Marco’s POV "Northern Ridge," he gasped, his words a fractured admission. "They've taken her to the Northern Ridge.""Look at me," I commanded, my voice firm but devoid of the anger that had fueled me moments ago. His gaze locked onto mine, a mixture of defiance and vulnerability swimming in his eyes. "I don't relish doing this, but I need to find her. Scarlett's safety is my priority."His lips trembled, his face a canvas of agony and trepidation. "I understand," he croaked, his voice barely above a whisper. "But even if I tell you, they'll kill me for betraying them."I leaned in, my expression a blend of urgency and sincerity. "Listen carefully," I began, my words measured and deliberate. "You've seen the kind of person I am. I won't let my men harm you if you cooperate. We're not like Swiftclaw's forces. We're better than that."He hesitated, his breath hitching as if caught between two conflicting decisions. "I don't even know if they've told me the truth about where they took h

Scarlett’s POVI woke up when I heard a gentle knock on my chamber door. I rubbed my eyes and stretched, trying to shake off the sleep that still clung to me. It took a moment for me to fully comprehend that I was back in the waking world. Who could be looking for me at this time? In a sleepy voice, I asked, "Who is it?"A voice I recognized immediately came from the other side of the door. "It's me, Your Grace."A spark of familiarity ignited within me. The guard speaking was my personal guard. As his words registered in my half-awake mind, a small smile formed at the corners of my mouth.I responded, my voice still heavy with sleep, "Please come in."The door creaked open, revealing him in the doorway. He was dressed in his usual attire, his armor and his weapon fastened to his side. His dark hair framed a face that carried an air of determination and respect. As he stepped forward, our eyes briefly met, conveying a silent understanding that words couldn't capture."I'm sorry for di

Scarlett’s POVI looked directly at Michael, and it felt like time slowed down for a moment. His eyes seemed really sincere, in a way I hadn't seen from him before. It was so different from the times he had tricked me. All sorts of feelings swirled inside me, like a big storm of emotions. I couldn't hold back the strong mix of hurt and anger that I felt. My voice was soft, barely louder than a whisper, as I spoke up and faced him. The hurt from what he had done was just too real to ignore."You were like a brother to Marco, and you betrayed us? How could you?" The words escaped my lips, laden with the weight of betrayal that cut deep into my heart. Marco, my beloved husband, had shared an unbreakable bond with Michael – a bond I had thought was unshakable, until the truth unraveled before me.His gaze dropped to the ground, and a heavy cloak of shame seemed to shroud him. His voice was tinged with remorse as he admitted, "I messed up. I let my desires lead me astray, and in doing so,

Scarlett’s POV "Your Majesty, I understand that this plan might sound incredibly dangerous, but Michael has a point. Swiftclaw's power comes from that hidden place, and if we can disrupt his connection to it, we might have a real chance to defeat him." Scarlett's eyes met the King's, her determination shining through. "We can't just keep running from him. It's time we take a stand and fight back."The King's brow furrowed with concern, his gaze shifting between Scarlett and Michael. "But how can we be certain that attacking that place will actually weaken Swiftclaw? What if it only makes him more powerful?"Michael leaned forward, his expression earnest. "Your Majesty, I understand your concerns, but I've studied Swiftclaw's dark magic extensively. The source of his power is deeply intertwined with that place. By breaking his connection to it, we'll disrupt the flow of energy he draws upon. It won't make him stronger; it'll make him vulnerable." As Scarlett leaned against the cha

Marco’s POV"Thane sent me to deliver a message," he began, his voice carrying a sense of gravitas. "He's been able to locate Swiftclaw's army, but they've encountered significant resistance. They haven't been able to infiltrate the camp due to the enemy's defenses. As we speak, they're engaged in a fierce battle.""Attacked?" I echoed."What happened?" I inquired."The journey to find Swiftclaw's army wasn't without its challenges," the messenger began. "Thane and his forces encountered formidable resistance on the way. The enemy's strength was greater than anticipated.""And where is he now?" I asked."As we speak, a battle rages," the messenger answered, his voice unwavering. "Thane wants you to join him."My eyebrows shot up,. "Join him? But why?"The messenger's eyes bore into mine, the weight of his words laden with purpose. "Thane believes that together, the two of you can tip the scales. Swiftclaw's army is formidable, and he thinks that if the two of you unite, you might just