The Blackwood Curse

Chapter 11

Sarah's POV

The days following the discovery in the west wing passed in a haze. The words in the letter replayed in my mind like a haunting melody, each sentence a fresh wound.

"Eren, you cannot build a future on lies."

The letter wasn't just a warning; it was a confirmation. My perfect life, my perfect marriage-none of it was real. And yet, I couldn't bring myself to confront Eren again. The fear of what he might say kept me silent.

Instead, I kept myself busy. I spent hours in the greenhouse, the library, anywhere that offered a semblance of escape. But no matter where I went, the mansion itself seemed to close in around me, its walls whispering secrets I couldn't yet uncover.

And then there was Axel.

He was everywhere. A lingering presence in the corridors, a shadow at the edge of my vision. I avoided him as best I could, but he had a way of appearing when I least expected it, his eyes always watching, always waiting.

---

It was during one of these moments, late in the evening, that I found myself in the drawing room, staring out at the storm raging beyond the window. The lightning illuminated the gardens in bursts, casting eerie shadows that danced like phantoms.

"You shouldn't be alone during a storm."

I turned, my breath catching as I saw Axel standing in the doorway. He was leaning casually against the frame, his hands in his pockets, but there was an intensity in his gaze that set my nerves on edge.

"I'm fine," I said, turning back to the window.

"Are you?" His voice was soft, almost a whisper, but it carried weight.

I clenched my fists, refusing to look at him. "What do you want, Axel?"

"I want to help you," he said, stepping into the room.

I laughed bitterly, shaking my head. "Help me? How? By feeding me more half-truths and cryptic warnings?"

Axel hesitated, his jaw tightening as he looked away. "It's not that simple, Sarah."

"It is," I insisted, stepping closer. "If you care about me as much as you say you do, then stop protecting him and tell me the truth."

His eyes met mine, and for a moment, I thought he might. But then he shook his head, a bitter smile tugging at his lips.

"You wouldn't believe me even if I did," he said.

"Try me," I said, my voice trembling.

Axel sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Eren built his entire life on a foundation of lies. The man you think you married doesn't exist."

The words hit me like a physical blow, and I staggered back, my legs threatening to give out. "What are you talking about?"

He stepped closer, his expression softening. "I'm talking about the fact that Eren has been lying to you since the day you met him. About who he is. About what he's done...about why he's with you."

I shook my head, tears streaming down my face. "No. You're lying. You're just trying to turn me against him."

"Why would I do that?" Axel said, his voice rising. "What could I possibly gain from this?"

"I don't know," I whispered, my voice breaking. "I don't know anything anymore."

Axel reached out, his hand brushing against my arm. The touch was warm, grounding, but it only made the chaos in my mind worse.

"Sarah," he said softly. "You deserve to know the truth. But you have to be ready for it. Once you know, there's no going back."

I looked at him, my vision blurred by tears. "Why do you care so much...why are you helping me?"

"Because I-" He stopped himself, his jaw clenching as though the words were too painful to say.

"Because you what?" I demanded.

He didn't answer, but the way he looked at me spoke volumes. My breath caught as the realization hit me, and I took a step back, shaking my head.

"No," I said, my voice trembling. "You don't get to do this. You don't get to ruin everything."

"Everything's already ruined," Axel said, his voice raw. "You just don't see it yet."

---

Eren's POV

I watched from the shadows as Sarah fled the drawing room, her tears glinting like diamonds in the dim light. My fists clenched at my sides, rage boiling in my veins.

Axel.

He was crossing a line, and he knew it.

I stepped into the room, my presence drawing his attention. He didn't look surprised to see me-if anything, he looked smug.

"You're playing a dangerous game, Axel," I said, my voice low and deadly.

He smirked, leaning casually against the mantel. "The truth has a way of making people uncomfortable, doesn't it?"

I took a step closer, my hands curling into fists. "Stay away from her."

"Why?" Axel asked, his tone mocking. "Afraid she might start asking questions you don't want to answer?"

"She's my wife," I said through gritted teeth.

"She's a pawn in your little game," Axel shot back, his smirk fading. "And you know it."

I lunged at him, grabbing the front of his shirt and slamming him against the wall. His smirk returned, even as my grip tightened.

"You don't know what you're talking about," I growled.

"Don't I?" he said, his voice calm despite the situation. "I know you, Eren. And so will she, eventually."

The words were a challenge, and for a moment, I considered ending it here and now. But I couldn't. Not yet.

Instead, I released him, stepping back.

"This is your final warning," I said, my voice cold. "Stay away from Sarah. Or you'll regret it."

Axel straightened his shirt, his smirk widening. "We'll see about that."

Sarah's POV

I didn't know how long I wandered the mansion, my mind a blur of emotions. By the time I found myself back in my room, the tears had stopped, replaced by a dull ache in my chest.

Eren was waiting for me, sitting on the edge of the bed with an unreadable expression.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice soft.

I wanted to scream, to demand answers, but I didn't have the strength. Instead, I nodded, forcing a weak smile. "I'm fine."

He didn't believe me-I could see it in his eyes. But he didn't push, instead pulling me into his arms.

As I rested my head against his chest, I felt the cracks in my world widen further.

Eren's heartbeat was steady beneath my ear, but it offered no comfort. If anything, it only reminded me of how much I didn't know about the man I'd married.

And Axel's words lingered in my mind like a shadow, whispering truths I wasn't ready to face.

Did he really mean what I think he did?