Immortal Serenade

10. The Prisoner's Ploy

The duke's grip on Lin Xi's cheeks tightened. "And I'll do whatever it takes to protect myself, even if it means sacrificing others."

Lin Xi's gaze faltered, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. "You're a monster," she whispered.

The duke's expression didn't change. "I'm a survivor," he said. "And I'll do whatever it takes to stay alive."

Lin Xi's anger flared. "You'll never be able to live with yourself," she spat.

The duke's eyes seemed to glaze over, lost in memory. "I've done things I'm not proud of," he said. "But I've never lost sight of my goals."

Lin Xi's gaze locked onto his. "And what's your ultimate goal?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

The duke's eyes snapped back to hers, a cold intensity burning in them. "To destroy everything Li Chen stood for," he said. "To erase his legacy forever."

Lin Xi's heart twisted in pain. "You'll never succeed," she said.

The duke's smile was cold, calculated. "We'll see about that," he said.
[9/5, 5:20 PM] Meta AI: You're right, the duke's motivations need to be clarified. Let's continue the scene with a revised conversation:

Lin Xi's gaze locked onto the duke's. "Why do you hate Li Chen so much?" she asked, her voice laced with confusion.

The duke's expression faltered, and for a moment, Lin Xi saw a glimmer of something else - uncertainty, perhaps, or doubt. "I don't hate him," he said finally. "I'm just following orders."

Lin Xi's eyes narrowed. "Orders to kill him? Why?"

The duke's gaze dropped, and he hesitated before speaking. "Li Chen was a wanted criminal. He had information that could compromise our operations. My superiors ordered me to bring him in, dead or alive."

Lin Xi's mind raced. "But I'm not an accomplice," she said, desperation creeping into her voice. "I met Li Chen two days ago. He took me hostage, remember?"

The duke's eyes snapped back to hers, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. "I...I didn't know," he said slowly.

Lin Xi pressed on, sensing an opening. "Then why are you still determined to execute me? I'm innocent."
[9/5, 5:22 PM] Meta AI: The duke's words sent a chill down Lin Xi's spine.

"It doesn't matter if you're innocent or not," he said, his voice cold and detached. "You've seen and heard too much. You know things that could compromise our operations, our power. And that can't be allowed."

Lin Xi's eyes widened in horror. "You're saying I have to die because I know too much?"

The duke nodded, his expression unyielding. "A little sacrifice doesn't mean anything to those in power. And some secrets are meant to stay in the dark."

Lin Xi felt a surge of anger and fear. "You're monsters," she spat. "You're willing to kill innocent people just to protect your own interests."

The duke shrugged, his eyes glinting with a ruthless light. "We do what needs to be done. And right now, you need to be silenced."

Lin Xi knew she was running out of time. She had to think of something, anything, to save herself from the duke's deadly intentions. But what?

Just as the duke's words hung in the air, a knock at the door broke the tension. "Your Grace, you are summoned," a voice called from outside.

The duke's expression changed, a hint of annoyance flashing across his face. "Very well," he said, standing up. "It seems our conversation will have to wait."