Chapter 128: Where Is She?
Lucian’s POV
The moon hung in the night sky, casting its silvery glow on the world below, and I could sense its ethereal strength coursing through me.
“It’s time to gather the troops,” I declared, my face filled with determination. I collected my weapons, handling them with skillful ease. I grabbed a box of bullets and quickly loaded my guns, ensuring they were ready for the upcoming battle. I secured knives on my belt and boots, ready to serve as backup weapons if my guns ran out of bullets.
“Lucian,” a familiar voice called out, drawing my attention. It was my Uncle John.
“Be cautious,” he urged, sounding concerned in his voice. I nodded in response, our silent understanding spanning the distance between us.
“You too, Uncle John,” I said, giving him a reassuring smile. We exchanged a pat on each other’s backs, a gesture filled with unspoken feelings.
My purpose was clear. I had to reach her before the war began. She couldn’t be anywhere near this battlefield. The thought of her getting hurt and the unborn child she carried was a burden I could not bear.
With keys in hand, I wore my mask to hide my face. I had opted for a motorbike; it was practical, inconspicuous, and fast. Using a car would be too noticeable, like a beacon that could draw unwanted attention before I even reached the Moonstone mansion. I planned to secure a car once she was safe with me; I couldn’t risk her riding as a passenger on a motorbike.
I arrived at the mansion as planned but went completely unnoticed. Moving slowly and silently, I approached the guards. I snapped each of their necks before they could react.
I could have used my silencer, but it felt like a waste of bullets. Plus, taking them down with my bare hands didn’t even make me sweat.
Getting inside was easy. Sentinels were patrolling the area, but there were plenty of bushes to use as cover.
Moving swiftly became tricky when I spotted security cameras at every corner. I reached into my pocket, activated my hacking software, and infiltrated their system. I couldn’t shut down the cameras entirely, which would raise suspicion. Instead, I adjusted their angles. They might notice it, but it would buy me enough time to reach her.
Now, the only challenge is to locate her in this heavily guarded mansion.
“Invader!” one of the sentinels spotted me as I opened a door. Sneaking around was no longer an option. Even if I had to search every corner of this place, I would.
There was no time for stealth anymore. Quickly, I raised my gun and silenced their voice before they could react. The gunshot echoed through the corridor.
Opening another door, I scanned the room.
Where is she?!
My heart raced as there was no sign of her. Desperation gnawed at me as I realised the disadvantages I faced.
Dialling a number on my phone, I issued a sharp command, “Bring them in.”
I had no other choice. She may appear when the grand battle unfolds.
I slowly scanned my surroundings, weighing my options. If I couldn’t secure her first, my next goal would be eliminating her father. It seemed like the easier path. Why hadn’t this idea crossed my mind earlier? But no, it felt too simple, too direct.
I started walking forward and pushed open the door to the master bedroom. The room was empty, with no sign of anyone. A wry scoff slipped from my lips.
“Still holed up in your office, Remus?” I mused aloud as I headed upstairs, a sardonic grin forming. “Working overtime, huh?”
I encountered and took down any sentinel who dared to block my path. Undoubtedly, the entire mansion was now aware of my presence. The red lights cast an eerie glow, and the blaring siren echoed through the vast estate, a loud announcement of an unwelcome intrusion.
I went to the third floor, where his study was situated. It took some time as I encountered several enemies along the way, and my bullets ran out. I sighed and drew my golden knife. I hated it when my belongings got dirty, but I had no other way to pin them down.
One by one, I ended their lives by slitting their throats. Stabbing them in the heart would have been quicker, but I believed they deserved a measure of suffering like my mother had endured when they ambushed her.
The door to Remus’s study was in front of me. To my surprise, it was unlocked. As it creaked open, I was greeted by the sight of Remus seated at his desk, leisurely sipping on bourbon.
“Lucian,” he greeted, his voice carrying a tone of anticipation and his lips curling into a sly smile.
“Please, take a seat,” he beckoned, gesturing to the chair opposite him.
“How have you been? It’s been quite some time,” he inquired casually, as though we were old acquaintances catching up.
I approached him with measured steps, brimming with anger.
“Where is she?” I asked firmly, holding my knife menacingly. Instead of showing fear, a hint of amusement appeared in his eyes.
He nonchalantly poured another glass of bourbon and extended it towards me. I gave him an icy glare.
“It’s not poisoned, rest assured. I’m not one for underhanded tactics,” he reassured me.
I quickly returned my knife to its sheath, accepted the glass, and downed its contents in one swift motion. Then, I threw the glass into the window, creating a shattering display. A red beam of light then focused on Remus’s head as my marksman was ready for action.
“Where is she?” I repeated, my voice steady, undeterred by his implied threats.
“Somewhere safe,” he grinned. Impatience gnawed at my nerves, and I stood up, grabbing his collar.
“Don’t fuck with me, you’ll die soon!” I warned him through clenched teeth.
“Tell me, where is she?” I seethed, tightening my grip on his collar.
“One bullet is all it would take to end her life,” Remus retorted coldly, a cruel glint in his eye. My eyes widened in shock.
Reluctantly, I let go of his collar and landed a powerful punch on his face instead.
“Believe me, Lucian, do you really think you can take her without any effort?” he laughed, even though blood stained his mouth.
I tilted my head and smiled. His grin vanished when he saw my expression.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.
“You won’t tell me where she is? Then Emilia will die,” I threatened him. Finally, the reaction I needed appeared on his face.
“I’m no fool, Lucian. You can’t harm the mother of your beloved; she’d despise you,” he said, his jaw clenching.
“Who mentioned anything about killing?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. He clenched his jaw once again.
“I knew you were bluffing,” he challenged.
I pulled out my phone and dialed Emilia, then put it on speaker.
“Hello?” She answered on the other end.
“He’s calling your bluff,” I said, smiling.
“Remus, return our daughter, or I’ll take my own life!” Emilia’s voice came loudly from the other end.
“Don’t try to deceive me, Emilia,” he responded, attempting to laugh.
“I have nothing left to live for anyway; you killed my husband and took my daughter along with our grandchild!” Emilia retorted immediately.
“Then be with me, and I’ll make you a Queen,” Remus urged, and I scoffed at his offer.
“I want nothing to do with your empire. Now, return Cercei to Lucian,” Emilia demanded, her voice growing in anger.
“No!” Remus instantly refused, and my jaw clenched at his response.
“Well then,” We heard a loud gun click from the other side of the line.”
“You’ve known me for a long time; you know I don’t make empty threats or bluffs. Goodbye, Remus,” Emilia declared, her voice was firm.
“Wait…” Remus quickly stopped her. I almost smiled when I saw how tightly he closed his eyes.
You and I are more alike than you think. I pondered.
“I’ll take you to her,” he said to me.
I ended the call.
“Just remember, if you’re lying, she’ll end her own life,” I warned him.
He straightened himself angrily and led the way.
He led me to an underground site that his men heavily guarded.
Two chairs stood in a glass room below, with Maria and Cercei sitting there. Maria was unconscious, and Cercei’s eyes widened when she saw me. I struggled to contain my emotions.
The door opened after scanning Remus’s iris. Although Cercei was tied up, with her mouth, hands, and feet taped, she tried to run toward me but could barely move.