Chapter 11
I raised the ceremonial glass to my lips. For the briefest moment, I hesitated, for
the weigh
weight of my decision pressing down on me.
The liquid shimmered innocently in the glass. A ceremonial wine for the monarch. It looked clean and absolutely appetizing, belying the potent danger it concealed.
The moment the liquid touched my lips, I knew what would await me
unimaginable pain and ruthless agony, before I would be placed at the brink of death. The pain was so much that I hesitated. Nevertheless, I knew what by beyond that suffering.
River.
The memory of my son–his laughter, his bright golden eyes flooded my mind. Though he couldn’t see me, he would always look for me. Though 1 left him to hide with my father and mother, he still loved me…
The ache of missing him was unbearable, driving me to do what few would dare. I had to meet him again, no matter the cost.
For River, I thought before raising the glass on my lips.
ן
Unlike the last time, I did not recklessly drain the glass. This time, I took only enough to set the events in motion, enough to bring me close to the edge without falling over it. I tipped the glass to my lips and allowed a small sip to pass, the bitter taste burning my throat.
But even a small amount of the toxin was unforgiving-
The poison was slow acting. For some time, I did not feel anything, it was only when the dawn was approaching that I felt it.
A searing pain that erupted in my chest, spreading like wildfire through my veins.
My body betrayed me, trembling as I fought to remain standing. My breathing grew labored, beads of sweat forming on my brow as the poison began its cruel work,
This was no
was no ordinary toxin. It was designed to bring a slow and excruciating end, yet I had prepared for this moment.
At the moment, my life was not in immediate danger–not yet—but the agony was far worse than I remembered.
1 cached the edge of the table for support, the world spinning around me, but I refused to let go of my consciousness. Not this time.
Stay aware, I told myself through gritted teeth. This is the only way
Every detail was crucial. The whispers of the crowd, the flicker of shadows at the edge of the hall, the faces of those who dared to look my way, Somewhere among them was the person who had slipped the poison into my drink. And somewhere beyond this agony was the man who would Lave me the man who was River’s true father.
The scene around me played out as it had in my past life…
This time, however, I was no longer a passive victim.
Through the haze of pain, I forced myself to observe. My gaze fitted from face to face, searching for the subtle signs of guilt, fear, or satisfaction.
My hands trembled and my knees buckled. but I refused to collapse completely.
“Who are you?‘ I demanded silently, glaring at the crowd as though daring the culprit to reveal themselves.
“Who did this to me!
Despite the excruciating pain, I caught movement at the corner of my eye. A shadow darted away from the gathering, slipping toward the exit with practiced ease. My mind screamed at me to follow, but my body was too weak to obcy.
Later, I vowed.
1 will remember everything every pain I will feel
And return it to you tenfold. My eyes flashed coldly.
As each second passed, the pain grew unbearable, searing through my body like lire. My legs trembled violently, unable to support me any longer. I Baggered, barely able to stay upright.
It’s time to return.” I thought grimly, sterling myself as I willed my failing body to carry me back to my quarter–back to the place where I would
incet Tum:
Chapter 11
But then, something unexpected happened.
The air in the hall shifted. A ripple of murmurs swept through the crowd, growing louder with each passing second. Slowly, the sea of guests parted. and a tall, imposing figure strode forward with a presence that demanded attention
My heart clenched. My vision swam, not from the poison, but from the sudden shock of recognition.
Silat
The man I had once cherished with every fiber of my being.
The man I had loved and trusted above all others.
The one I had devoted my heart, my soul, and my future to
My past life’s chosen mate
And the man who had utterly and completely betrayed me.
The murderer of my parents,
The man who had destroyed my son.
My breath hitched, and my chest tightened d with a hatred so fierce it felt as though my very soul was being consumed by it
“What is he doing here? I gasped inwardly, my body tensing. In my p
new.
unfamiliar, and dangerous.
past life, Silas had never attended the Founding Celebration. This moment was
The sight of him was a cruel twist of fate, one I was not prepared for. My heart pounded in my chest, but not from the poison. This was something darker, sharper–a visceral, seething rage that threatened to overwhelm me.
ידן
I wanted to strike him down. To end him here and now. To make him suffer a torment so profound it would echo through eternity.
I wanted to create a hell that was his alone–a place where he would scream in agony for every second of his wretched existence.
My vision blurred with red, my hatred threatening to consume me
‘Control yourself, I told myself, forcing my eyes shut. I clenched my fists so tightly my nails dug into my palms, the pain grounding me just enough to keep my fury in check.
Then, his voice shattered the air, smooth and commanding as ever. The sound cut through the chaos like a blade, dragging me back to the present.
“Out of my way,” he said firmly, his tone carrying the same decisive authority it always had. Only now, I could hear the undertone I had missed in my past life–the sharp edge of calculated indifference and hidden deceit.
The crowd parted for him, and he approached me with
h measured steps
“My lady.” Silas’s voice softened as he stopped before me. “You look unwell. Are you alright?”
His words were gentle, but unlike Rowan’s, Silas’s tone felt hollow, devoid of any genuine concerti.
In the past, I thought he sounded dignified. It was only now that I realized that his voice was the voice of a man who had perfected the art of decrit
I kept
eyes closed, refusing to meet his gaze. His presence alone made my blood boil, my rage threatening to spill over.
Focus I reminded myself, clinging to what little composure I had left.
The pain from the poison intensified, spreading through my body like molten lava. Each step I took felt like my i
my muscles were tearing apart, yet 1 gritted my teeth and forced myself to walk toward the exit
Silas followed silently. His footsteps were an unwelcome shadow behind me. I wanted to tell him to leave I wanted to demand that he stay away from me Bút, my body was too weak. At that moment, I could only focus on enduring the pain.
But as I reached the hall’s exit, my strength, finally gave out. My knees tackled, and the world tiled around me
1collapsed to the ground as my vision darkened. My body felt like it was being torn apart, every nerve screaming in agony
Suddenly through the laze of pain, I feh Silas approach. His shadow loomed over me, and though I couldn’t see his face, I could feel his presence —cold, calculating, and far too close.
Then, without any warning, he reached out his arms towards me and carried me in his arms.
