pang of recognition deep within her soul. The parallels between the characters on stage and her own life were impossible to ignore. Her heart raced as she watched the drama unfold before her eyes, feeling as though she was reliving her own tumultuous emotions.
Josh's rage erupted as he lashed out at Jonathan, accusing him of betrayal. "You destroyed my family! You are supposed to be my brother!" he screamed, his voice cracking with raw emotion. "You two have been doing all this behind my back, and you, Carmela, you have been leading me on!"
The intensity of the scene sent shivers down Allegra's spine, reminding her of the complexities of love and loyalty that she grappled with in her own life. It was a stark reminder of the fragile nature of relationships and the painful choices that often accompany matters of the heart.
"I'm sorry, brother—" Jonathan began, but Josh's voice cut through the air like a knife.
"I rejected Cara for you, Carmela," he exclaimed, his words heavy with hurt and betrayal. "I picked you up when you had nothing and no one. I took care of you, I was patient, I loved you with everything I have. I gave you everything—money, horses, jewelry, my heart. But you didn't give me back my heart completely."
His voice rose with each word, filled with anguish and resentment. "INSTEAD YOU TORE IT INTO SHREDS!"
Carmela recoiled at his accusation, her eyes wide with shock and guilt. Jonathan stepped forward, his expression fierce as he defended his mate. "Stay away from my mate," he growled, his voice low and dangerous.
Josh's laughter echoed through the theater, chilling Allegra to the bone. He rubbed his palms on his face, his eyes gleaming with madness. "Mate," he repeated mockingly, his tone dripping with scorn and bitterness.
"Tell me it's a joke," Josh muttered through tears, his voice broken and desperate. He reached for a prop knife, its gleaming surface catching the light.
"If I can't have Carmela, no one will," he declared, his voice laced with madness and despair. With a swift motion, he ended his brother's life, the sound of the blade cutting through the air piercing the silence of the theater.
"No!" Carmela's anguished cry filled the room, but it was too late. Josh turned towards her, his eyes filled with a twisted kind of love. "I love you, Carmela," he whispered, before taking her life and then his own.
The crowd erupted into applause, praising the actors for their incredible performance. But Allegra, lost in her own thoughts, felt a chill run down her spine. Would Declan really go to such lengths? And Donovan...was he capable of such darkness?
Unable to shake off the unsettling feeling, Allegra rose from her seat and made a hasty exit from the theater.
She mindlessly wandered into a bar, seeking solace in the dimly lit surroundings. The bartender, a young Lycan with a boyish charm, greeted her with a polite smile. His hazel eyes sparkled with warmth as he asked, "What would you like?"
Taking a seat, she reached into her coat pocket for a few silver coins. "Enough blood with an extra kick of alcohol," she muttered, dropping the coins onto the counter.
Nodding understandingly, the bartender skillfully mixed the warm blood with a generous pour of wine. She downed the glass in one gulp and requested another, seeking temporary relief from her turbulent thoughts.
In a drunken haze, Allegra sheds her coat and joins the pulsating crowd on the dance floor. Holding her cup of mixed wine and blood, she sways erratically to the rhythm of the music.
A tall, skinny guy approaches her, his stubbled jawline and brown hair catching her bleary gaze. "What's your name, beautiful?" he slurs.
"Huh?" Allegra responds, her words slurred as she dances clumsily. "Allegra."
"Nice name for a pretty lady," the guy says with a crooked smile, but Allegra's cloudy mind struggles to comprehend his words.
"What?" she asks, her brows furrowing in confusion. The guy takes hold of her waist, pulling her closer. She giggles as she takes another swig from her cup, emptying it before carelessly placing it on a nearby table.
He leans in for a kiss, but Allegra instinctively leans back, her words slurring slightly. "No, don't do that," she protests. "I have someone… he will beat you," she adds with a tipsy laugh. The man's smile remains, though his green eyes seem to glow with an unusual intensity.
Lifting her chin to meet his gaze, he responds, "Who will beat me?" There's a hint of amusement in his voice. As Allegra's senses clear slightly, she begins to sense that something is off about this man.
"What did you say your name was?" she asks, trying to focus through the fog of alcohol.
He chuckles softly, "I never told you." Allegra leans in closer, her curiosity piqued. "What's your name, handsome?" she inquires, her words more earnest now.
"Rex," he reveals, his voice sending a shiver down her spine. Allegra repeats his name, savoring the sound, before he leans in to kiss her. Lost in the moment, she lets out a soft moan, imagining it's Donovan she's kissing.
As his hands begin to wander, she flinches, a sudden realization dawning upon her. This man, Rex, is not who he seems to be.
Allegra's breath comes in ragged gasps as she struggles against Rex's grip, her senses reeling from the potent concoction of alcohol and blood coursing through her veins. With each passing moment, the weight of her hazy consciousness threatens to drag her into the abyss of unconsciousness.
"Let go," she pleads, her voice barely a whisper amidst the pounding of her heart and the rush of blood in her ears.
"Why? We're just getting started," Rex's voice drips with malice, sending a shiver down Allegra's spine as she realizes the danger she's in.
"I don't want to play anymore," she manages to force out, her words slurred and barely coherent as she fights against the overwhelming drowsiness.
But Rex dismisses her plea with a sinister hush, his eyes locking onto hers with a hypnotic intensity that sends a chill down her spine. Despite her best efforts, Allegra feels the tendrils of sleepiness creeping over her, threatening to engulf her in their suffocating embrace.
Summoning the last vestiges of her vampiric strength, Allegra pushes against Rex's hold, her movements clumsy and uncoordinated as she staggers towards her coat. With trembling hands, she fumbles to put it on, the weight of exhaustion bearing down on her with relentless force.
As she stumbles into the night, the world blurring around her, Allegra's heart sinks with dread as she hears Rex's chilling warning echoing in the darkness.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you."
Desperation fuels her every step as she struggles to evade her pursuer, her mind racing with the terrifying realization that her very life hangs in the balance.
Ignoring Rex's ominous warning, Allegra trudges forward, her steps heavy with exhaustion and fear. The streets are eerily deserted, the only sound the echo of her own footsteps against the pavement.
"Resisting only hastens your descent," Rex's voice cuts through the silence like a chilling whisper, sending a shiver down Allegra's spine.
"Leave me be," she mutters, her voice tinged with defiance even as her resolve wavers.
"I'm not the one holding you back," Rex retorts, his tone dripping with menace as he looms closer.
With a frustrated growl, Allegra quickens her pace, determined to put distance between herself and her relentless pursuer. But Rex is relentless, his grip like iron as he grabs her arm, sending a jolt of pain shooting through her.
"What do you want from me?" she demands, her voice tinged with desperation as she struggles against his hold.
"The key," Rex's voice is low and dangerous, his eyes glinting with a manic intensity that sends a shiver down Allegra's spine.
Rolling her eyes in exasperation, Allegra attempts to shake off his grasp, but before she can react, Rex materializes before her with startling speed. With a swift, brutal kick, he sends her sprawling backward, the impact stealing the breath from her lungs and leaving her gasping for air as darkness threatens to engulf her.
Rex approached Allegra's weakened form, his sinister presence looming over her like a shadow. Desperately, she tried to summon her fire ability, but it flickered weakly, her energy drained and her mind clouded with exhaustion. Tears blurred her vision as she faced the chilling realization that this might be her end.
As Rex drew a circle around her and began inscribing arcane markings with a stick, Allegra's heart pounded with fear. The sleepiness threatened to engulf her entirely, leaving her powerless against the impending darkness.
With a sense of dread washing over her, Allegra whispered Donovan's name into the night, a desperate plea for salvation in the face of impending doom.
But just as she felt herself slipping away, a familiar voice shattered the silence. "Allegra!" Donovan's urgent cry pierced through the darkness, his figure racing toward her with a sense of urgency. In an instant, his features shifted, his transformation into his Lycan form swift and fluid.
With a surge of hope, Allegra watched as Donovan leaped into action, his protective instincts kicking into overdrive. But even as he fought to reach her, the circle of markings illuminated with an otherworldly glow, trapping Allegra in its grasp.
Agony ripped through her body as the markings seemed to slice into her very essence, draining her of strength and vitality. She screamed in silent anguish, her voice lost amidst the chaos unfolding around her.
Donovan's fangs sank into Rex's arm, but to their dismay, Rex only cackled maniacally in response before vanishing into thin air like dust carried away by the wind. Donovan roared in frustration, his transformation back to his human form accompanied by a fierce pounding on the invisible barrier that imprisoned Allegra.
Locked in a silent exchange of desperation and fear, Allegra's eyes met Donovan's, her gaze filled with terror as she struggled against the agonizing pain coursing through her body. She felt as though she was being torn apart from the inside out, unable to move or escape the relentless torment.
"Allegra! You have to move, okay?" Donovan's voice pleaded with urgency, his eyes pleading for her to find even the smallest shred of strength within herself. "Even if it's just an arm or a finger. You have to move!"
Tears streamed down Allegra's cheeks as she mouthed her heartbreaking confession, "I can't," her voice lost amidst the chaos surrounding them.
"Don't give up, Allegra, please!" Donovan's voice cracked with emotion, his own fear mirrored in his eyes as he pounded futilely against the barrier. "This is dark magic, I can't break through it. Al-Allegra," his voice faltered, his heart breaking at the sight of her suffering.
Allegra sobbed uncontrollably, each attempt to move met with searing pain that left her feeling utterly helpless and trapped. In the grip of despair, she could only cling to the hope that Donovan's unwavering determination would somehow see them through this nightmare.
As Donovan's desperate attempts to break through the barrier faltered, Allegra's vision blurred, her consciousness slipping further into the abyss.