Crown of Shadows

Chapter 17-Aelin

The next day Kodlak got orders from Phantom to do a mission when I got up, Kodlak kissed my head and turned to leave.

As I watched Kodlak disappear into the distance, a sense of unease settled over me. Phantom's orders had sent him away on a mission, leaving me alone in the halls of the Assassins Keep. It wasn't long before I felt the weight of someone's gaze upon me, and I turned to see Lyra standing there, her expression twisted into a sneer.

"What's your problem?" she spat, her voice dripping with disdain. "Can't handle being left behind by your little boyfriend?"

I met her gaze evenly, "Follow me," I said simply, my tone betraying none of the anger bubbling beneath the surface.

Lyra laughed derisively. "Why should I?" she scoffed, folding her arms across her chest.

Without another word, I turned and began to walk away, knowing that she would follow. Sure enough, the sound of her footsteps echoed behind me as she trailed after me through the dark corridors of the Keep. Finally, I came to a halt in an empty hallway, turning to face her with a steely expression.

Before Lyra could utter another word, I grabbed her roughly and slammed her against the wall, my sword held firmly against her throat. She gasped in shock, her eyes widening in fear as she realized the gravity of the situation.

"Listen very carefully bitch," I growled, my voice low and menacing. "If you continue to irritate me, I'll kill you right here and now, and dump your body in the river. Do I make myself clear?"

Lyra's breath caught in her throat, her smirk crumbling in the face of my threat. She nodded frantically, her eyes wide with terror as she struggled to form a response.

"Good," I said, releasing her and stepping back. "Now get out of my sight before I change my mind."

With a whimper, Lyra scurried away, leaving me alone in the hallway with my thoughts then I sheathed my sword and resumed my solitary walk through the Keep.

As I walked through the dimly lit hallway, I suddenly found myself face to face with Phantom. His presence alone sent a shiver down my spine, but when he began to speak, his words took on a disturbingly flirtatious tone.

"You know, Aelin," he purred, stepping closer to me, "I've always admired your... strength."

I tensed as his hand brushed against my arm, his touch sending a wave of revulsion coursing through me. But before I could react, his words took a sharp turn, becoming increasingly lewd and inappropriate.

"You've always been the most...sexiest out of all the students I had."

I tried to hold back a gag as he kept touching me from my hip to my chest.

His gaze bore into mine, and I felt a sense of helplessness wash over me as he continued to advance. My mind raced, searching for a way out of this nightmare, but Phantom's words echoed in my ears, drowning out any hope of escape.

"I've been interested in you from the moment I found you, Aelin," he murmured, his voice dripping with malice. "You, the eldest daughter of the Elinar Family."

A cold dread settled in the pit of my stomach as his words sank in, the realization of his true intentions hitting me like a blow to the chest. But before I could protest, his hands were on me, his touch violating every inch of my being.

With a sinking feeling, I knew that I was powerless to stop him, trapped in his grasp with no way out.

Suddenly he stepped back with his gaze still on me.

"Why don't you follow me to my office? There are certain discussions we need to... discuss." Without hesitation, he made me follow him.

The room was a dark, windowless chamber, illuminated only by the dim light of flickering candles. The air was heavy with the scent of incense, suffocating me as Phantom shut the door behind us and locked it with a resounding click.

As I stood there I finally open my mouth. "So... what do you nee-" but my words were cut short as a large hand covered my mouth and my screams were muffled as Phantom slammed me on the mattress with a tremendous force.

I feel him pin me against the bed forcefully, I feel super frightened as I struggle against his grip. I hear ruffling behind me and I feel my own body becoming bare and numb. I try to scream for help but Phantom covers my mouth as he rips my outfit I had on completely off. I feel him start to have his way with me and I start to cry.

He gets his hand off me and I quietly say while choking tears, "P-Please...stop.."

Phantom just looks at me and smirks. "Wipe those tears off of your pretty face. It'll be over soon."

I suddenly feel angry. Angry that I trusted him. Angry that I looked up to him like a father I had again.

"Why are you doing this.." I manage to ask mid thrust. "I thought you viewed me as your protégé! Nothing more!"

I yelp when he puts his hand back on my mouth to where I couldn't talk again. He didn't even bother to answer my questions so I just fell limp. All the strength I used is gone. Now I'm just exhausted.

After what seemed like 20 minutes, it was finally over. I saw Phantom get dressed and stood over me like I was a helpless animal.

"If you tell anyone about this, I'll break that pretty neck. Understand princess?" He said in a low voice as he touched my chin. I nodded as tears went down my face and Phantom picked up my clothes and dropped them on the bed.

I picked them up but they were nothing but rags now. "Is there.. anything else I can wear?" I ask as my heart was beating rapidly.

Phantom stared at me for a moment until he walked out of the room leaving me alone in his bed.

I slumped my knees to me as my body trembled. I figured that he would just leave me here not caring if I walk around naked or not but then I saw him walk back in with black clothes in his hand. He put them on the bed and walked out.

I picked them up and they were the same women's assassins gear but when I put the outfit on, it seemed too big on me.

Oh well. It's better than nothing.

I carefully got up trying not to fall and I walked out, keeping my arms close to me as I made my way back to my room.

I saw some assassins staring at me while whispering.

"Is she ok?"

"What's wrong with her?"

I ignored them and I finally made it to my chambers and I slumped into my bed, cold, hurt, betrayed, shamed.

What will I tell Kodlak? No. I can't tell him anything. He'll try to kill Phantom if he knew and he'll die trying.

I buried myself in my blankets as tears came falling down.

I cried and cried until finally, sleep came over me and I closed my eyes.