Violet_167

Isabella Beaumont figured she was making a smart, if desperate, trade: her freedom in exchange for marrying the dreaded Duke Alaric Thorne. 
Sure, the guy had a reputation darker than a moonless night, whispered about in every corner of the kingdom, but it was just a contract, right? A way to escape a brutal past that had literally left its mark on her face. 
She wasn’t expecting warmth, and definitely not passion. But then Alaric, this formidable, feared man, starts acting… protective. His unexpected kindness will make her want to throw away her protective mask and actually fall for the man who was supposed to be just her ticket to freedom. 
Just as Isabella starts believing she might actually deserve happiness, everything begins falling apart around them.
With the villains on the loose, old wounds being ripped open, and everyone’s true colors showing, is this sudden, fierce love strong enough to survive the storm? Or will the darkness from their pasts and the deadly games shatter everything they’re starting to build?

The Masked Duchess

The darkness beyond the stone door seemed to breathe, drawing us in with an ancient, unknowable power. I clutched Alaric's hand tightly as we stood at the threshold, the blue glow from my stone providing the only light in this consuming blackness.


"Stay close to me," Alaric whispered, his voice tight with tension.


I nodded, though I wasn't sure he could see me. "Always."


Silas Blackwood moved ahead of us, seemingly untroubled by the darkness. "The Sleeper has waited centuries for this moment. Don't waste his time with fear."


My heart hammered against my ribs as we stepped into the passage. The walls narrowed around us, forcing us to walk in single file. Alaric insisted on walking directly behind me, with Silas leading the way and Sir Kaelen and Cassian following behind.


"The mark on your forehead grows brighter," Silas remarked without turning back. "He senses your approach."


Chapter 125 - The Sleeper's Bargain, A Test of Love