Part 28

Third Person P.O.VWilliam stood amidst the wreckage of his room, seething with rage. Everything felt out of control—Kristen misunderstood him, and his father had played them both. The King not only attempted to claim her, but he also managed to turn her against him. He needed to explain everything to her, to clear up the mess.As William was about to storm out, John entered the room, taking in the destruction with a sigh. His gaze landed on William, who looked like a furious beast. John placed a firm hand on his shoulder, turning him around."Tell me what happened," John asked, his voice tight with anger, though his face showed concern.William clenched his fists, breathing deeply to calm himself before explaining the events in his father's office. He spoke of how the King had manipulated Kristen, trying to claim her as his own. John listened, the tension in his body growing at the thought of anyone, especially the King, touching Kristen. Rage surged through him, but he kept his composure, knowing he had to think clearly to help her.As William finished, John realized the King's manipulation had hit its mark. But the truth stung—William had tried to claim Kristen, even though he knew she wasn't meant for him. John's mind raced, searching for a way to protect Kristen before the King trapped her any further. The danger was clear, and they could trust no one else in the castle; most were loyal to the King.John placed his hands on William's shoulders. "You need to give Kristen space. She's terrified right now, and if you push too hard, you'll only make it worse."William shook his head, refusing at first. "I can't leave things like this. She has to know the truth.""I know you want to fix this, but she needs time to calm down. Let her breathe. You'll have a better chance of explaining everything when she's not feeling cornered," John reasoned, his tone firm but calm.After a tense silence, William relented, his shoulders slumping. He gave John a curt nod before heading out of the castle, his hunger pulling him into the night.The King sat in his courtroom, his eyes dark with malice as he summoned Linda and his most trusted witches. It was time for war against the witches. Soon, Linda and ten others appeared before him. He turned to the witch who had captured Kristen."Any updates?" he asked coldly.The witch nodded and used her power to show him Fork's land. The King's eyes narrowed as he saw witches moving about joyfully, preparing for some sort of celebration. His rage boiled over."How dare they live happily after destroying my queen!" he roared, hurling a glass vase at the vision. The witches flinched, except Linda, who remained calm and unmoved by his outburst."It's time to wipe that smile from their faces and destroy them, just like they destroyed mine," he hissed. The witches shuddered under his fury."My lord, we have the location, but we need powerful magic to breach their land. Our strength alone is not enough," one witch stammered.The King laughed darkly. "I know you're not strong enough, but I have the perfect weapon." His mind wandered to Kristen."Your son will stand against you. He'll try to protect her," Linda said, casually reading his thoughts.The King's eyes darkened further. "I'll handle William," he spat.He summoned a witch forward and gave her clear instructions to deal with his son. Knowing William's strength, the King had a darker plan in mind—to manipulate his mind and turn him into another pawn in his dangerous game."Follow William closely," the King commanded, his tone chilling. "When he meets Kristen, their emotions will clash. Once the fight starts, cast a spell to fuel his anger, enough to make him attack her. That should be sufficient to drive a wedge between them." He took a leisurely sip from his goblet, the dark red liquid staining his lips. The witch nodded obediently and exited the room.Turning to Linda, he gave her a cold smile. "You will oversee Kristen. Mold her into the perfect weapon we need for the war. If she refuses... well, you know what to do." His voice held a quiet threat.Linda's blood boiled at his arrogance, but she kept her face expressionless. Suppressing her anger, she forced a smile. "Of course, my King," she replied smoothly, then turned and left the room, her fists clenched tightly as she strode away.Kristen P.O.VI got a feeling that something bad was going to happen; I could sense it, and now I am way too familiar with these signs because of my powers. I braced myself for the worst and tried to prepare myself mentally for whatever was coming my way.When I walked into my room and found William sitting on my bed, waiting for me, I couldn't help but gasp in shock. His appearance was alarming, and I could feel that something was not right about him. His usually calm green eyes were now filled with a dangerous glint, and there was an unsettling aura around him that made my skin crawl."How did you get in here?" I asked him, trying to keep the fear out of my voice. I was sure I had locked the door with a powerful spell. William lifted one dark eyebrow as I gaped at him and his lips twitched. "I need to talk to you."I frowned, glancing at the door that was still wide open, my heart racing with confusion and unease. How had William bypassed my magical barriers? Something was deeply wrong, and I could feel it. William stared at me for a moment, then half-smiled."You know there are witches here who can cast spells, right?" he said arrogantly, a smirk playing on his lips. His cocky tone made me annoyed. How could he act so indifferent after everything that had happened? My thoughts immediately turned to the witch who had helped kidnap me—was she behind William's sudden appearance? A shadow darkened William's eyes as if he'd sensed my nervousness. "Get out," I yelled, striding toward the door, but before I could reach it, his hand shot out, grabbing mine with such force that I stumbled. His grip was unnaturally strong, and a chill ran down my spine. The William I once known seemed like a stranger."Kristen, please. It's all a misunderstanding," he said, but his voice was cold and distant, nothing like the warmth I once knew. I scoffed, my anger bubbling over."What could you possibly say?" I snapped. "That you don't have a mate? That you just want me by your side like a girlfriend?" My voice shook with rage. "Your father attacked me, he wants to claim me, and now you want to do the same? Do you think I'm some slave to be passed around, owned by whoever wants me?"I shoved him hard, my control slipping with every word. I didn't care if he was a vampire prince—he had no right to treat me like this."I do have a mate, but I haven't met her yet, and it's not true that I want to own you," William said through gritted teeth, clearly angered by my words. "I like you and I want you to be mine. You are everything to me, Kirsten."His words did nothing to calm my anger. How could he claim to care for me when he allowed his father to try and claim me? I glared at him, feeling both hurt and betrayed. "You expect me to trust you? After everything that's happened?"William's voice grew desperate. "I love you, Kristen, can't you feel that?" He grabbed my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze, but all I felt was anger, simmering and fierce.Without thinking, I slapped him hard across the face. "Love? If you loved me, you would've stopped your father! You let him attack me—you're nothing but his puppet." My voice trembled with fury. "You wouldn't even stand up to him if he asked you to hand me over."His eyes darkened to a dangerous red.Bile stung at the back of my throat. I had the feeling I'd just done something wrong. Blood tricked from the side of his mouth, his eyes turned from green to a deep shade of red. Before I could do something his hand was around my neck, hurling me across the room. My head slammed against the wall, pain shooting through me as his scream filled the air. "How dare you?" he roared, his face twisted with rage.Before he could grab me again, I shoved him with all my strength, sending him flying. But he was back in an instant, his hand once more at my throat, his eyes wild with fury. The side of William I had never seen—the monster—was now in full view, and it sent a shiver of dread through me.I gasped for air as William's grip on my neck tightened. When he finally released me, I collapsed to my knees, clutching the back of my head where a warm trickle of blood painted my fingers. Tears streamed down my face, unnoticed until I let out a sob of pain.William's eyes locked onto the blood on my hand, his fangs sliding out, and his expression twisted with a primal hunger. A low growl escaped him, sending a wave of fear through me.Before I could react, he grabbed me, slamming me against his body, his grip firm and unrelenting. My heart raced as I struggled to free myself, but his strength was overwhelming. "William, please... let me go!" My voice trembled with fear as he pulled my head to the side, baring my neck.I could feel his breath on my skin, and my whole body tensed as his fangs hovered over my throat. Panic surged through me, and I braced myself for the worst.Then, it happened—the searing pain of his fangs sinking into my flesh. A scream tore from my throat as agony spread like fire through my veins. William sucked my blood hungrily, his hold on me tightening as my strength drained away, leaving me powerless in his grasp.The only sensation left was the searing pain in my neck, the warmth of my life force slipping away. I screamed and the blood flowed down my throat. My hair was drenched in sweat, sticking to my head and shoulders. William pulled back, leaving me on the cold, hard floor like a discarded rag doll. My hands shook as I pressed them against the wound, trying desperately to stop the bleeding. The pain was unbearable."I will claim what is mine." His voice cut through the haze of pain, sharp and possessive.I barely registered his next words as they echoed in my ears. "You are nothing but a weapon to my father." His tone was dripping with anger. "This is just the beginning. Worse will come if you refuse me. You are mine, and you better get that into your thick stubborn head."His words felt heavy, like I couldn't breathe. It hit me hard that I was just a piece in his father's cruel game. The way he held me and talked to me made me feel worthless—like I was just something to be owned. I was so confused with his words that my head hurt. I didn't know what to think. "I loathe witches," he spat. "Yet I kept you safe because I cared for you." The disgust in his voice felt like a slap, making my skin crawl.I could feel anger building inside me, hot and fierce. My blood boiled at his arrogance, at his pathetic attempt to shift the blame onto me. How dare he speak to me like this? My hands trembled, but this time it wasn't from fear—it was rage."You will be mine, whether you like it or not," William said, his voice chilling and full of threat. It sent a shiver down my spine, but I refused to let him take my freedom. I wasn't going to be his.Suddenly, I felt a rush of power inside me, my magic sparking to life. The air around us crackled, and I could feel energy flowing through my veins. I was done with his games and manipulation. It was time to fight back.I charged at him, fueled by anger and fear. But he was quick, dodging my attack easily. As I turned to face him, I saw a wild look in his eyes that made me realize I was in serious trouble."William, get out! Now," I warned, my voice shaking with fear and anger.He didn't listen. He charged at me like a predator ready to pounce. But before I could react, he was suddenly thrown back with a huge force, crashing through the balcony doors. Glass shattered everywhere as he fell outside.I turned around, breathless, and saw John and Peter standing there, both looking tense and angry. Peter had cast the spell, and his face showed with anger. "Kristen."My heart skipped a beat. I'd only heard that voice a handful of times but it was familiar to me as if I'd known it forever. "Peter," I said. "Are you all right?" John asked rushing to me, his eyes fixed on the blood in my hand. I nodded weakly and reached for his hand to steady myself. His warm hands cupped my cheeks, his touch gentle as he reassured me, "I am here." The concern on his face made my heart skip. He had changed—always there when I needed him.Peter stepped forward, worry etched on his face. "What happened?""William... he came to talk, but..." My voice trembled, tears slipping down my cheeks. "He showed me who he really is, John. He's no different from his father—he's a monster." My words were laced with fear, the memory of his attack still fresh.John's expression darkened. "Are you sure it was William? He's never acted like that around you."I nodded, still shaken. "He said he'd claim me, that he's done waiting. I'm just a weapon to them." My voice cracked as I shared the betrayal, feeling the weight of it all crush down on me.An unsettling feeling washed over me, like an invisible weight pressing down on my chest. A powerful aura pulsed from somewhere nearby. My gaze shifted to the door, where I locked eyes with a pair of intense silver orbs at the end of the corridor. Though her face was covered by a cloak, her gaze pierced through me, sending a chill down my spine.