---
Lamia's jaw dropped dramatically, his breath catching in his throat. Did Hadrain Lockwood just propose to him? For a moment, the world seemed to tilt. The words replayed in his mind, his heart thundering as he tried to process the situation. Could this really be happening? He wanted to believe it, wanted to give in to the overwhelming rush of emotions threatening to drown him.
Just as he was about to respond, a loud knock interrupted the charged moment. A voice outside the door barked out a message that shattered Lamia's euphoria.
"Catherine is missing!"
The words hit Lamia like a bolt of lightning. His eyes bulged in horror, and his body reacted instinctively. He shot up from the place he was standing, nearly stumbling in his haste as panic consumed him.
"Catherine… missing?" His voice trembled, barely above a whisper at first, but then it rose to a frantic pitch. Without a second thought, Lamia rushed toward the door.
Hadrain frowned, confusion etched across his features. "Wait, what's going on? What happened?" he asked, trailing after Lamia.
Lamia spun around, his face contorted in fury and desperation. "Are you deaf, Hadrain?!" he roared, his voice echoing off the stone walls. "Catherine—the mother of my unborn children—is missing! And I can't just stand here while she's out there, possibly in danger! Stop being selfish and help me find her!"
His words cut through the air like a whip, leaving Hadrain momentarily stunned. Lamia was trembling, his hands clenched into fists at his sides as he fought to steady his breathing.
Angus, the messenger, stepped forward hesitantly, his expression grim. "Your Highness," he said, bowing slightly. "I heard noises coming from the prince's chambers. When I went in to check, I found the furniture overturned… but Lady Catherine was gone. There were no signs of anyone entering, which can only mean…" He hesitated, his eyes darting nervously.
"Magic," Lamia finished for him, his voice a cold whisper. His stomach churned at the realization. He pushed past Angus and bolted down the hallway, his footsteps echoing in his ears like a drumbeat of impending doom.
When he reached his chambers, the scene confirmed his worst fears. The bed was unmade, the curtains torn, and the air was heavy with the lingering traces of dark magic. Catherine was truly gone. Lamia's knees buckled, and he sank to the floor, his head in his hands.
"If I hadn't been with Hadrain… if I'd stayed by her side… this wouldn't have happened," he muttered, his voice thick with guilt. Tears pricked the corners of his eyes as he clenched his fists tighter. "No, Catherine. Please, fight for our children. Don't give up on me. Don't give up on us."
---
In another wing of the castle, Prince Aiden and Morven sat in a dimly lit chamber, their laughter ringing out like a cruel melody. Before them, Catherine sat bound to a wooden chair, her head slumped forward, unconscious.
"My sister truly outdid herself this time," Morven said with a wicked grin, leaning back in her seat. "Lamia coming to Scotland was a mistake—a fatal one. And now, his precious unborn children will meet their end. The crocodiles in the royal well are going to feast like kings tonight."
Her voice dripped with malice as she spoke, and her words sent a chill through the room. Margaret, Morven's sister, was an immortal witch, her power unmatched and her loyalty unquestionable. It was her black magic that had enabled them to kidnap Catherine so effortlessly.
Prince Aiden smirked, his eyes gleaming with sadistic delight. "And to think," he mused, "Callum and Ayla did such a fine job sowing doubt in the castle. If Lamia and Hadrain's relationship becomes public, the scandal will destroy them both. And if not…" He trailed off, his smirk widening. "Well, we've planted enough seeds to ensure Hadrain burns alive. Either way, Lamia will regret ever stepping foot in this kingdom."
Callum shifted uneasily, his brow furrowed. "But Hadrain… I'm sure I saw him using magic. He saved Catherine from the chandelier, but I thought magic was forbidden in the castle. Isn't he a threat to us?"
Aiden let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "Don't worry about him," he said dismissively. "The castle already suspects him. They believe he orchestrated the chandelier incident as an attempt on Catherine's life, and his so-called heroics were just a ruse. It's only a matter of time before the mob has him burnt at the stake."
The others exchanged satisfied smiles, their confidence in their plan growing with every passing moment.
---
With Catherine slung over his shoulder like a sack of grain, Aiden moved swiftly through the castle's shadowy corridors. He navigated the labyrinthine halls with practiced ease, avoiding detection as he made his way to the well.
When he reached his destination, he dropped Catherine unceremoniously onto the stone floor. The impact jolted her awake, and her eyes fluttered open, bleary with confusion.
She groaned, trying to push herself upright, but the bindings around her wrists and ankles held firm. Her heart raced as she took in her surroundings—the damp, musty air, the gaping mouth of the well just a few feet away, and Aiden's smug face staring down at her.
"Good morning, Lady Catherine," Aiden said with mock politeness, his tone laced with venom. "When you reach the bottom of the well, do me a favor and greet the crocodiles for me. They're starving, and I'm sure they'll appreciate the feast."
Catherine's eyes widened in horror as realization dawned on her. She struggled against her restraints, her muffled cries of protest swallowed by the gag in her mouth. Aiden paid her no mind, stepping closer to the well as he removed the lid. The darkness within seemed to stretch endlessly, a yawning abyss that promised nothing but death.
Without another word, Aiden grabbed Catherine by the shoulders and hoisted her toward the edge. Her muffled screams grew more frantic, her body writhing in a desperate attempt to break free. But Aiden's grip was firm, and with a final shove, he sent her plummeting into the darkness.
---
Meanwhile, Hadrain was deep in thought as he made his way back to the castle. He had decided it was time to retrieve the Book of Shadows. If he was going to help Lamia and Catherine, he would need every ounce of power at his disposal.
But as he approached the castle gates, a voice rang out, sharp and accusatory: "That's him! The evil wizard who tried to kill the crown prince's unborn children!"
Hadrain froze, his heart sinking as he turned to face the mob gathering behind him. Their faces were twisted with anger and fear, their eyes gleaming with righteous fury. Before he could react, someone lunged forward and clamped iron shackles around his wrists.
The cold metal bit into his skin, and a sharp pain shot through his arms. But it wasn't just the physical discomfort—the shackles were enchanted, suppressing his magic and leaving him defenseless.
"No!" Hadrain shouted, struggling against his restraints. "This is a misunderstanding! I'm a friend of the crown prince! If you harm me, you'll face his wrath!"
The mob hesitated for a brief moment, murmuring amongst themselves. But their doubt was short-lived.
"Where's your prince now, wizard?" one man sneered. "If you're so important, why isn't he here to save you?"
Before Hadrain could respond, a heavy chain lashed across his back, sending him sprawling to the ground. Pain exploded through his body, and he gasped, his vision swimming.
"You're nothing but a liar and a threat to the crown!" another man shouted, his voice filled with venom.
The mob descended upon Hadrain, their fists and boots raining down on him. He tried to shield himself, but the onslaught was relentless. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth as they dragged him away, their cries growing louder with every step.
"Burn him alive!" they chanted. "Burn the wizard!"
---