Chapter 14 - Chapter 14

"Where are we going?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, despite knowing he wouldn't respond.

Ezekiel's gaze sliced through me, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Aren't you being bold, Lady Ravenwood, after having an audience with His Majesty?"

His tone dripped with condescension, and his words cut like a lash. "Do you think you can waltz out of the palace like this again? Let me make one thing clear: you're nothing but a slave, purchased by my father. After this, you'll be fortunate to see the light of day again."

The harsh reality stung, and I felt my dignity shrink beneath his scorn. His words echoed through my mind like a death knell, a grim reminder of my station.

Ezekiel's grip on my hand tightened, his fingers like manacles. "You'd do well to remember your place, Lady Ravenwood. Your fleeting moments of freedom are over. Only darkness awaits, and you will learn to obey."

The shadows around us seemed to deepen, as if darkness itself was closing in. I stumbled, my feet heavy with the weight of my fate. Ezekiel's pull guided me forward, deeper into the abyss, leaving any semblance of hope behind.

"Walk," he commanded, his voice cold and unyielding.

I obeyed, my heart sinking with every step, as the darkness swallowed me whole.

Ezekiel led me through the winding corridors, deeper into the earth, until we reached the underground dungeon. The air was thick with the stench of suffering, and the screams of the damned echoed through the darkness.

Despite my hardened heart, the anguish that surrounded me still managed to pierce my soul. I had grown accustomed to the sounds of pain, but they never failed to stir a deep sense of sorrow within me.

From the darkness, a figure stepped forth, her presence electrifying the air. Viella, Ezekiel's acquaintance, was resplendent in crimson attire that blazed like a wildfire against the somber backdrop. Her eyes burned with an unnerving ferocity, betraying a calculating and merciless soul.

"Look who decided to grace us with his presence today," Viella purred, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "My lord, you're as handsome as ever. How may I assist you?"

"I require an artifact," Ezekiel stated, his tone devoid of emotion. "Something that drains mana quickly and in large quantities."

Viella's gaze narrowed, her interest piqued. "Will you be using it here, my lord, or shall I have it delivered to your estate?"

Her eyes flicked to me, and I sensed a spark of curiosity. "My lord, may I inquire... whom do you intend to use this artifact on?"

Ezekiel's response was curt. "That's none of your concern." Viella's smile was a faint, mirthless curve, her eyes sparkling with subtle defiance. "As you command, my lord."

The exchange between them sent a shiver down my spine. Viella's demeanor screamed danger.

Viella's very presence radiated danger, an aura that sent a shiver down my spine. Her involvement with anyone spelled catastrophe. The dungeon's inhabitants, battered and broken, seemed less like slaves and more like human sacrifices. The eerie feeling intensified as I realized that Viella's practices reeked of black magic – a forbidden art.

The memories of Lynn and Lumi's warnings about black magic still lingered in my mind. "Those who dabble in darkness," they cautioned, "have bartered their souls to the devil himself, trading eternity for fleeting power." The consequences were dire: no blessing from the gods, no salvation in death – only an eternal damnation.

As Ezekiel uttered the ominous words, "We're leaving," my heart sank. The ride back to the estate was a descent into despair, each passing moment chipping away at my fragile sense of freedom. The brief respite I'd savored now seemed nothing more than a cruel illusion.

Ezekiel's detached voice commanded, "Take her to the annex. Prepare her for tonight." The maids closed in, their hands like shackles. I didn't resist; years of captivity had forged my resilience.

The maid's poisonous tone lashed out: "You're a slave, a master's discarded plaything. Now, you've somehow enthralled Young Master, manipulating him into considering you for ladyship?

Her words fueled my rage. I fantasized about ripping them apart, reveling in their terror, and toying with their desperation. The thought of crushing their hopes, watching them beg, sent a twisted thrill through me

The memory of my father's words loomed: "As Darkovia's sole heir, Kieran, your allegiance belongs to the empire and your future wife."

Commander Edric's voice interrupted my thoughts. "Your Highness, I've been trying to reach you. Is everything well?"

"I'm fine, Commander," I assured him. "Please, proceed with your report."

"Two critical issues, Your Highness," Edric began. "Monster attacks have increased, devastating our harvest and stirring civil unrest. Additionally, evidence confirms the auction house traffics humans, with Luciano family's head implicated in the slave trade."

The revelation stirred a mix of emotions within me. "Interesting, my soon-to-be father-in-law is involved in human trafficking." I had suspected the Luciano household's shady dealings, but concrete evidence had eluded me.

"Your Highness, how shall we proceed against Luciano?" Edric inquired. "The law dictates death and confiscation of wealth for those caught trafficking slaves. Their family title will be stripped, and they'll face hard labor without pardon."

I pondered the gravity of the situation. "Edric, has anyone of noble birth faced consequences for their crimes since my father became emperor?"

Edric's expression turned somber. "No, Your Highness. Noble birth has granted impunity, regardless of transgressions."

I made a calculated decision. "Leave Luciano alone for now. The timing isn't right. Instead, I have another task for you."

"Who shall I find, Your Highness?" Edric asked.

"The youngest lady of Count Ravenwood's household," I replied. "Uncover everything you can about the Ravenwood family. I want comprehensive information."

Edric nodded, understanding the gravity of the task. "Consider it done, Your Highness."

A soft promise whispered in my ears: "Hold on, Riona. I'm coming for you. I promise to free you from those monsters."

A soothing warmth spread through my heart, offering a glimmer of comfort.

But the cruel voices surrounding me snapped me back to reality: "Keep moving! We don't have all day to waste on you. We have work to do, unlike some people whose only skill is spreading their legs." Their snickers cut deep, echoing the harsh truth of my situation.

The maids parting words echoed in my mind: "Lord Ezekiel's orders: you're to remain here until further notice. Behave, or face the consequences." The heavy gates of the annex clanged shut, trapping me inside.

Panic set in, fueled by the uncertainty of Ezekiel's intentions. I missed Lynn and the others dearly, my only friends in this unforgiving place. Our brief bond had etched them in my memory.

As I lay on the cold, hard floor, memories of the crown prince's palace flooded my mind – the warmth and luxury of my former life. Our fleeting encounter resurfaced, and with it, a nagging pang in my heart.

Why did I keep thinking about him? Why did his presence stir something within me? The thought of harboring feelings for the crown prince seemed absurd, almost laughable.Perhaps indulging in these far-fetched thoughts is my only escape, my sole solace in this unyielding landscape.

To be continued