“A terrified eight–year–old girl,” I continued relentlessly, “huddled in the corner, covered in rat bites, screaming for help that didn’t come. You promised to protect her then. What happened to that promise, Ethan?”
Olivia’s eyes met his, filled with hurt and resentment. The stark contrast between her vivid memories and his apparent indifference was written clearly on her face.
“I… I didn’t think… he began, his voice faltering.
“No,” I cut him off harshly. “You didn’t think. You didn’t remember. You were too busy pleasing Victoria to recall your mate’s deepest trauma.”
(Victoria’s POV)
* Chate 55. The Matraco
The basement plunged into darkness as the last light was extinguished. My scream tore through the silence,
raw and desperate.
“Please!” I begged, though I knew no one was listening. “I’ll do anything! Just get these snakes away
from
mel
Something slithered across my foot, and I kicked wildly, my heart threatening to burst from my chest. The cold, smooth scales against my skin sent waves of paralyzing terror through my body.
Just as blackness began to creep into the edges of my vision–a blessed unconsciousness that would free me from this nightmare–the door opened. Light flooded in, momentarily blinding me.
“No sleeping,” a deep voice commanded.
Cold water hit me like a physical blow, shocking me back to full awareness. I gasped, sputtering and choking as the icy liquid soaked through my clothes
The massive form of one of Matriarch Evelyn’s bodyguards loomed over me, an empty bucket in his hands. His face remained impassive as he observed my terror.
“The mistress says you are to experience every moment,” he informed me coldly. “Just as she did.”
Fresh horror washed over me as I realized the full extent of Olivia’s revenge. She wouldn’t even allow me the
mercy of unconsciousness.
The door closed again, leaving me in darkness with my slithering tormentors. I tried to control my breathing. to find some reserve of strength, but another snake brushed against my arm and panic consumed me once
more
“Ethan!” I screamed, knowing he couldn’t hear me. “Save me!”
(Olivia’s POV)
He complied without argument, his eyes fixed on a point in the distance. The perfect Alpha, accepting the consequences of his actions with dignity.
Matriarch Evelyn turned to me, her eyes softening slightly. “Olivia, as the wronged party, you have the right to discipline even the head of the family when he has failed in his duties”
“This isn’t just about the attack,” Matriarch Evelyn replied firmly. “This is about years of neglect. About forgetting your vows to your mate. About betraying the very foundations of what it means to be an Alpha.” She turned back to me, holding out the whip. “The choice is yours, Olivia. Our traditions allow you this right.” I stared at the whip, feeling the weight of the moment. Part of me wanted to refuse, to be better than the
But then I remembered Lily–my beautiful daughter who had died while Ethan was with Victoria and Emma. I remembered the basement, the rats, the terror. I remembered every slight, every dismissal, every moment
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