Freedom

(READER DISCRETION ADVISED: The following content may contain mature themes, graphic violence, or disturbing subject matter. Reader discretion is advised.)

Axel stood in front of the mirror, his expression cold and distant as he adjusted his collar, readying himself for the charade that lay ahead. His mind was racing with the weight of everything he had just uncovered. The truth about Rael, and the horrors he had faced—the betrayal, the lies, the manipulation by his mother and Heather—made his stomach churn. But now, more than ever, he had to keep his emotions in check.

He turned to Theo, who stood at the door. "Get Rael. Keep him safe. I don't care where, just make sure no one touches him until this is over," Axel commanded, his voice firm.

"I'll protect him," Theo replied, nodding before leaving to find the child.

Axel stared at the door for a moment, his chest tight with anger and grief. Theo's words barely registered as he mentally steeled himself for what was coming. His role today was pivotal. He had to play the part—the doting husband, ignorant of the chaos and the truth, while everything around him began to crumble.

With a final glance in the mirror, Axel left his chambers and headed toward Heather's quarters. He found her surrounded by maids, adjusting her gown and preparing her for the trip to the Southern Empire. She looked every bit the perfect wife, but Axel couldn't help but feel disgusted by the sight of her. Heather, who had once been his childhood friend, was now a stranger to him.

"Axel!" Heather exclaimed, flashing a bright smile when she saw him enter the room. Her voice was sweet, dripping with false affection. "Are you ready for Lila and Mateo's wedding? I can't believe it's happening. Can you?"

Axel swallowed his rage, forcing a smile to his face as he approached her. "Of course, Heather. It's a big day for the Southern Empire," he said, his voice smooth and convincing. "And for us as well, attending as husband and wife."

Heather's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered. "Yes… husband and wife," she echoed, though there was something uneasy in her eyes.

Axel reached for her hand, bringing it to his lips in a display of affection that felt hollow. "Let's not keep them waiting. The Southern Empire will expect nothing less than perfection from us today."

Heather nodded, seemingly satisfied with his performance. "I've chosen the perfect gown. We'll look stunning together," she added, glancing at her reflection in the mirror.

Axel's heart pounded, but his face betrayed nothing. The wedding would be the perfect opportunity to strike, to expose the truth behind Mateo's crimes and the dark secrets that had been hidden for too long. But for now, he needed Heather to believe he was still the loving, ignorant husband she thought she controlled.

"Shall we?" Axel offered his arm, and Heather took it, her head held high, completely unaware of the storm brewing around her.

As they left for the ceremony, Axel's thoughts turned to Lila. 

≿━━━━༺❀༻━━━━≾

The grand hall of the Southern Empire's palace was draped in opulence for the wedding of Prince Mateo and Lady Lila Elara of Montgrave. Nobles and dignitaries from across the empire filled the room, their murmurs quieting as the High Priest Arkin stepped forward to ask the question once more.

As the High Priest's voice echoed through the grand hall of the Southern Empire's royal palace, everyone was waiting for Lila's response. 

"Do you, Lila Elara of Montgrave, take Mateo of Azro to be your lawfully wedded husband?" he asked again, his voice carrying the weight of tradition and expectation.

Lila's eyes darted between the guests. Emperor Leon and Empress Pauline were seated regally at the front, watching their son with pride. Mateo stood beside her, a twisted smile on his lips, his hand tightening around hers. Lila's heartbeat quickened, the weight of her plan pressing against her chest.

Her mouth opened, but before she could speak, a sudden whizzing sound cut through the air. 

Thwack.

The hall was plunged into chaos as a lethal arrow pierced through Emperor Leon's chest. His eyes widened in shock, and he slumped forward, blood staining his royal robes. Gasps filled the room, followed by panicked screams and the clattering of guards rushing to the emperor's side.

Thwack.

Another lethal arrow, its dark feathers gleaming in the soft light, pierced through the air with deadly precision. It struck Empress Pauline squarely in the chest.

A collective gasp erupted from the guests as Empress Pauline collapsed to the ground, her eyes wide with shock and pain. The elegant gown she wore, once a symbol of regal splendor, was stained with her blood. The room erupted into chaos.

Lila didn't hesitate. As everyone else was consumed by the confusion and terror, her hand moved swiftly to her pocket. Her fingers curled around the hilt of the small, concealed knife. With a fluid motion, she pulled it out and, in the blink of an eye, drove the blade straight into Mateo's chest.

Mateo's eyes widened in shock, the betrayal as sharp as the blade piercing his heart. He staggered, clutching his chest, his face contorting in pain.

"I... do," Lila whispered, her voice cold and steady.

"I do!" Her scream pierced the air as the words hung there—mocking the very ceremony that had been taking place. Chaos erupted around her as Mateo stumbled back, his hand weakly reaching for her, his voice nothing more than a pained whisper. "L-Lila..."

"I do," Lila said, her voice cold and unwavering as she twisted the knife deeper. Mateo's eyes widened in disbelief, his mouth opening as if to say something, but no words came.

For a brief, heart-stopping moment, everything seemed to freeze. The chaos around them faded, and Lila locked eyes with Mateo, watching as his life drained from him. His grip on her arm loosened, and he crumpled to the floor at her feet, blood pooling around him.

Lila's gaze was cold as she stepped back, her hands stained with his blood. She turned to face the stunned onlookers, her heart pounding. Mateo crumpled to the ground, gasping for breath, the knife still embedded in his chest. 

Guards rushed forward, shouts filled the air, but Lila stood tall, her eyes filled with fierce determination. Lila stood tall over Mateo's body, her chest heaving as she faced the shocked crowd. She had no intention of running, no fear of what came next. This was the moment she had been planning for.

"I do!" she repeated, her voice echoing through the hall as she stared down at Mateo, her eyes ablaze with the truth. 

In that moment, Lila Elara of Montgrave had claimed her freedom.