Chapter 166

Serena’s POV.

With determination fueling every step, I made my way through the dimly lit corridors of the castle, my mind racing with worry for Eliana's safety. As I approached Lucien's room, a sinking feeling settled in the pit of my stomach when I found it empty. Huffing with frustration, I abandoned the idea of finding him there and instead headed towards the training ground.

The sounds of clashing metal and grunts of exertion grew louder as I neared the training area. Pushing open the heavy wooden doors, I stepped into the cavernous space where Lucien honed his skills with unwavering focus.

"Lucien!" I called out, my voice echoing off the stone walls as I sought his attention.

He turned towards me, his expression a mixture of surprise and curiosity as he set aside his weapon. "Serena," he greeted. "What brings you here?"

I wasted no time in getting straight to the point. "I need your help," I began as I closed the distance between us.

His brow furrowed with concern. "What do you need my help for?"

Taking a deep breath to steady my nerves, I met his gaze squarely. "I believe Eliana is in danger," I confessed. "And I think Douglas is behind her disappearance."

As Lucien listened to my explanation, his expression grew increasingly grave, absorbing the weight of my words. "Are you sure?"

I nodded, my desperation evident as I clung to the hope that Lucien could help us unravel the mystery. "Yes," I affirmed. "I'm certain."

A flicker of realization crossed Lucien's features as he processed the information. "It's true," he confirmed, his tone heavy with regret. "A new prisoner was brought in recently, but I had no idea it was Eliana."

My eyes widened in shock, desperation bubbling up within me as the reality of Eliana's predicament sank in. "Please, Lucien," I pleaded. "We have to do something. We can't let Douglas get away with this."

Lucien's gaze met mine, his expression blank and inscrutable. "I'll help you," he finally responded. "But only for the sake of the throne, nothing more."

My heart sank at his cold words, a pang of betrayal piercing through me. "But we were friends," I protested. "You can't just use me like this."

A smirk tugged at the corner of Lucien's lips, his eyes gleaming with a hint of amusement. "Can't I?" he countered. "After all, I am quite the actor."

Frustration surged through me, boiling over as I snapped at him. "Enough!" I exclaimed. "Are you going to help me or not?"

Lucien's smirk softened into a wry smile, a hint of warmth flickering in his eyes. "Of course," he replied. "I'll help you, Serena. We'll find Eliana and bring her back, no matter what it takes."

I couldn't shake the worry gnawing at my insides, my thoughts consumed by the urgency of finding Eliana before it was too late.

"We have company waiting for us," I informed Lucien as we approached the door to my room. "Graham and Raymond are inside."

A deep groan escaped Lucien's lips at the mention of our companions. "Those two?" he muttered. "I'd rather not have them tagging along."

I understood Lucien's reluctance, but I shook my head resolutely. "Raymond won't leave Eliana's side," I explained. "She's his mate. We can't leave them behind."

Lucien grumbled under his breath, but ultimately conceded to the inevitable. "Fine," he relented, resignation coloring his voice. "But they're both insufferable."

Ignoring his comment, I pushed open the door to my room, ushering Lucien inside where Graham and Raymond awaited us.

"Serena!" Graham greeted eagerly.

"We're ready to help however we can," Raymond added.

Lucien exchanged a weary glance with me before addressing our companions. "I know where Douglas's hideout is," he began slowly. "But we need to be quiet and lay low if we're going to have any chance of getting Eliana back."

Graham and Raymond nodded in understanding, a solemn determination settling over our group as we prepared to embark on our dangerous mission to rescue Eliana from the clutches of Douglas.

As we followed Lucien through the shadowy corridors of the castle, a sense of foreboding settled over me like a heavy shroud. The air grew thick with tension, each step echoing ominously in the darkness.

As we descended down a narrow staircase into the depths of the castle, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong. Before I could voice my concerns, a piercing scream shattered the silence, causing my heart to lurch in my chest.

Suddenly, the room erupted in blinding light, illuminating the figure of Douglas standing at its center, a malicious grin etched across his face. My breath caught in my throat as shock and betrayal washed over me like a tidal wave.

Beside him, to my utter disbelief, stood Lucien, a smug smile playing on his lips. Anger flared within me, burning hot and fierce as I realized the depth of his betrayal.

"You lied to me," I whispered as I stared at Lucien in disbelief.

Lucien's smile widened, his gaze meeting mine with chilling indifference. "Of course I did," he replied. "You should have known better than to trust me."

The weight of his words hit me like a physical blow, leaving me reeling with shock and despair. How could I have been so naive to trust someone who had played me for a fool?