episode 13

CONTINUATION

.

.

.

The moonlight spilled through the high arched windows of the castle’s library as Valerie and Liam stood over a map of the grounds, their voices hushed but determined. A single candle flickered between them, casting shadows on the detailed markings Liam had made over weeks of observation.

“This,” Liam said, pointing to an unassuming corner of the castle grounds, “is where they’re meeting tomorrow night. They think it’s secure, far from prying eyes. We’ll prove them wrong.”

Valerie frowned, studying the map. “That’s near the west gardens. The staff rarely patrol there—it’s isolated, almost forgotten.”

“Exactly,” Liam said, his tone sharp. “They’ll use it to finalize their plans. We’ll use it to strike first.”

Valerie hesitated, her fingers brushing the edges of the map. “We can’t just barge in. If even one of them escapes, the entire castle will turn against us. We need to be strategic.”

Liam nodded. “Which is why we’ll have help.” He stepped back, and from the shadows emerged a figure Valerie didn’t recognize—a young woman with short, dark hair and piercing green eyes.

“This is Elara,” Liam said. “She’s part of the faction I told you about. She’s been working in the kitchens for years, feeding information to those who resist the council’s control.”

Elara bowed slightly. “Lady Valentine,” she said softly. “It’s an honor to finally meet you. We’ve been waiting for someone like you—a leader who isn’t afraid to stand against them.”

Valerie straightened, surprised by the deference in Elara’s voice. “I’m no leader,” she said. “I’m just trying to survive.”

Elara smiled faintly. “Sometimes survival is the first act of rebellion.”

The words struck Valerie deeply, but she didn’t have time to dwell on them. “How many others are there?” she asked.

Elara glanced at Liam before replying. “A dozen, maybe more. Not all of them are fighters, but they’re loyal. They’ll do whatever it takes to protect you and the castle.”

“Good,” Valerie said, her confidence hardening. “Then here’s the plan: we’ll split into two groups. One will create a diversion near the east wing to draw attention away from the west gardens. The other will ambush the meeting.”

“And what about the truth serum?” Liam asked, gesturing toward the vial he’d shown her earlier.

“We’ll use it sparingly,” Valerie said. “Only on the ones who know the most. If we’re going to dismantle their operation, we need information as much as we need victory.”

Elara nodded. “I’ll gather the others and make sure they’re ready. But be careful, Lady Valentine. If we fail, there won’t be a second chance.”

As Elara disappeared into the shadows, Valerie turned to Liam. “This has to work. If it doesn’t—”

“It will,” Liam interrupted, his voice firm. “I’ll make sure of it.”

Valerie searched his eyes for any hint of doubt but found none. Despite everything, Liam’s determination was unshakable.

The hours leading to the ambush passed in tense preparation. Valerie donned a dark cloak to blend into the night, her heart pounding as she joined Liam and the others near the west gardens. The air was thick with anticipation, every rustle of the leaves heightening their nerves.

When the council members arrived, cloaked and oblivious to the trap, Valerie’s breath caught. These were the same people she had smiled at in passing, the ones who had offered kind words and reassurances. Now, she saw them for what they were—traitors.

The ambush was swift. The diversion worked as planned, drawing guards and attention away from the meeting spot. Valerie and her group descended on the council like shadows, incapacitating them before they could raise the alarm.

In the chaos, Liam cornered one of the council leaders—a wiry man with cold eyes. “You’re going to tell us everything,” he growled, holding the truth serum vial up.

The man sneered. “You think this will change anything? You’re too late.”

Valerie stepped forward, her voice ice-cold. “Then you won’t mind proving it. Drink.”

Reluctantly, the man swallowed the serum, and within moments, his defiance gave way to fear. Words spilled from his lips, painting a picture more horrifying than Valerie could have imagined.

The council wasn’t just planning her downfall. They were orchestrating a coup to seize control of the castle and its surrounding lands, using her as a scapegoat to consolidate their power.

And at the heart of their plan was a name Valerie hadn’t heard in years—a name that sent a chill down her spine.

Lucien Blackwood.

Her fists clenched, anger and dread surging through her veins. The Blackwood family wasn’t finished with her yet.

As dawn broke over the castle, Valerie stood beside Liam, the captured council members bound and silenced at their feet.

“This is just the beginning,” she said, her voice steady despite the storm brewing within her. “If Lucien is involved, it’s not just my life at stake—it’s everyone’s. We need to be ready for whatever comes next.”

Liam placed a hand on her shoulder, his touch grounding her. “We will be. Together.”

And for the first time in weeks, Valerie felt a flicker of hope.

To be continued....

.

.

.

Hello guys, till now I hope you guys are liking this story and I also hope you are doing well please comment and also give your suggestions. Please like 🫶🏻, subscribe ✨, vote 💐, share ♥️....

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***