To be the Villainess

O42.

Chapter 42

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MY EYES remained fixed on the figure before me. I let out a slow, weary sigh. He really doesn’t want me to leave alone, does he?

“Running away, hmm?” Reynald’s voice was smooth, almost mocking. His silver hair shimmered under the moonlight, his crimson eyes glowing like embers in the dark. “I won’t let you escape, especially when you have that traitor beside you.” His gaze shifted to Sebastian, narrowing with a dangerous intensity. His brows furrowed, creating sharp creases on his forehead.

Sebastian’s lips curled into a sardonic smile. “Well, I’ve woken up to reality, Reynald. Your grand plan? It’s all pointless now. I’ve seen it... You will fail,” he declared, his voice laced with a confidence that made my heart race.

Reynald’s expression darkened, a flicker of rage crossing his features. “Oh, really?” he scoffed, gripping the hilt of his sword. “Weren’t you the one who once assured me I’d succeed? Your words mean nothing now.”

Sebastian’s eyes glinted with something akin to pity. “After all you’ve done, your so-called success will lead you to nothing but despair and death. Is that what victory looks like to you, Reynald?” he countered, his tone mocking yet tinged with a hint of sorrow.

I tilted my head slightly, my neck aching from the strain as I tried to piece together their conversation. My brows knitted in confusion. What in the world are they talking about? It sounds like some sort of revenge scheme, but I can’t grasp the full picture.

Reynald’s laughter rang out, hollow and filled with bitterness. “Success, you say? My success will be the suffering of every soul in this wretched kingdom. I don’t care if I meet my end. If I can set things right, even if it means dying in the most horrific way, I’ll gladly embrace it.” His gaze suddenly shifted to me, eyes gleaming with malicious intent. “Now, hand over that useless wench beside you. It’s high time she fulfills the only purpose she’s good for.”

I narrowed my eyes, my jaw tightening in disgust. Useless wench? How charming. If only looks could kill, I’d have reduced him to ashes by now. The urge to spit on him was almost overwhelming.

Sebastian’s voice broke through my darkening thoughts. “Do you really think I’d hand her over to you?” There was a cold finality in his words, one that made the Emperor’s laugh erupt, sharp and grating.

“You’d choose an intruder over a friend you’ve known for years?” Reynald taunted, drawing his sword with a flourish. “How very hurtful, Sebastian.”

Sebastian’s expression softened, just for a moment, a flicker of sadness in his emerald eyes. “What’s truly painful,” he began, unsheathing his own blade, “is watching you spiral into misery with each cycle I’ve lived through.” His words seemed to baffle Reynald, whose brow furrowed as if trying to decipher a riddle.

Sebastian turned to me, his voice low and steady. “Stay back, my lady. I’ll handle this.” His tone left no room for argument, but something in his eyes told me this battle meant more to him than he let on. Perhaps, this was a fight only he could resolve. The way he looked at Reynald—like a man facing his own demons—was intriguing, to say the least. It was as if they were both bound to a fate only they understood.

As I reluctantly stepped back, a part of me yearned to join the fray, to prove that I wasn’t just some damsel in distress. But for now, I would respect Sebastian’s resolve. I watched, heart pounding, as he faced off against the Emperor.

Sebastian’s voice was calm, almost nostalgic. “Do you remember how many times I’ve defeated you, Reynald?” He smirked, stepping forward, his stance confident and unwavering.