The Cursed Villainess and the Tyrant Duke
Episode 16: The Weight of Choices
The air in Evelina’s chambers seemed to thicken with the weight of Cassian’s words as the door clicked shut behind him. His offer lingered like an uninvited guest in the room, the echoes of his voice a constant reminder of the choices she now faced.
She stood still, her fingers brushing against the cold stone wall as she processed everything he had said. Trust him? Could she really trust Cassian, a man whose true motives remained shrouded in mystery, just because he spoke of threats she hadn’t even seen yet?
Evelina Everhart
*In mind*This is what they do, isn't it? Manipulate, deceive, play on your weaknesses. I can’t be their pawn.
But Cassian's warning wasn’t one to ignore. Her powers, the ones she had yet to fully understand, were at the heart of everything, and she had to face the reality that she couldn’t fight this battle alone.
Evelina walked over to the large mirror in her chamber, staring at her reflection. Her jet-black hair framed her face, her piercing blue eyes staring back at her with a defiance that had served her well in her life. But now, there was something different—something darker.
She had always believed she was just a bystander in the game of the elite, a villainess forced into a role she never asked for. But now, she was being pulled into a web much larger than she had ever imagined.
The knock at her door broke her thoughts, and she turned sharply, her heart skipping a beat. Who could it be now?
Evelina Everhart
*In mind*Another player? Or someone who can help me make a decision?
Anna entered with a hesitant expression, holding a tray of tea.
Anna
(softly) My lady, the Duke of Draven requests your presence. He says it’s urgent.
The mention of Valerius's name made Evelina's pulse quicken. Her earlier resolve wavered, but she couldn’t show weakness—not now.
Evelina Everhart
(calmly) I’ll be there shortly.
As Anna exited, Evelina stood in front of the mirror once more. Valerius Draven. His name alone was enough to make anyone tremble, yet there was something compelling about him, something that drew her in despite her better judgment. But why now? Why did he want to see her again?
Evelina Everhart
*In mind*Could he know what Cassian said? Or is he just playing his own game?
She gathered herself, her mind sharp and focused. This meeting would not be like the last. She wasn’t the same woman who had stumbled into this world of power games, unaware of the forces she was up against.
When she arrived at the Duke’s chambers, the atmosphere was thick with the same tension she had felt every time they crossed paths. Valerius stood by the large windows, his back to her as he gazed out at the distant horizon. His posture, regal and commanding, only made him more intimidating.
Valerius Draven
(without turning) Lady Evelina. I knew you would come.
Evelina stood tall, her arms crossed over her chest. She was no longer the hesitant girl who had once been intimidated by him. She was a woman with a purpose, even if she still didn’t know what that purpose was.
Evelina Everhart
(coolly) You requested my presence, Duke Draven. Speak.
Valerius finally turned, his eyes locking with hers. A faint, almost imperceptible smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.
Valerius Draven
(in a low voice) I see you’ve been keeping company with Lord Rutherfield. I trust he hasn’t given you too much trouble?
Evelina’s breath caught in her throat, her expression betraying nothing.
Evelina Everhart
(steadily) I don’t know what you’re implying.
Valerius’s smirk deepened as he moved closer to her, his presence overwhelming. He stood just inches away, his dark eyes studying her carefully.
Valerius Draven
(softly) Don’t play coy with me, Evelina. I know what he said to you. And I know what you’re thinking.
Evelina’s heart raced, but she refused to let him see her unease. She stood firm, her voice icy.
Evelina Everhart
(calmly) I don’t know what you’re talking about.
Valerius chuckled, a sound that made her skin prickle with unease.
Valerius Draven
(smiling) You don’t have to hide it from me. I know what you’ve learned about your powers, about your potential. But there’s something you don’t know—something I’ve been keeping from you.
Evelina’s eyes narrowed, her pulse quickening with a mix of anger and anticipation.
Evelina Everhart
(sharply) What are you talking about?
Valerius’s gaze softened, though the darkness behind his eyes never wavered.
Valerius Draven
(softly) There are forces at play here, Evelina. And I have been trying to protect you from them.
Evelina Everhart
*In mind*Protect me? Or control me?
Before she could respond, Valerius stepped back, his demeanor shifting as he gestured to the large map on the wall—a map of the kingdom, with various markers placed at key locations.
Valerius Draven
(explaining) This is what you don’t understand. Your power is tied to more than just the land of Everhart. It stretches far beyond, to places you cannot even imagine. You are the key, Evelina. To everything.
Evelina’s mind raced. The implications of his words were staggering. She had always known her powers were dangerous, but now it seemed there was a larger game at play. A game that she had no choice but to play.
Evelina Everhart
*In mind*I’ve been a pawn in someone else’s game this entire time… but I’m not ready to lose yet.
Evelina Everhart
(firmly) If I’m the key, then what am I supposed to unlock? What is it you want from me, Duke Draven?
Valerius’s expression darkened, and he stepped closer, his voice low and filled with something close to reverence.
Valerius Draven
(softly) I want you, Evelina. And I want you to understand the power that lies within you. Together, we can reshape the future.
His words hung in the air, a promise and a threat all at once. Evelina didn’t know if she could trust him, but one thing was clear—she could no longer afford to stand on the sidelines.
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