"What the hell?!" She exclaimed and forcefully pushed Liam away from her. With a bewildered expression, she questioned his actions and instinctively took a step back. For several tense moments, Liam remained silent, his disappointment evident. As he approached her, Avery retreated, her gaze fixed on both Liam and the jar. Confusion clouded Avery's mind as she demanded an explanation, 'Why are you doing this?' A sense of urgency surged through her as she realized it was nearing curfew. She needed to leave before risking arrest by the military. With an imploring look, she locked eyes with Liam. 'Please reconsider,' she pleaded, tightening her grip on the jar. Suddenly, the door burst open behind them, startling them both. Avery's heart leaped, fearing it was a patrolling military guard who had overheard their conversation. Escape seemed impossible, as the government had declared severe consequences for offenders. 'Sir Liam.' Thankfully, it was not a military guard, but Jeffrey! A

In a dimly lit room, illuminated by a flickering ceiling light bulb that seemed on the brink of failure, a man with a bag over his head endured the merciless hold of two menacing individuals. They relentlessly submerged his head in a large bathtub filled with water, only to yank him out moments later for further interrogation.The room bore the evidence of their struggle—water pooled on the floor, a result of both his resistance and the dampness of the bag. The man, shirtless and kneeling, bore numerous wounds adorning his chest. As they removed the bag from his head, he gasped for air, coughing in response.The attention of both the captive and his tormentors was captured by the creaking sound of the metal door, announcing the arrival of their superior.A figure dressed in a black overall entered the room, his coal-black eyes piercing the atmosphere. His dark, silky hair and pale complexion added to his striking, yet sinister appearance. His slightly pink lips gave him an air of both

Avery slowly raised her head, delicately moving the strands of hair away from her face. Her gaze locked directly onto the lady, who responded with a warm, friendly smile."Good, there's nothing to be scared of," the lady assured her, squinting her eyes before waving her away.Relieved, Avery sighed as she walked past the other customers and returned to the counter. She was grateful that they hadn't caused any trouble, although she doubted they had simply come to eat."What's happening over there?" Jeffrey asked suspiciously, giving her a questioning look. His gaze shifted back to the guests, but he quickly averted his eyes when he noticed the lady smirking at him."Nothing is going on," Avery reassured him with a forced smile, walking past him and into the kitchen after informing him about the drinks ordered by the guests.Carrying the new orders on a tray in her left hand, she made her way to the guests' table, attempting to maintain a smile. Her legs moved steadily as she approached

"What is it, Father?" he asked, turning to face his father, who gave him a displeased look.Lord Ericson entered the room and scanned it with his eyes. "Son of a bitch! Instead of finding the blood ring as we hoped, you choose to consort with the servants?!" he yelled."I will find it, Father.""You better, or else I'll throw you into the dungeon for wasting my time. I'm doing everything within my power to ensure you become king, and you should be doing the same," Lord Ericson said with a disapproving look, squinting at his son."I will, Father," the prince replied nonchalantly, averting his gaze from his father.Before he could react, his father forcefully grabbed his face and turned it towards him, staring directly into his eyes."Do. Not. Test. Me!" his father seethed, tightening his grip on his son's cheeks, causing grunts and bone cracks to fill the room.He released his hold, coldly watching as his son worked his jaw and sighed in relief.Rohan gave his father a cold, disdainful

It was pitch black, so dark that the body lying on the ground in the cramped room was barely visible. The figure, a female, stirred awake and was seized by panic as she struggled to see her surroundings in the darkness. With her hands groping the walls, she attempted to stand up, but the sharp pain shooting through her legs caused her to collapse. Avery winced as her legs gave way, realizing she had sprained her ankle. Just then, she heard the metallic sounds of gears and locks. For a fleeting moment, silence engulfed the room, followed by creaking noises, and suddenly, a bright light flooded the space. It was so intense that she had to shield her eyes until they adjusted. "The Boss wants you," a deep, husky voice declared, drawing her gaze in its direction. "F*** you!" Avery cursed, glaring defiantly at the stranger. "I won't budge from here unless you tell me where I am." The man entered the room, towering over her, and stared down. "I forgot to mention one thing—it's not a reque