The World Cannot Know

Chapter 32

Prince Sebastian 

I slumped against the cold stone wall of my room, my back pressed firmly against the rough surface as if it might ground me in the midst of this swirling nightmare. The door was locked, leaving me in a prison of my own making, a silence so deep it felt like an oppressive force. My thoughts churned relentlessly, each one a painful reminder of the cruel reality that had unfolded earlier today. Guards were stationed outside my room, entrapping me further, their presence a constant reminder of how confined my world had become.

The flickering candle on my desk barely illuminated the shadows that seemed to dance around me, mocking my helplessness. The room, once a sanctuary, now felt like a tomb, every corner echoing with the weight of my grief. Time had become an abstract concept—each minute dragged on interminably, each second a torment as I waited for Marcus's return.

Marcus had been my last beacon of hope. When he had sneaked into my room earlier, his face was lined with the same despair I felt. But his words had been a lifeline—a plan, a chance to save Matthew. The risk was immense, but it was the only option we had left.

The plan was straightforward, yet perilous. Marcus was to use his connections to smuggle Matthew out of the city. A safe house had been arranged, hidden away from prying eyes, where Matthew could find refuge until the danger had passed. I had clung to Marcus's promise with a desperation that bordered on madness, my mind unable to fathom the possibility that it might not succeed.

The silence was broken only by the occasional rustle of fabric or the distant murmur of voices from the corridors. Each sound made my heart leap, a fleeting hope that it might be Marcus returning with news. But every time, the anticipation faded into the same crushing emptiness.

I glanced at the heavy door, the minutes ticking by with excruciating slowness. Every creak or thud from outside made me jump, my nerves frayed to their limits. My thoughts kept drifting back to Matthew, his tear-streaked face, the anguish in his eyes as he was dragged away. The image was burned into my mind, a constant reminder of how much was at stake.

The warning bells started ringing, their harsh clanger echoing through the castle and sending my heart into a frantic rhythm. The sound was like a physical blow, each ring resonating with the urgency of our situation. The castle's corridors were alive with a chaotic energy, and the oppressive tolling seemed to grow louder and more insistent with every passing second.

My mind raced as I darted to the window, my eyes straining against the darkness. I could see shadows moving across the courtyard, guards rushing in different directions, their footsteps echoing ominously. The bells were signaling something serious, and the fear that gripped me was almost paralyzing.

As I watched the scene unfold, a faint, almost imperceptible sound from the balcony broke through the clamor. My breath caught in my throat as I turned to see Marcus's silhouette against the night sky. He moved with the stealth of someone who knew every inch of the castle's layout, scaling the side with practiced precision.

With a quiet grace, he swung his legs over the balcony and landed lightly on the floor. His face was a mask of grim determination, but the sight of him filled me with a surge of hope and relief.

"Marcus!" I whispered urgently, rushing to him. "Did it work? Is Matthew safe?"

Marcus gave me a quick nod, his eyes scanning the room before meeting mine. "We got him out. He's on his way to the Wallucia now."

I felt a wave of relief wash over me, though it was tempered by the lingering anxiety. "Oh thank god! And he's okay, he's not been hurt?"

"Not physically," Marcus said, his voice low and grim. "But he's shaken up. The ordeal was rough, and he's still in a state of shock. Managed to get him away from the guards, but the emotional toll is significant."