episode 14

CONTINUATION

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The castle stirred awake with the soft hues of dawn, but for Valerie, there was no peace. She stood at the highest tower, looking out at the sprawling estate. The council members were locked in the dungeon, their confessions transcribed and secured, but her thoughts were elsewhere.

Lucien Blackwood.

The name felt like a blade, reopening wounds she thought had scarred over. The man who had orchestrated her family’s destruction, the one who had framed her, wasn’t content with her exile. He was coming for her again, but this time, she wouldn’t run.

Behind her, Liam approached, his boots clicking softly on the stone floor. “You’ve been here all night,” he said, his voice low. “You should rest.”

Valerie turned to him, her eyes sharp. “Rest won’t stop him, Liam. Lucien won’t stop until he’s ripped everything I care about apart. If he’s tied to the council, then this castle is only the beginning.”

Liam stepped closer, the early morning light catching the new scar on his jaw. “You don’t have to face him alone. You have me. And Elara’s people. We’re stronger together.”

She wanted to believe him, but a part of her feared the cost of their loyalty. “How can I ask them to fight when the odds are so heavily against us? Lucien has an army, resources, and connections we can’t begin to match.”

Liam reached out, taking her hands in his. “Because you inspire them, Valerie. You give them hope. You gave me hope when I thought I had none. That’s more powerful than any army.”

For a moment, his words softened the storm inside her. But reality quickly set in. “Hope won’t protect us when Lucien’s men are at our gates.”

Liam’s grip tightened. “Then we prepare. We fortify the castle, rally more allies, and cut off Lucien’s influence wherever we can. He’s not invincible, Valerie.”

Before she could respond, Elara burst into the room, her face pale. “Lady Valentine, Liam, there’s been an attack.”

Valerie’s blood ran cold. “Where?”

“The northern village,” Elara said, her voice trembling. “Lucien’s men burned it to the ground. Survivors say they’re heading this way.”

Valerie’s jaw clenched. The fight she had been dreading was coming, whether she was ready or not.

“How long do we have?” Liam asked.

“A day, maybe two,” Elara replied. “They’re moving fast.”

Valerie turned to Liam, her resolve hardening. “We can’t wait for them to strike. If we let them reach the castle, they’ll destroy everything.”

“What are you suggesting?” Liam asked, though he already knew.

“We take the fight to them,” Valerie said, her voice firm. “We can’t win a siege, but we can catch them off guard. If we can cut their numbers before they regroup, we’ll have a chance.”

Elara nodded. “I’ll rally the fighters. We’ll meet you in the armory.”

As Elara disappeared, Liam looked at Valerie with a mixture of admiration and worry. “You’re putting yourself on the front lines.”

“This fight started because of me,” Valerie said. “I won’t let others bleed for my mistakes. Besides,” she added, her lips curving into a faint smirk, “someone has to keep you out of trouble.”

Liam chuckled softly, but the tension in his eyes didn’t fade. “Just promise me one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“Don’t get yourself killed.”

Valerie held his gaze, her expression softening. “Only if you promise the same.”

By nightfall, the castle was a flurry of activity. Fighters armed themselves, horses were saddled, and supplies were loaded onto carts. Valerie stood at the forefront, her dark cloak billowing in the cold wind.

Liam approached her, his sword strapped to his side. “The scouts have spotted their camp in the forest. If we move now, we’ll catch them before sunrise.”

Valerie nodded. “Then let’s move.”

The forest was eerily silent as Valerie’s group approached Lucien’s camp. The faint glow of campfires dotted the darkness ahead, the scent of smoke and cooked meat wafting through the air.

Liam signaled for the group to spread out, each taking a strategic position. Valerie’s heart pounded as she unsheathed her blade, the weight of it a stark reminder of the life she now led.

When the attack began, it was swift and brutal. Arrows rained from the trees, sowing chaos among Lucien’s men. Valerie charged into the fray alongside Liam, their blades cutting through the enemy ranks with precision.

But as the battle raged, Valerie’s focus sharpened on a single figure standing at the edge of the camp—a man cloaked in shadow, his presence commanding and terrifyingly familiar.

Lucien.

Their eyes met across the battlefield, and a cold smile spread across his lips.

“So,” he called out, his voice cutting through the chaos, “the little Valentine thinks she can fight back.”

Valerie’s grip tightened on her sword. “You should’ve stayed in the shadows, Lucien. Now, you’ll regret stepping into the light.”

Lucien’s laughter echoed through the forest. “We’ll see about that.”

And with that, he drew his blade, advancing toward her with deadly intent.

To be connected....

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