12: Darken: Resurrection

Chapter thirteen: Daria

I stepped forward, the room falling silent as all eyes turned to me. Each step felt heavy with the weight of expectations and fear, but Thespian's presence at the end of the aisle was a beacon of strength.

I joined him on the stage that had been built, the murmurs of the crowd fading into the background. Thespian took my hand, his touch a reassuring anchor. Despite the grandeur and the weight of the occasion, our bond remained the one unshakable truth.

Draus watched us from his throne, his expression unreadable, but the hint of satisfaction in his eyes was unmistakable. This was a power play, a spectacle designed to solidify his control.

Astraea stood behind Draus's throne, fear etched on her face. Odessa and Violet flanked his other side, their expressions mirroring the same fear. Each of them wore the most delicate gowns, designed to contrast sharply with the terror in their eyes. The sight of them made my heart ache, a stark reminder of the stakes at hand.

As I stood on the stage with Thespian, their presence was a silent testament to the power Draus wielded over us all.

Draus stood to his feet and approached us, his voice carrying the authority only a king could wield. "Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to marry these two individuals who are deeply in love—my son and his dear Daria Nacht."

The room was silent, the weight of his words settling over the crowd. I could feel Thespian's hand tighten around mine, a silent promise of support and love. Draus's gaze swept over the gathered guests, his expression a mix of pride and control.

"Before the Great Dragon i ask, Thespian Ignisfatia, do you take Daria Nacht as your bride, to love and protect until your last days?" Draus's voice echoed through the room, the emphasis on "protect" clear and deliberate. Thespian's grip on my hand tightened, a silent affirmation of his commitment.

"I do," Thespian responded firmly, his voice unwavering. The weight of his vow hung in the air, a promise to love and protect me against all odds.

"And Daria Nacht, do you take Thespian Ignisfatia as your husband to love and obey until your last days?" Draus asked, a smile playing on his lips.

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment. "I do," I replied, my voice steady and clear. The words carried a promise, not just to Thespian, but to myself and the future we were fighting for.

Thespian's eyes met mine, filled with love and determination. This was our moment, a declaration of our bond and our resolve to face whatever challenges lay ahead together.

Draus's smile widened, a mix of satisfaction and control. "Then by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife."

The room erupted in applause, but all I could focus on was Thespian, his hand still holding mine, a silent promise of our shared strength and commitment.

Thespian pulled me in for a deep kiss, his eyes filled with a mix of love and regret. I could feel the intensity of his emotions, knowing that he was preparing to execute his plans. The weight of the moment pressed down on us, but his kiss was a promise—a vow to protect and cherish me, no matter the cost.

As we parted, I could see the determination in his eyes. This was our moment, a turning point in the battle against Draus's tyranny. We had to stay strong, united in our resolve to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Draus stepped forward, "this is where i would have to two love bird strip and constamate the marrige before you all," he looked to Thespian, his face full of surprise, "however it appears that my dear son has yet to learn his place."

Draus's grip on my arm was firm, almost painful, as he pulled me away from Thespian. His voice boomed, carrying the weight of authority. "Our dear Daria here has informed me of some rather unsettling plans you have come up with."

Thespian glanced at me, his eyes filled with a mix of pain and confusion, the sting of betrayal clear. My heart ached, but I knew this was a necessary step to protect him. The anguish in his gaze was almost unbearable, but I held onto the hope that he would understand my true intentions.

Draus continued, his words a chilling reminder of his control. "It seems, my son, that loyalty is a fragile thing. But today, we will see where true loyalty lies."

The room seemed to hold its breath, the tension palpable. Thespian's hand twitched as if he wanted to reach out to me, but he held back, his face a mask of conflict.

He pushed me into the crowd, "Instead of having my son have his way with her, i invite you all to do so."

i fell to the floor, the crowd gathering around me, the men, hungry looks on their faces. 

Thespian watched in horror, as i was grabbed, gown ripped from my body, i did not fight. i knew this is what Draus meant by 'whatever it takes.' Draus held Thespian back, whispering in his ear. 

The men pulled me to my feet, one sticking his cock into me, fucking me, still, i did not fight, i did not cry out. Another took my mouth, forcing me to suck his rancid smelling dick. 

I watched as Druas put a magic surpession collor onto his son, chaining him to the stage. he then announced, "this is what happens to those who betray me." he walked to Astraea, pulling her clothes off to revieal a pregnate stumach, "and this is what happens to those who resist. he then pulled a dagger out, walking to Violet, holding it to her throat, "and this is what happens to...."

"STOP!!!" i voice yelled from the crowd, a voice i knew, Althaeon.

another man took his turn with me then stopped, falling to the ground, throat spit, i was dropped to the ground, the others around me backed away. 

A figure stepped in front of me, covering me with a cloak. Thorne. He reached a hand down to help me to my feet, "Sorry we are late."

It was then that I allowed my fears to flow freely. Thorne aimed a dagger, poised to throw... at Thespian.

"NO!" I yelled, grabbing his arm and pulling it away. Thorne looked at me, confused. "He's on our side, please," I pleaded.

Thorne hesitated, his eyes searching mine for the truth. 

He scanned the crowd, searching for something—an escape route, perhaps. I followed his gaze, trying to see what he was looking for. Then, on the stage, Althaeon stood in front of Draus, sword drawn.

Thespian jumped to the stage, pulling me into his arms. He looked at Thorne and said, "Thank you."

"Keep her safe and be ready to run," Thorne told him.

Thespian nodded, scooping me into his arms and heading for the exit. "I'll make sure the exit is clear. It's time we leave here."