How I Married KING Of HELL

Shadows of Betrayal

Chapter 14

The air crackled with tension in the wake of Emily's defiance. She stood, breathing heavily, the remnants of her power still thrumming through her veins. The Abyss had tried to consume her, and yet she had fought back—had broken free. But as the shadows retreated into the swirling darkness once more, she knew this battle was far from over.

Lucien's fiery eyes remained locked on her, his expression unreadable. For the first time since they had crossed paths, Emily saw something flicker in his gaze—something like uncertainty. But it was gone in an instant, replaced by the cold confidence she had come to expect.

"You've surprised me, Emily," Lucien said, his voice smooth, though the sharp edge was unmistakable. "Few have stood against the Abyss and lived to tell the tale."

Emily swallowed hard, still feeling the weight of the Abyss pressing down on her, lurking just beneath the surface. She knew Lucien wasn't finished with her, not by a long shot. But she wasn't the same fragile soul who had first stumbled into Hell, overwhelmed and terrified. She had changed. Grown. She wasn't afraid anymore.

"I'm not like the others," she replied, her voice steady. "I won't be your puppet."

Lucien's eyes narrowed, his lips curling into a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Perhaps not. But you've still yet to understand the full scope of your situation. The Abyss marks you, Emily. You cannot simply walk away from its power."

She clenched her fists, the dark energy humming in her skin reminding her of the truth in his words. No matter how much she fought, she could feel the Abyss calling to her, pulling her deeper with every breath. And yet... she refused to let it break her.

"You want me to believe I'm trapped," she said, her voice unwavering. "But I know there's another way."

Lucien's smile faltered for a split second. "Another way? There is no other way, Emily. You either embrace the Abyss, or it consumes you."

"You're wrong," a voice echoed from behind them, clear and strong. Emily turned, her heart skipping a beat as a figure emerged from the shadows—Cassius. His silver eyes gleamed with determination, his presence like a beacon in the darkness.

Lucien's expression hardened. "Cassius. I see you've decided to join us at last."

Cassius stepped forward, his gaze unwavering as he locked eyes with Lucien. "I won't let you manipulate her any longer, Lucien. She's stronger than you realize, and together, we'll find a way out."

Emily's heart swelled at the sight of him. Cassius had been her protector, her ally through the treacherous journey into Hell. His loyalty, his belief in her, was unshakeable. But now, facing Lucien, she saw something else in his eyes—something deeper. Something dangerous.

Lucien let out a low chuckle, though there was no humor in it. "You think you can save her, Cassius? How naive. You've always been sentimental, always so desperate to play the hero." He took a step forward, his gaze flicking between Emily and Cassius. "But you forget—betrayal runs deep, even among allies."

Emily's stomach twisted as she glanced between the two men. Lucien's Emily's stomach twisted as she glanced between the two men. Lucien's words hung in the air like a dark omen, and for a moment, doubt crept into her mind. Cassius had always been there for her, but now, standing between her and Lucien, something felt... off.

"What do you mean?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper, fear seeping into her words.

Lucien's smile grew, sinister and sharp. "Did he not tell you? How he came to serve me? How he became bound to this place, just as you are now?"