RAGE AND ANGER

The castle was enveloped in an ominous silence. The servants' faces were pale, and the guards stood frozen, unsure of what to do. Princess Elara had already taken control.

But then, the large doors slammed open with a crash.

Darian burst in like a storm. His eyes were dark, his hands clenched into fists, and every muscle in his body was tensed to the breaking point. He walked quickly, energetically, with only one goal – to find Elara and force the truth out of her.

As soon as he stepped into the main hall, he spotted her.

Elara was standing next to a large table, in her most expensive outfit, holding a glass of wine in her hand. She looked pleased, as if she had just won a game he hadn't even known he was playing.

"Welcome back, my dear king," she said with a smile that radiated false warmth.

Darian didn't respond. His gaze was hard, icy.

"Where is she?"

Elara theatrically sighed and sat down in a chair.

"Oh, Darian, you know, I really wish I could see you happier that I'm here."

He was already by her side. In one swift motion, he grabbed her hand and yanked her toward him.

"I said – where. Is. Sophie?"

Elara blinked, but quickly regained her composure. She pulled her hand from his grasp and lifted her chin.

"Far from here."

Darian's breath quickened.

"If you've done something to her—"

"Oh, calm down." Elara rolled her eyes. "She's still alive. But if you keep up with these attacks, maybe I'll reconsider my decision."

Darian froze.

Her words were cold, calculated.

"You..." He swallowed a lump in his throat. "You're threatening her life?"

Elara smiled.

"Call it whatever you want."

Darian's rage was palpable, but he knew he couldn't react impulsively. If he attacked her, if he tried to force her to tell him where Sophie was, she could really order her execution.

He was trapped.

For the first time in his life, he saw no way out.

His breathing was heavy, and pressure was building in his chest.

"You... you sent her somewhere where no one will find her?"

"You got it! As smart as always, my dear king," Elara said, playing with her glass of wine. "But here's what you'll do. You'll stop looking for her. You'll stop talking about her. You'll stop rebelling and playing the hero. And in return... I will be merciful. Sophie will stay alive."

Darian could feel his body trembling.

But he couldn't do anything.

"If I even hear that you've tried to find her... that you've sent someone after her..." Elara leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "You'll lose her forever."

Darian's fists were clenched so tightly that his nails were cutting into his skin.

"Do you really think I'll ever forgive you for this?"

Elara laughed.

"I don't need your forgiveness, darling. I just need your kingdom."

Darian remained silent.

He had no choice.

He knew he had to back down.

He turned and left, feeling his body pulse with impotent rage.

When he reached his chambers, the door slammed shut behind him, and he shoved his hand through the nearest piece of furniture. The table overturned, and things crashed to the ground, but nothing could calm the fury inside him.

Sophie...

Wherever she was, he knew one thing.

He wouldn't stop until he found her.