(DOMINIK'S POV)
I stood frozen, my mind reeling as Mother's words echoed through the cold, dark chamber.
"Rose has been promised to Damien. The arrangement is set."
My heart sank, a heavy weight crushing my chest. Rose, the innocent, kind-hearted girl I'd secretly harbored feelings for since childhood. The thought of her in Damien's grasp made my blood boil.
As I grew up, I'd watched Rose blossom into a beautiful young woman. Her laughter, her smile, her fierce spirit – all captivated me. I'd waited patiently, knowing she needed time to mature. Now, that future was ripped away.
Damien's reputation sent shivers down my spine. His cruelty, his ruthless ambition – Rose would be nothing but a pawn in his twisted games. The thought of his hands on her, his eyes on her, made my stomach churn.
I felt helpless, trapped by the unyielding traditions of our world. No one dared defy Mother's orders, least of all me. But the rage and despair swirling within me threatened to burst free.
How could Mother do this? Didn't she see the goodness in Rose? Didn't she care that she'd be sacrificed to Damien's monstrous desires?
I recalled the countless moments Rose and I shared – stolen glances, whispered conversations, and laughter. All those memories now taunted me, reminding me of what I'd lost.
My thoughts turned dark, consumed by visions of Rose suffering at Damien's hands. I pictured her tears, her pleas, her broken spirit. My fists clenched, aching to shatter the chains binding her to that monster.
But I knew better. Defiance would only bring ruin. Our world didn't tolerate rebellion; obedience was the sole currency.
As I stood there, paralyzed by anguish, a resolve formed within me. I'd find a way to save Rose, no matter the cost. Even if it meant risking everything – my family, my future, my very life.
For now, I'd wear a mask, conceal my true feelings. But secretly, I'd plot, I'd scheme, and I'd wait for the perfect moment to strike.
Rose, my love, I vow to rescue you. Damien will not own you.
Here's the continuation of Dominik's POV:
I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease as I left Mother's chambers. The cold stone corridors seemed to close in around me, suffocating me. I needed air.
I made my way to the castle gardens, seeking solace in the moonlit night. The shadows cast by the trees seemed to whisper secrets, fueling my determination.
As I walked, my thoughts turned to Rose. Where was she now? Did she know about the arrangement? The thought of her tears, her fears, ignited a fire within me.
Suddenly, a figure emerged from the darkness. My sister, Sophia.
"Dominik, what's wrong?" Sophia's voice was laced with concern.
I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. But Sophia's kind eyes put me at ease.
"Mother's ordered Rose to marry Damien," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
Sophia's expression turned grim. "I knew it. I overheard Mother discussing it with her advisor."
My grip on Sophia's arm tightened. "Do you think Rose knows?"
Sophia nodded. "I saw her earlier, crying in the library. She must have found out."
My heart sank. Rose, already suffering.
"We have to do something, Sophia," I urged.
Sophia's eyes locked onto mine. "I'm with you, brother. But we must be cautious. Mother won't hesitate to punish us if we defy her."
I nodded, a plan beginning to form in my mind.
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(ROSE'S POV)
I slumped over the library desk, my head in my hands, as tears streamed down my face. The leather-bound book in front of me blurred, its words meaningless.
How could Mother do this to me? Damien, of all people. His cold, calculating eyes haunted my dreams. The thought of being trapped in a loveless marriage, subjected to his cruelty, suffocated me.
I recalled the whispered warnings from the castle staff, the fearful glances directed at Damien. They knew. Everyone knew.
Why didn't Mother?
I thought of Dominik, his kind smile, his gentle words. He'd always been my refuge, my confidant. But even he couldn't save me now.
The weight of my fate crushed me. I felt like a pawn in a twisted game, forced to surrender my freedom.
Tears fell onto the parchment, staining the ink. I sobbed, my body shaking, as despair consumed me.
"Why, Mother?" I whispered, my voice barely audible. "Why must I suffer?"
The library's silence mocked me, its stillness a cruel reminder of my isolation.
I thought of escape, of fleeing into the night, but where could I go? The castle walls seemed to close in, trapping me.
As I wept, a faint sense of determination stirred within me. I wouldn't go quietly into the darkness. I'd find a way to resist, to fight.
For now, though, I surrendered to my tears, letting them wash away my shattered dreams.
I wept uncontrollably, my body shaking, my heart heavy. The library's silence enveloped me, a cold comfort.
Suddenly, footsteps echoed through the room. I didn't care who it was. I couldn't face anyone.
But then, a gentle hand touched my shoulder.
"Rose?" Dominik's soft voice whispered.
I turned, and our eyes met. His expression twisted in concern.
"Rose, what's wrong?" he asked, his voice laced with urgency.
I tried to speak, but words failed me. Instead, I buried my face in my hands and sobbed.
Dominik sat beside me, pulling me into a warm embrace. "Tell me, Rose. What's happening?"
Between sobs, I managed to stammer, "M-mother...wants me...to marry...Damien."
Dominik's grip tightened. "No," he whispered, his voice fierce. "You won't. We won't let that happen."
I pulled back, searching his face. "What can we do?"
Dominik's eyes locked onto mine, determination burning within them. "You'll flee. Tonight. I'll help you."
My breath caught. "But where will I go?"
"I'll arrange everything," Dominik said, his voice steady. "You'll be safe. I promise."
Hope flickered within me, but fear lingered. "What if we're caught?"
Dominik's jaw clenched. "I'll protect you. We'll face whatever comes together."
His words wrapped around me like a shield, giving me strength.
"Trust me, Rose," he whispered, his eyes burning with conviction.
I nodded, a sense of resolve forming within me.
Together, we'd defy Aunt Leslie's orders and escape the darkness that awaited me.
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