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

I struggled helplessly against my captor's grip, tears blurring my vision as Silas pressed the blade deeper against Alaric's throat. This couldn't be happening. Not after everything we'd survived together.


"Any last words, Duke?" Silas taunted, his eyes gleaming with sick satisfaction.


Despite his predicament, Alaric remained defiant, his gaze never leaving mine. "Isabella," he said, his voice steady despite the blade at his throat, "remember what I told you. You are stronger than they know."


Silas laughed. "How touching. The mighty Duke's final words are wasted on sentiment." He adjusted his grip on the dagger. "Unfortunately, Your Grace, your time has—"


A thunderous crash interrupted him as the main doors to the chamber burst open with explosive force. Splinters of wood flew across the room.


"What the—" Silas whirled around, momentarily distracted.


Chapter 161 - A Queen's Gambit, A Timely Rescue