To be the Villainess

O39.

Chapter 39

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“AREN’T YOU ALL tired of chasing me?” I shouted, facing her as I struggled to catch my breath. My wrists were bound in heavy chains, weighing down my every movement, but I raised my head defiantly. She simply smiled, unsheathing her sword with a slow, deliberate motion, her eyes darkening with sharp, malicious intent.

“Oh, I think you owe me more than a slap, Lady Arthemice,” she taunted, her voice smooth and cold. I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. She was holding a grudge over those two slaps? All I’d done was return the blow she’d landed first.

“She’s here!” The other pursuer’s voice cut through the trees, sending a chill down my spine. I turned to see him drawing closer, his smirk twisted, his gaze fixed on me with cruel satisfaction. Trapped between them, with my wrists chained, I knew I had to fight, but my body was exhausted.

Clenching my fists, I managed to lift my arms despite the weight of the chains, every move labored and agonizing. As she lunged, her sword aimed for my side, I barely managed to dodge, stumbling to the right and swinging my shackled hands to parry her next strike. The clash rattled through my bones, and my arms trembled from the impact.

“Pathetic,” she sneered, swinging her blade with relentless precision. I gritted my teeth, each dodge taking everything I had. The chains weighed me down, slowing my movements as I fought to stay on my feet.

The second pursuer moved in, circling me, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. His sword flashed in my peripheral vision, and I turned just in time, raising my chained hands to block his attack. The metal of his blade ground against the chains, sending sparks flying, the sound ringing in my ears.

Pain shot through my arms, but I refused to back down, using every ounce of strength to push him back. They circled, taunting, each strike testing my failing stamina. My breaths came in ragged gasps, and I knew my endurance was nearly gone, yet I forced myself to stand firm.

She closed in, her gaze cutting through me like a blade, a twisted smile curling at the corners of her mouth.

As I stumbled back, every muscle screaming in protest, my vision began to blur. I could barely keep up with their attacks, let alone defend myself in this weakened state. Lady Athena’s blade slashed at me, grazing my arm and drawing a thin line of blood. I flinched, but forced myself to stand tall, unwilling to give her the satisfaction of seeing me crumble.

But the exhaustion was winning. Another strike forced me to my knees, the weight of my chained wrists dragging me down. Lady Athena stood over me, her eyes gleaming with cold satisfaction. The other noble sneered, circling me like a vulture ready to feast.

“You’re finished, Lady Arthemice,” she whispered, savoring every word.

But just as she raised her sword for the final blow, an arrow sliced through the air, whistling with deadly precision. It embedded itself into the tree beside Lady Athena’s head, making her flinch back in surprise. A second arrow struck the ground near the other noble’s feet, sending him stumbling backward in alarm.

“What—who dares interfere?” Lady Athena snarled, her gaze darting through the trees, seeking the source of the arrows.

I didn’t wait for an answer. Heart pounding, I pushed myself up, my body screaming with each movement. With my last reserve of strength, I turned and ran, stumbling through the dense forest, the chains on my wrists rattling with every step. I could hear them shouting behind me, but the arrows had bought me a precious few seconds.