Chapter 167 Burning Cacophony (4)
Chapter 167 Burning Cacophony (4)
E L E A N O R
"He'll kill you if he finds you,” I seethe, my voice raw as I struggle against the cuffs that bound my hands against the bed frame. My wrists were bruised and scraped from the constant, frantic movements as I fought back the tears that dared to spill. The metal bit into my skin with every pull, a constant, physical reminder of my captivity. My muscles screamed in protest, but I kept twisting, kept pulling, refusing to accept the helplessness. Every inch of skin that rubbed raw was a testament to my resistance, a small, defiant act against the brutal reality of my situation.
George had me locked up and bound me in my own room for no reason at all, or so I thought. He kept watching me, his eyes never leaving my form, scanning through me, waiting for answers to questions I didn't even know.. I was in nothing but my nightdress, a frail, flimsy fabric that clung to my skin. I felt disgust seep through me as he feasted on my body in the most disgusting, violating way, his eyes lingering on every part of me. The very air he breathed seemed to taint the room, and I wanted to rip my skin off just to be free of his presence.
Somehow he had managed to break through our defense system last night, but I knew, with every fiber of my being, that someone had helped him. He couldn’t have done it without outside support, without someone on the inside. The royal army was loyal; they wouldn't just let an enemy slip by. The thought of a traitor within our ranks made my blood run cold. Who could it be? Who would betray Perseus, after all he had done for them, for Bloodthorn? The question gnawed at me, a cold fear twisting in my gut.
The next knock on the door, which George got up to answer, only confirmed my suspicion. It was a member of the council, the same man I had seen that afternoon at the town hall, the one I had watched helplessly as I murdered Bacchus. George had released him from prison, and now, he was his accomplice, a traitor just like him. It all made sense now, the ease with which he had entered, the lack of an alarm. It was a planned attack, a betrayal from within.
“After all my husband did for you! You chose to betray him and betray Bloodthorn!” I screamed at the man as he turned to me with a smug smirk on his face, his eyes full of malice. He showed no remorse, no shame for his actions. It was as though he was proud of his betrayal, reveling in the destruction he was causing. He was a monster, just like George.
"Forgive her, Sire. She's usually opinionated... and lousy,” The man said to George, a fake, apologetic tone in his voice. He treated me like a petulant child, a nuisance to be tolerated, his words a further insult to my already wounded pride.
“Curse you!” I squealed. “I hope you rot in hell!” My voice was hoarse, but my fury was unwavering. I wanted them to know that I wouldn't go down without a fight. I wouldn't surrender to their games. The words were a defiant battle cry, a promise that they hadn't broken me yet.
They ignored me, their conversation continuing as if I wasn't even there. It was a sign of disrespect, a clear message that I was nothing more than a prisoner to them, my words meaningless. They saw me as an object, a prize to be won, a pawn in their cruel game. It was a dehumanizing experience, and my rage burned hotter than ever.
“Good job. Go back and make sure that, under no circumstances, would Perseus Cage slip through here without your watch. Bring him to me alive; I'd love to have him watch his wife die before I kill him myself,” George said, his voice cold and emotionless. He shut the door and turned to face me, a wicked smile on his face. The words were a a chilling prophecy, a promise of a future I refused to accept. The thought of Perseus walking into a trap, of him watching me die, was a new, horrifying layer of pain.
It was a mere compensation for me, I knew. I would stay alive for now, but my life was on the line. At least my children would be okay enough for their father to return. The fruit knife I had managed to grab from the kitchen had failed me. I had only managed to slice his face before attempting to run off, a desperate bid for freedom, but he caught me regardless, his grip like steel as he threatened to make sure that I had a miscarriage. The memory of his words was enough to bring me to the brink of tears, a stark reminder of his cruelty. The cut on his face was a small victory, a tiny act of rebellion that gave me a flicker of hope.
“You must be sick to think that Perseus would ever let you kill me,” I spat, my voice laced with venom. I knew Perseus would do anything to protect me and our family. He wouldn't let George win. My faith in him was unwavering, a solid rock in the swirling chaos. I had to believe in him; it was the only thing that kept me sane.
George flexed his shoulder with a bright smile as he sat on the edge of the bed, his movements relaxed as if he were simply visiting a friend. He was enjoying this, every second of my terror. It was a sick, twisted game to him, and I was the unfortunate pawn.
“You have so much confidence for a man that left you.” His words were a low blow, a venomous attempt to tear down my hope, to make me feel abandoned and alone. But I wouldn’t let him. I wouldn't let him get into my head.
“You shouldn't start that stupid game. I'm not someone you can manipulate. Perseus didn't leave me; your parents' cruel plan took him from me. Which is why I killed your mother,” I shot back, my voice defiant. I would not let him win. I wouldn't give him the satisfaction. I knew the truth, and no amount of manipulation would change that. My mind flashed back to that day, the feeling of the blade in my hand, the look on his mother's face. It was a memory I tried to suppress, but now, I used it as a weapon.
His fists tightened on the sheets, his knuckles turning white from the strain. He turned to me with his eyes bloodshot, a deep and violent crimson that promised nothing but pain. Slowly, deliberately, he pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it aside. His muscles coiled and flexed with a predatory menace that made my breath catch. He was a monster, a predator, and I was his prey.