CHAPTER 164 — POSITIVE HOPES

DARIUS.

As Darius wore the robe over his head, he couldn't help but feel a little overwhelmed by what was to come.

He was preparing for the journey to Draken Havix's castle, as he had been invited, and Rocky and several of his guards would accompany him.

Darius saw a lie when he saw one, despite telling himself that he was doing it out of sympathy and because he couldn't stomach the thought of Brielle going through any more torment.

He couldn't dispute the truth. He still loved her. And that was the primary reason he was doing this. Brielle was still wholly connected to him, and he would save the lady he cared about and treasured above all else in the world.

More so, following the letter yesterday, he decided to look into Brielle's background, and what he learned was shocking and too unbelievable to be real, but it was.

Earlier, he’d thought Brielle was a pampered child who didn't want to leave her father for him, but what he discovered yesterday was the complete opposite.

Her life had been difficult, and he had recently learned how much her father despised her.

He could recall times when they were together, and he would ask about her family, but she would shut down before telling him she did not want to talk about it.

They carried horrible memories that she desperately wanted to forget, and this was her response every time he asked until he chose to drop it despite his interest.

He now knew everything. He was aware that she had been exiled from her pack house after her father faked his death by burning down their home and that Mr Blacko Shawn, the auctioneer, was her father's closest friend.

He had sold her, and tears welled in his eyes last night as he pictured everything she had been through.

She was just 19 or 20 years old, but she had been through far worse than most people her age, and it hurt so much. Darius didn't want to believe it, but he had too many proofs. Many people corroborated it, some even expressing regret and wishing they could be nicer to her.

Darius finished buttoning up his shirt and raked his hands through his messy hair. The hair gel was near the table, but he chose not to use it tonight. He didn't care enough to tame his curls; he had more important things to do.

Giving himself one final look over, he grabbed his wristwatch and was about to leave the room when the door burst open, and Rocky entered.

"Is everything set?" Darius inquired, placing the watch on his wrist.

"Yes, Master. Everything is ready, and the guards are waiting for you outside."

"What of the guns and the necessary weapons?" Darius questioned, and again, Rocky replied positively.

Rocky had encouraged them yesterday not to attack while debating a strategy immediately. However, they may take enough guns and guards to protect themselves if something unpleasant happens.

Darius had readily agreed to the proposal and given Rocky the go-ahead to make the arrangements.

"How about breakfast? Have the servants given you something to eat? Rocky asked, and Darius could sense the concern in his voice. He quickly glimpsed at the meal tray one of the maids had brought in earlier, then averted his gaze. He pasted a fake smile on his face. "I do not feel like eating anything at all. I just want to leave here and meet this motherfucker."

"Are you certain about this master?" Won't you consume something to stay fit? You haven't eaten much in the last..." Rocky started again, but Darius wouldn't let him finish. "Are you in any position to tell me what to do, Rocky?"

The guard shook his head, "No."

"Good. Now, let's get this over with.” He finished.

Rocky bowed and left the room, with Darius following closely behind.

Taking one final glance at his room and praying silently that everything would be well, Darius slammed the door shut.

It was time to meet Draken Havix, his last living relative.

***

BRIELLE.

'Don't abandon me, Darius.' Brielle mumbled, clutching him tightly as he attempted to let go of her arms.

'I'm going to come back for you, Brielle. I promise you that. I will come and get you out of this mess. I will be back.’ He replied to her and, reaching down, gently placed his lips to hers.

Her entire body hurt, and the room was poorly lighted, but when his lips touched her skin, she felt energetic. Worse, she wanted him to keep kissing her, but he had to go somewhere, precisely as he had said.

'I will come back for you, princess, I vow.'

She reluctantly let go of him, knowing he needed to leave. She watched unhappily, trying not to cry, but she couldn't stop herself. When he vanished from the room in a thick haze of white blinding light, a tear escaped her eyes.~

"Darius, Darius, please don't go…" Brielle muttered in her sleep, her eyelids flicking open to discover that the light around her was still flashing.

For a few minutes, her eyesight was fuzzy, and she couldn't recall where she was. But the eerie silence, the flashing lights, and the chilling breeze rushing through the room's only window reminded her of where she was.

Her memories slowly returned, and she realized she was still in the cell — in Draken Havix's dark mansion. Her father had been murdered directly in front of her eyes, and the last several days had been utter torment, unfathomable torture, and nothing but nightmares. In addition, she had begun dreaming again. Dreaming of Darius. Dreaming that he would come to her rescue and that the misery and agony she had been experiencing for the previous few weeks would end when he did. But dreams rarely come true, and Brielle was well aware of this.

Brielle sobbed at the unpleasant reminder, covering her head in her hands and crying her eyes out. She remembered the brief nightmare and realized she wasn't supposed to be crying.

The dream had been a wonderful one, with Darius repeatedly telling her that he was coming to free her from this hellhole. She couldn't wait to get out or at least die here.

Besides, he’d promised to come for her, so she had to wait for him. She needed to be strong. She had to endure.

'Oh, this is just a dream, Brielle. Could you not put too much meaning into it? You need to...'

"Oh please…" Brielle abruptly interrupted her thoughts, lifting her hands as if to convey a message.

Her wrists remained in chains, and although her hands were bruised and covered in blood, she continued to shake them, sending darts of intense pain throughout her entire body. Her wrists were raw, swollen, and red. Brielle had to bite down on her bottom lip to keep from groaning in pain since the chains were chafing against them.

She wasn't sure what to do, but the dream had been positive, so there was still hope. Even if it was just a dream, was she allowing her mind to run wild? Or was she being stupid?

However, her soul begged to differ, and Brielle felt an aura of good energy engulf her. Shivering slightly, she brushed her hands across her arms, attempting to absorb the pleasant feeling.

But it was so difficult. So difficult to maintain a cheerful attitude in situations like hers.

Still, she persevered. "This is not a bad dream, and the fact that I had it in the first place indicates that it was excellent. It must be a sign..."

Brielle trembled as another frigid air passed through the window, her teeth clattering.

"I will be alright. Darius is going to come and save me." She whispered to herself before slowly lowering her body to the floor and closing her eyes.

"He will come for me. He will. I know it. So, moon goddess, let it happen." Brielle pleaded to the heavens as a single tear fell from the corner of her eyelids. "Please just make this a good dream."