her, I could sense her anger like a powerful wave rushing over me. I was then fully aware that she was no fragile creature, trembling at the thought of what her father would do to her. It’s almost as if I saw Emilia in a completely different light the moment I let my love for Sofia call the shots. What I saw in her was someone I couldn’t trust.
I turned my head toward her, twisting my upper torso in order to once again look her in the eye. “I’m giving orders that they let you off the island as soon as possible.”
“No…” she gasped. “You can’t do that! Derek, please… You have no idea what my father will do to me!”
“Then don’t go to him, Emilia. Run. I don’t care what you do, but I can’t have you here.” What I have with Sofia is too precious for you to pose a threat against it.
To my surprise, she stopped begging and a dark glare took over her countenance. “You want to play it that way? Then so be it.” A bone-chilling, almost manic, smirk formed on her face. “You’ll find quite quickly that you can’t get rid of me that easily, Derek.”
Chills ran up and down my spine when I realized that she was right. Something was telling me that Emilia would soon find her way back. Strangely, at that moment I didn’t find myself threatened.
I clenched my fists and smirked right back at her. Bring it on.
Chapter 9: Emilia
Things weren’t going as planned. I was supposed to capitalize on the connection we had with each other and gain his sympathy and yet, there I was, left hanging as he walked out of the cell, leaving orders to the guards that I was to be brought out of the island as soon as possible.
Now what am I going to do? The p lan hinges on me staying here in The Shade. I can’t accomplish my task if I’m not here.
I had to find a way to reach The Sanctuary, the place in the island that housed the witch of The Shade. I was trying to figure out a plan of action when a small, cold breeze began to blow in my ear, carrying with it a message.
“What are you still doing in this dungeon, Emilia? You’re wasting time.”
My father’s chilling voice.
“Forgive me, M aster.” My voice cracked and it began to shake as I gave away my excuse. “He is more in love with Sofia than I initially thought…”
“Find a way to gain their trust so that you can roam the island freely, Emilia. Don’t you dare return here unless you have Derek Novak with you.”
I nodded, afraid to speak in case he made it a reason to cause me pain. I backed myself up on my cot until I hit the corner where the stone walls met. I gathered my knees against my chest and shut my eyes. I felt like I was being enveloped in pitch-black darkness, shivering against the cold that came with my father’s presence.
Seemingly satisfied that I’d given him the answer he was waiting for, he disappeared as quickly as he came. I sighed with relief, but found even relief to be quite momentary, because keys began to unlock my cell door and I was about to be escorted out of the island.
I thought about fighting back, knowing that I could take down these guards if I wanted to, but if I wanted Derek’s love, if I wanted his trust, I couldn’t afford to take the risk. I needed to make him see me as a victim, someone he could feel compassion and concern for. I couldn’t do that by exhibiting a display of power.
So I gave in. I followed the guards to the port and played along with the whole charade. By the time the guards left me at a far-off shore, away from the island, I already had a plan on how to get back.
You’re going to be mine, Derek Novak. I am willing to turn the world upside down until you realize that I am the girl who will help you bring our kind to true sanctuary. That’s me. Not any other girl. And definitely not Sofia Claremont.
Chapter 10: Ingrid
I could sense it when Derek walked past my cell. I knew I had to make a move, make a plea, and do something – anything – in order to move forward in
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