Chapter 8: The Fiancée’s Gamble

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Annalise's Conflict

Annalise Vermillion hated Lucian Valcrest.

Or at least, she told herself she did.

She remembered the past life, the way Lucian had descended into madness.

The way he had embraced the devil's power, losing himself completely.

And most of all—she remembered the day he killed her.

But now?

Now he was different.

And that terrified her more than anything.

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A Hidden Decision

She watched Lucian from afar, observing his every move.

At first, she had wanted to expose him.

But then…

She realized something.

Lucian was resisting the corruption.

In her past life, by this time, he had already started his descent.

But now?

He remained untouched.

He was trying to change.

Annalise bit her lip. Could she truly let him fall again?

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Gathering Power

Annalise made a decision.

If she could not stop Lucian from becoming a villain—then she would control the villainy herself.

She began expanding her influence.

Using her future knowledge, she secretly gathered treasures, artifacts, and powerful followers.

She strengthened her father's forces.

She even sabotaged others—stealing resources meant for the Chosen Heroes.

If Lucian was destined to become the empire's greatest villain…

Then she would make sure he was the strongest one.

The one no hero could ever destroy.

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Lucian's Suspicion

Lucian, of course, noticed the changes.

Annalise was moving strangely—not openly opposing him, but not exactly trusting him either.

And most importantly—she was interfering with the other Chosen Heroes.

Lucian smiled to himself.

"You're trying to save me, aren't you, Annalise?"

A dangerous idea formed in his mind.

If his own fiancée was unknowingly helping him… then he would use that.

To shape her.

To drag her further into his world.

And to make her realize that she could never escape him.

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End of Chapter 8