The Cursed Villainess and the Tyrant Duke
Episode 17: The Price of Power
The room felt stifling as Valerius's words echoed in Evelina’s mind. I want you, Evelina. And I want you to understand the power that lies within you. The intensity of his gaze made her blood run cold, though she hid it beneath a veneer of cool detachment.
Evelina took a measured step back, crossing her arms in front of her chest. The proximity of Valerius had always been unsettling, but now, it felt more dangerous than ever. She was caught between fear and curiosity, her heart torn between the desire to flee and the pull to understand more about the power she had inherited, whether she was ready or not.
Evelina Everhart
(steadily) So, you want me to join you. To what end, exactly? You’ve been controlling every step I take, manipulating events, and yet you say you want to help me?
Valerius's lips curled into a half-smile, but there was something solemn in his eyes now, a flicker of something deeper beneath his usually impenetrable demeanor.
Valerius Draven
(softly) You misunderstand, Evelina. I don’t seek to control you. I seek to guide you. You are more than you realize. Your bloodline, your powers—they are a key to something greater. And you will need me to help you unlock it.
Evelina Everhart
*In mind*Unlock it? What is it? And why can’t I shake the feeling that I’m being cornered?
Her gaze shifted to the map behind him, the markers on it no longer seeming like simple geographical points. She couldn’t help but feel as though the map was a visual representation of a game—one she had not yet fully entered but was destined to play. And with each step, the stakes grew higher.
Evelina Everhart
(calmly) And if I refuse? What happens then?
Valerius’s smile faltered for a fraction of a second, a hint of something unreadable passing through his expression. But it was gone as quickly as it had appeared.
Valerius Draven
(measured) If you refuse, then the forces that have been watching you will move faster than you can anticipate. You will be a pawn, Evelina. A mere piece on a chessboard. And if you’re not careful, you will be discarded as easily as any other.
Evelina held his gaze, refusing to show any sign of fear. But inside, her mind churned with the weight of his words. She had been running from her destiny for so long, trying to avoid the inevitable, but now it seemed like there was no escape.
Evelina Everhart
*In mind*He's right. There’s no running from this. Not anymore. But does that mean I must trust him?
Valerius stepped closer, his presence overwhelming, though there was a softness to his voice now, almost as if he were speaking to someone he cared about.
Valerius Draven
(gently) I’m not asking for blind trust, Evelina. I’m asking you to consider the bigger picture. The fate of this kingdom—and your own—is tied to the choices you make now. I’ve seen what you’re capable of, and I know you have it within you to rise above this. But it will take more than your strength alone.
His words seemed to settle into her bones, stirring something deep inside. She had always known her powers were dangerous, unpredictable, but had she ever truly understood their potential?
Evelina Everhart
(softly) And what is this bigger picture? What are we fighting for?
Valerius’s expression darkened, his voice becoming almost a whisper as he spoke.
Valerius Draven
(low) There are forces—dark forces—that seek to control the kingdom, to harness its magic for their own gain. They don’t care about the people, about the land. They only care about power. And they will stop at nothing to obtain it.
Evelina felt a chill run down her spine at the implications of his words. The power that had been dormant within her, that had once seemed like an uninvited curse, was now at the center of a larger struggle—a war she had never asked to be part of.
Evelina Everhart
(quietly) And you want me to fight for you, don’t you?
Valerius’s gaze softened, though his intensity never wavered.
Valerius Draven
(gently) Not just for me, Evelina. I want you to fight for yourself. To take control of your own fate. To stop letting others dictate the path you walk.
The silence that followed was thick with unspoken words. Evelina’s mind raced, caught between the pull of his words and the knowledge that trusting Valerius might come at a heavy price. But then again, what choice did she have? The forces he spoke of were already closing in, and every second she hesitated was a second
Evelina Everhart
(finally) Fine. But I’ll only do this on my terms.
Valerius’s eyes flickered with something—surprise, perhaps? Or was it admiration? But whatever it was, it was gone in an instant, replaced by that familiar, unreadable expression.
Valerius Draven
(nodding) Of course. But remember, Evelina, time is not a luxury you have. The sooner we act, the sooner you can gain the strength you need to protect yourself.
Evelina Everhart
*In mind*Strength… It feels like there’s so much I still don’t understand about my own power. But maybe this is the only way. The only chance I have to control my fate.
Valerius extended a hand toward her, his fingers beckoning in a silent invitation. Evelina hesitated for only a moment before she took his hand. The connection was electric, an undeniable force that coursed through her veins as if her very soul recognized the danger—and the possibility—of what lay ahead.
Evelina Everhart
*In mind*This is it. There’s no turning back now.
Btw this is the map that Valerius showed Evelina.
Depressed author
for now. Byehhhh byehhhhh👁🫦👁
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