Chapter 232 Chapter 232

Chapter 232 Chapter 232
The forest was dark that night. The wind moved the leaves slowly, carrying with it the smell of danger. Clara walked with fast steps, her cloak tied around her shoulders. Her heart was beating fast but her mind was on one thing only—meeting Lucien.

When she reached the hidden spot, she saw him already standing there. His red eyes glowed under the moonlight, his face strong and full of anger. Some of his men stood behind him like shadows, waiting for his command. Clara swallowed hard, but she did not turn back.

Lucien looked at her and smirked. “You came again. What do you want, Clara? Did you not say last time you only care about killing Elara?”

Clara pressed her lips together. Her hands shook a little, but she faced him. “Yes, I want Elara gone. But I came to beg you for something.”

Lucien’s eyes narrowed. “Beg me?” He laughed darkly. “You, the jealous one, now begging me? Speak before I change my mind.”

Clara stepped closer. “Do not harm Damien. I beg you. Do whatever you want to Elara. Even do whatever you want to the pack. But do not harm Damien.” Her voice shook, but she said the words with all her strength.

Lucien tilted his head and looked at her like he was studying her. “So that is your weakness. You love him.”

Clara’s eyes filled with fire. “Yes, I love him. I have always loved him. Even before Elara came into his life. I can never let him die. If you kill Damien, then I will never stand with you. But if you promise me he lives, I will help you with all my power.”

The men behind Lucien muttered among themselves, surprised at her boldness. Lucien lifted his hand and they went silent.

He walked around Clara slowly, his boots pressing the dry leaves on the ground. Then he stopped in front of her and smiled coldly. “You think you can tell me what to do? You think you can command me?”

Clara quickly dropped to her knees. “I am not commanding you. I am only begging. Do not kill him. Kill Elara, take the pack, do whatever pleases you. But leave Damien alive.”

Lucien stared at her for a long moment. His eyes glowed brighter, then he laughed. “So the great Clara, who pretends to be pure in the pack, is on her knees before me. All because of love.”

Clara looked up at him, her voice breaking. “I will do anything. Just promise me this one thing.”

Lucien leaned down, his face close to hers. “Do not test my patience. Damien is my brother’s son. His blood is cursed with the same throne I want. Do you really think I will spare him?”

Clara’s eyes widened. “Please, I will serve you. I will be your eyes inside the pack. I will give you information no one else can. I will even make Elara weak for you. Just let Damien live. Please, Lucien.”

Lucien’s smile faded. He stood straight again, thinking deeply. His men watched in silence, waiting for his answer.

Finally, he spoke. “Very well. If you can make Elara weak. If you can break her from inside, then maybe… I will let Damien live. But if you fail me, Clara…” His voice turned dark. “I will kill him before your very eyes.”

Clara felt her whole body shake. But she nodded quickly. “I will not fail you. I swear, I will not fail.”

Lucien waved his hand, dismissing her. “Go back to your pack. Play your part. Make sure no one suspects you. When the time is right, I will strike. And you will see the end of Elara.”

Clara stood, her hands still trembling, but her eyes burned with hate. “Elara will not win. I will make sure of it.”

As she turned to leave, Lucien’s voice came again, sharp like a knife. “Do not forget, Clara. You are mine now. You cannot turn back.”

Clara walked fast through the forest, her cloak flying behind her. Her heart was heavy, but her mind kept repeating the same thing—Damien must live. She would do anything, betray anyone, even stand with Lucien the monster, as long as Damien lived and Elara died.

When she finally reached her room, she threw her cloak aside and paced up and down. Her chest rose and fell with anger and fear. She pressed her hand against the wall and whispered to herself, “I will never let that child be born. I will never let Elara take my place. She will fall. She must fall.”

But deep inside, her heart was not at peace. Lucien’s words echoed in her head. He wanted more than Elara. He wanted Damien too. And that thought made her restless.

Clara sat on her bed, her fingers digging into the sheets. “I will find a way,” she said under her breath. “I will keep him alive. Even if I have to sell my soul, I will keep Damien alive.”

The night outside grew colder, but Clara’s heart burned hotter. She had made her choice. She had begged Lucien, and for now, he agreed. But the war inside her was just starting.

Meanwhile, Damien was in his chamber with Elara, holding her close as she rested. He had no idea of the deal being made in the dark forest. He only whispered to her softly, “No matter what comes, I will protect you. You and our child. Always.”

Elara’s lips curved into a weak smile as she slept, but the shadows outside were moving, and Clara’s heart was now tied to Lucien’s evil plan.