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

Dawn had barely broken when we gathered in the dimly lit courtyard. The morning air bit at my skin, carrying the promise of harsher conditions ahead as we prepared for our journey to Raven's Peak. I adjusted the sturdy riding clothes Alaric had insisted I wear—practical garments far removed from my usual duchess attire, but perfect for the treacherous path ahead.


Alaric stood with Sir Kaelen Drake and Cassian Vance, his most trusted men, reviewing maps one final time. His expression was grim, determined. The weight of our mission hung heavy over all of us.


"You're certain you want to do this?" Alaric asked, appearing at my side while the others prepared our horses. His voice was low, meant only for me. "There's still time to reconsider."


I straightened my spine, meeting his gaze directly. "I'm not staying behind while you face danger on my behalf. We decided—together."


Chapter 137 - Journey to the Raven's Peak