The trembling hand, begging for mercy, never ceased its movement in the air. The once feeble woman, who had behaved as if begging for her life, now attempted not a plea but a counterattack.

In a split second, the fingers, previously vibrating minutely, seized his arm. Taking advantage of Cedric’s distraction and excitement, she forcefully pushed away the arm that was choking her neck.

Due to the lack of breath, her head felt dizzy. The smoke-filled air made her throat feel congested, and she gasped for air as if stifling. The sluggishness, reminiscent of an impending reflux, made her frown continuously.

“A long-cherished desire?”

Finally, Cloé muttered in a chilly voice. Her raised eyebrows and sharp eyes revealed a contemptuous emotion.

“You are not someone weak, Your Majesty. So, it would be better to quickly give up on unrealistic desires.”

The sharp criticism cut through like a knife.

A shadow fell over Cedric’s face, which had been sneering at Cloé’s firm rebuke.

Resting his arm on the chair’s armrest, he slowly lowered his body. Cedric, who had been breathing heavily, reached out again.

Judging by his angry demeanor, it seemed like he might harm her as he did a little while ago. Surprisingly, he touched the blindfold that had been blocking Cloé’s vision.

Subsequently, light, stolen from the darkness, entered. The eyes, previously struggling in the darkness, now seemed to complain about the pain when exposed to the light.

Adapting to the change, she looked ahead. What caught her gaze was a massive mirror positioned behind Cedric.
Just a moment ago, Cedric, clearly annoyed by the recent restrictions on his actions due to her, forcefully subdued and dragged her. Bound to a chair, she was oppressed like livestock being led to the slaughterhouse, unable to move comfortably.

“Do you see it, Empress?”

“…….”

“Do you have any idea how much of a mess you are in!”

His malicious behavior prevented her from turning her head elsewhere. Eventually, Cloé had to face herself through the mirror, just as he wanted.

Tied tightly with strong ropes, her body had lost even the slightest ability to resist. Various wounds were inflicted as she struggled in rebellion. Dried blood and red welts adorned her body.

“What a beautifully exquisite specimen.”

Both of them were looking at the same thing but thinking entirely opposite thoughts. Especially when facing the one who considered her disheveled appearance beautiful, Cloé couldn’t help but shudder for a moment.

But if I react, only my weakened heart will be exposed. Cloé, with her eyes closed, remained silent, the only part of her body moving voluntarily.

“Graceful lines and beauty… Indeed, that bastard has a reason to covet. Greedy people always want the best.”

His breath touched Cloé’s skin. Whether she opened her eyes to face his repulsive face or closed them to vividly feel his disgusting actions, it was an undesirable crossroads, too dirty to choose.
“You and that bastard, both of you will witness the perfect specimen burning into ashes. What if, instead of you, a shapeless pile of ashes is placed in front of that guy who feels relieved to have found where my wife is? A pile of ashes with no trace left. How about that?”

“…….”

“Empress, I’m so curious about that sight… I want to see the face of that bastard who can’t do anything but throw a tantrum when he holds the ashes in his hands.”

The cruel whisper continued.

Suddenly, Cloé smelled the scent of oil rising from her toes. Along with it, she recalled the pipe that had been briefly visible on the table earlier.

For a moment, Cloé, without realizing it, had a horrifying imagination and opened her eyes in shock.

At that moment, beyond the mirror, a familiar figure appeared. Like Cloé Freihed, she looked like the unfortunate Empress burning in the fire, as described by Cedric.

“How about it? Do you like my plan?”

“…It’s a filthy plan. Savage, just like your nature.”

“Seeing you stick to your pride until the end, you really are like that bastard’s wife. Empress, provoking me won’t do you any good. At best, it will only expedite your fate.”

Cedric mimicked placing a bucket next to the mirror. From it, the smell of oil wafted up.

The words Cedric had thrown earlier overlapped, triggering Cloé. Unknowingly, she shifted her gaze towards the table.

As time passed, Cedric left the cabin, claiming that he would close his eyes. It was impractical to address his hunger in a place without food or a bed.

‘I have to escape from here.’

Feeling frightened by the man’s departure, Cloé looked around.

Cedric was waiting for Kun’s arrival. And when he reached his destination, or just before that, he might throw Cloé into the fire with the intention to get rid of her.

Before that happened, she had to escape. Even if it was to protect Kun and herself.

‘That place…’

Cloé once again examined the corner of the desk she had been watching all along. It hadn’t been long since it was made, so the edge was sharp, like a blade.