The dull ache in my cheek serves as a constant reminder of the encounter with Aurelia, her cruel words still echoing in my mind. As I navigate the castle corridors, trying to shake off the sting of betrayal, a looming figure emerges from the shadows ahead.
It's Blaze, Lucius's right-hand man, his presence casting a foreboding shadow over the already dimly lit hallway. His eyes narrow as they land on me, a smirk twisting his lips into a cruel curve.
"Well, well, well," he sneers, his voice dripping with malice. "Look what the cat dragged in. Seems like you've been playing with fire, little human."
His words cut deep, a shiver running down my spine as I brace myself for his next move. Blaze has always been ruthless, his loyalty to Lucius bordering on fanaticism. And now, with me bearing the marks of Aurelia's aggression, I know I'm an easy target for his cruelty.
"What's the matter?" he taunts, stepping closer until he's mere inches away, his breath hot against my skin. "Cat got your tongue? Or maybe it was just too busy getting scratched up by Lucius's ex?"
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I swallow hard, refusing to let him see the fear that churns within me. "I don't have time for your games, Blaze," I retort, my voice steady despite the tremor in my hands. "I have more important things to worry about than your petty insults."
But Blaze only laughs, a cold, mirthless sound that sends a shiver down my spine. "Oh, feisty, aren't we?" he mocks, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "I like that. Makes breaking you all the more fun."
Before I can react, he lunges forward, his hand closing around my throat in a vice-like grip. I gasp for air, struggling against his hold as panic threatens to overwhelm me.
"Let go of me," I choke out, my voice barely a whisper against the crushing weight of his aggression.
But Blaze only tightens his grip, his eyes alight with sadistic delight. "You think you can talk back to me?" he snarls, his voice a low growl that sends a shiver down my spine. "You're nothing but a pathetic human, barely worthy of being in Lucius's presence, let alone his bed."
The words strike a nerve, igniting a fire within me that refuses to be extinguished. With a surge of adrenaline, I summon every ounce of strength I possess, driving my knee up into Blaze's groin with all the force I can muster.
He staggers back with a grunt of pain, releasing his hold on me as he doubles over in agony. Seizing the opportunity, I dart past him, my heart pounding in my chest as I flee down the hallway, away from his menacing presence.
As I put distance between myself and Blaze, I can't help but wonder what awaits me next in this treacherous world of shadows and deceit. But one thing is certain: I will not be broken by the likes of him or anyone else who dares to stand in my way.
For I am Victoria, and though I may be human, I possess a strength and resilience that cannot be extinguished, even in the face of the darkest of adversaries. And as long as I draw breath, I will fight tooth and nail to overcome whatever challenges lie ahead, no matter the cost.