Hidden Secrets (editing and improving the story)

Chapter 50 - Words filled with poison

Elektra's pov:

"He is not my father, and I didn't come here to free him. How dare you?" I snapped, my voice sharp and cutting through the stale air. But he remained unfazed, his cruel smile lingering as he stepped forward.

Without another word, the guard pressed buttons on the control panel beside the heavy metal door. The lock clicked open. "You have ten minutes," he said coldly.

"Okay," I breathed, steeling myself before stepping inside.

The cell was damp, musty, and bone-chilling cold. Shadows clung to the corners as if trying to swallow the faint light. Bartholomew sat slumped against the far wall—his body battered and bruised, cuts crisscrossing his skin like a map of pain. His once-fine clothes were now rags, and his face was swollen, disfigured by time and violence. His head hung low, but when I whispered his name, he slowly raised it.

"B... Bartholomew," I whispered, my voice barely audible, weaker than I wanted it to be. Summoning every ounce of courage, I tried again, firmer this time.

His eyes snapped open, cold and sharp, locking onto mine. A cruel, devilish smile curled at the corners of his cracked lips.

"Oh, Elektra," he sneered, voice dripping with sarcasm. "To what do I owe the honor of your visit?"

"I came for answers," I said, forcing myself to sound steady and determined.

"Answers for what?" he taunted.

"For my curse," I said louder, standing taller.

He chuckled darkly. "Oh, the sweet princess wants to break her curse and marry her prince..." His voice was mocking, cruel.

"Tell me how to break the spell," I demanded, voice rising.

"What makes you think I know?" He feigned ignorance, but I wasn't fooled.

"Don't play games with me. I know you know," I said, frustration seeping through my words.

He straightened, his imposing arrogance unbroken despite his condition. "Even if I knew, I wouldn't tell you."

"Tell me how to reverse the spell you put on me!" I shouted, my patience snapping.

He laughed—low, bitter, and cruel—his mirth echoing off the stone walls. It grated on my nerves, making my blood boil. Minutes passed as his laughter subsided, until he finally regained control and looked at me with those piercing eyes.

"We could have had so much fun together," he said softly, almost hypnotically, his breath ragged. "You know... I enjoyed my time with your mother immensely."

The words hit me like a slap, the venom in his voice twisting the knife deeper.

"How dare you? Those weren't intercourses. It was rape, you bastard!" I shouted, voice shaking with fury. His laughter bubbled up again, cruel and mocking.

"Stop it!" I yelled, slamming my fists against the cold wall. After a few seconds, his laughter died down, replaced by a hard, unreadable expression. His face went stiff and cold.

"Why should I tell you?" he sneered, eyes narrowing.

"Because you owe it to me, damn it!" I shot back, refusing to back down.

"I owe you nothing," he said incredulously, a bitter edge to his voice. "You owe me." He leaned back, voice icy as he continued. "I raised you. I killed all my real children for you. I made you Alpha of my pack."

"I never asked for any of that!" I screamed, desperation breaking through my anger.

"You'd better go," he said flatly.

"No. I won't leave until you tell me how to reverse the spell. You've done enough evil to me and my family. You owe me this!" I insisted, my voice trembling but firm.

He paused for a moment, then with a sly smile said softly, "Come closer. Talking out loud tires me."

My heart hammered against my ribs, every instinct warning me to stay back. But the desperate need to break free from the curse overpowered reason. Slowly, cautiously, I stepped forward.

"More," he whispered after every hesitant step I took.

I stopped just inches from him. His smile widened, almost predatory. Then he leaned in, lowering his head toward me. I froze as he took a deep sniff of my hair—an intimate, unsettling gesture that sent a shiver down my spine.

"You know, you smell just like her... like your mother," he murmured in a hoarse voice, drawing closer.

"Please, for my mother's sake... please tell me. I beg you," I whispered, desperation choking my words.

He gave a smug smile, lingering over my hair with that predatory gaze. My legs trembled uncontrollably. How could he be like this? The man who raised me, who taught me everything—how could he harbor such twisted desires? What kind of monster is he? My mind screamed as his aura pressed down on me.

"Well, well, well..." he sneered mockingly, dragging out the moment like a cruel game. "There's no way to reverse the spell. You're doomed never to feel the bond." His laughter exploded, harsh and unrestrained.

"No! No, you're lying... I know you're lying!" I snapped back, defiance burning in my chest.

"Why bother?" he asked coolly, eyes gleaming with malice.

"Because you're pure evil," I shot, voice shaking but resolute.

He tilted his head, a cruel smile curling his lips. "Then why come all this way to see me?"

"Because I thought there was some decency left in you," I said, bitter.

"Don't fool yourself," he said, sneering. "You know that's not why."

"You cast that spell on me," I said sharply.

"So what? Live with it. It's not the end of the world," he replied, shameless.

"Why are you so mean to me?" I asked, voice cracking.

"Just telling you the truth," he shrugged. "Are you really so naive to believe your mate loves you and is honest with you?"

"Of course I believe him. I know he does," I said firmly.

"Then why do you want to feel the bond? To find out if he's cheating on you?" His eyes glittered darkly.

"That's nonsense. The bond is sacred — the greatest gift our Goddess gave us," I said, voice shaking with conviction.

"Don't try to convince me," he said sharply.

"I didn't come here to debate. I came to find out how to break the spell."

"Then you should leave," he said coldly. "Because I'm not telling you anything."

I turned away, disappointment crashing over me as I headed to the door. Just as I reached for it, his voice stopped me.

"Your mate's cheating on you. You know it. He's having an affair with that filthy omega, Cassandra."

"No! He just saved her from you," I said, voice fierce.

"A real gentleman, huh?" he sneered. "That girl is a walking temptation. Who are you kidding?"

"Alexander is not that kind of man," I said decisively.

"Oh, Alexander..." he mocked. "The good fellow."

"I'm done listening to your lies," I said, voice cold.

"You know I'm right. That girl's been with him for too long. You'd have to be a fool to think they didn't cross the line," he said with a cruel smile as I left the room.

My chest tightened, breath catching in my throat. I knew he was a liar, but a dark seed of doubt had been planted. What if... what if he was right after all?