Hidden Secrets (editing and improving the story)

Chapter 76 - The final battle

Elektra's pov:

I woke up again, my heart racing in panic. Unfortunately, I found myself back in the same dark, dirty room where Bartholomew had been keeping me. My pulse pounded as I realized the nightmare hadn't ended. One moment, I had been lost in a peaceful dream, and the next, I was abruptly torn back to this grim reality. Trapped. Helpless. Desperate.

I looked around, my eyes darting for any hope, when I heard the door creak open.

-"Good afternoon, my dear," Bartholomew's voice was cold and imposing. "Get ready, we're leaving in half an hour."

-"Where are we going?" I asked, my voice shaky with fear.

-"Somewhere no one will ever find us," he said, a wicked smile curling on his lips.

-"Would you let me go? Keeping me here is pointless. I'll only be a burden to you."

He ignored my plea, his eyes dark and intense. "What's the point of being on my own, without my mate by my side...?"

-"I am not your mate!" I snapped, my frustration and fear bubbling over. "How many times do I have to tell you?"

-"What nonsense is this, Skylar?" he asked, irritation creeping into his voice.

-"Skylar?" I blinked, confused. "I'm not Skylar."

-"Stop it!" He shouted, covering his ears with his hands. "Don't mess with my mind!"

Oh my Goddess, he can't be just pretending. He's lost his mind! I thought in panic, realizing the depth of his delusion.

-"I've always loved you, Skylar," he continued, his voice softening with twisted affection. "Ever since that day you and Phaethon visited my pack. I fell for your strength, your personality. I swore to myself that one day, you would be mine. But you disappointed me. You chose that idiot, Andrew. I became the most powerful Alpha in the world for your sake, and you still chose a lowly Gamma. You broke my heart."

Bartholomew wasn't well. He confused me with my mother again. I never thought I'd see him like this—losing his mind. He had always been so composed, so sharp. A part of me felt sorry for him, but I couldn't ignore the fact that this was a rare opportunity for me. If I played my cards right, I could turn this to my advantage. I just had to act smart.

I took a deep breath and spoke as softly as I could, masking my true emotions.

-"Bartholomew, I was terribly wrong. Andrew wasn't good for me. I understand now that you are the only one for me," I said, offering him a timid smile.

He lifted his head, locking eyes with me, as if searching for any trace of deceit. I kept my gaze steady, fighting to conceal my true feelings. I emptied my mind of any thoughts or emotions that might betray me. After a moment, it seemed he believed me. He reached out to caress my cheek, and I fought every instinct that screamed for me to pull away. I had to play along. I had to act as if I cared, even though every part of me wanted to scream and run.

-"Do you mean it?" he asked, his voice full of hope. His expression softened, almost childlike. I couldn't believe what I was seeing—this vicious man had turned into a vulnerable, desperate figure before my eyes.

-"Of course," I said, pushing all my disgust aside and trying to sound as convincing as possible.

-"You're making me the happiest man in the world, my love!" His voice was filled with excitement, and he moved closer, attempting to embrace me. I quickly held up my hand to stop him, unable to bear the thought of his touch.

He paused, looking at me with a mixture of confusion and doubt.

-"Bartholomew, can you take off these cuffs, please? They hurt me," I said quickly, seizing the moment.