Lidiya never thought her life would lead her here-to a marriage with a man she barely knew in the remote village of Roxana. But as a poor farmer's daughter, her fate was never truly hers to choose. She hadn't imagined her wedding night would be one...
Lidiya drifted into a restless sleep, the events of the day heavy on her mind. The moment was peaceful until she felt a presence hovering over her. She opened her eyes to find Zindane—Jorden—leaning over her, his dark eyes alight with an intensity that sent chills coursing through her.
“How did you know?” he demanded, his voice a low growl.
Lidiya's heart raced as she fought the instinct to recoil. “You’re Zindane Witchane,” she spat, her voice laced with defiance. “The coward who fled the palace, hiding in a peasant’s home like a rat!”
A flicker of rage ignited in his eyes, and he stepped closer, the air between them crackling with tension. “You think you’re clever, don’t you? You have no idea what you’re getting into,” he warned, his voice dropping to a sinister whisper.
With newfound courage, Lidiya glared up at him. “You’re a coward and a murderer! You probably killed your wife!”
In a flash, Zindane’s hands closed around her throat, squeezing tightly. The room spun as her breath hitched in her throat. “You’re testing my patience, peasant,” he hissed, his voice a deadly promise.
She gasped for air, anger burning hotter than fear. “You can kill me, but I’m not afraid of you! You’re nothing but a coward hiding behind your magic!”
He released her suddenly, his dark eyes now flashing with fury. “You don’t know who you’re dealing with. Your husband’s spirit is trapped in my control, and you can scream all you want, but no one will believe you. I have powers that can erase memories—manipulate minds.”
Lidiya’s blood ran cold at his revelation. “You’re evil,” she whispered, shaking her head in disbelief.
Zindane nodded, his lips curling into a cruel smile. “That’s right. I will torment you every day, for every moment you’re alive is a moment that Oswen’s spirit will suffer. You’re nothing but a pawn in my game, and I will never release him.”
“Why?” Lidiya’s voice trembled, confusion battling her anger. “What about Aurora? What did she ever do to you?”
His face contorted with rage. “Don’t you dare utter her name,” he growled, stepping closer, each word dripping with venom. “You’re not worthy to speak of her. I married you solely to torture you—my vengeance will be sweet.”
With a swift motion, he pressed his hand over her chest, fingers grazing her necklace. Panic surged through Lidiya as she instinctively reached for it. “Don't touch me!” she cried, feeling her pulse race.
Zindane ripped the necklace from her neck, holding it aloft like a trophy of victory. “This was never yours,” he taunted, his eyes gleaming with malice.
“Please!” Lidiya pleaded, desperation creeping into her voice. “It means everything to me!”
He pushed her again, and she stumbled backward, hitting the ground hard. Pain shot through her body, and she let out a cry. “You’re going to regret this,” she gasped, clutching her side, feeling the warmth of blood beneath her fingers.
Zindane’s gaze softened for a brief moment, an internal battle flickering behind his stormy eyes, but he quickly masked it with indifference. “You’re weak, Lidiya. Just like your husband.”
With that, he turned and strode out of the room, leaving Lidiya in a haze of confusion and anguish. As she lay on the floor, tears streamed down her cheeks, and the weight of her losses crashed down on her.
“What have I become?” she whispered to herself, feeling hollow and broken.
Struggling to her feet, Lidiya looked out the window and saw Zindane sitting on the porch, the moonlight illuminating his striking features. He was a paradox—handsome yet terrifying, a monster cloaked in the facade of a man. She felt anger bubbling within her, fueling her determination.
“I will not let you win, Zindane,” she vowed, her heart racing with a mixture of fear and resolve. “I will uncover the truth, and I will make you pay for what you’ve done.”
The night seemed to stretch on endlessly, but Lidiya steeled herself. Tomorrow, she would gather the strength to confront him once more. Tomorrow, she would expose the darkness lurking within him, no matter the cost.
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