Chapter 124 Bluestella?s last stand? (III)
Black Dragon Gate Arc
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(POV: Bluestella)
Damian was not content with just words.
In a violent burst of rage, he rushed forward, delivering a forceful kick to my already battered face.
The impact sent shards of pain radiating through my skull.
With a disturbing disregard for my humanity, he proceeded to grind his sole against my iron mask and the vulnerable flesh of my head, relishing in the power and control he exerted.
Then, Damian paused for a moment and looked my figure.
"Hmm, filthy you may be... but you're still the king?s most beautiful consort."
A mischievous glint danced in his eyes as he moistened his lips, "I want to have a taste of you."
With a deliberate grace, he positioned himself above me, his hands firmly grasping my bosom, his touch both commanding and forceful.
As he caressed my nipples, a cry of pleasure and pain escaped my lips, echoing through the air.
The guards, witnessing this intimate encounter, spoke, "Sir, you might be going a little too far."
"I suppose you're right."
He relinquished his hold on me. "Let's leave."
The guards nodded.
"I'll need to wash my hands after touching filth like her."
They laughed once more.
...
I lay there on the cold, unforgiving ground, accepting my fate with a heavy heart.
The weight of the world seemed to press down on me, crushing my spirit.
Greyson hated me.
My children, who once looked up to me with adoration, now regarded me with contempt.
The entire kingdom resented my existence, and I couldn't blame them.
I hated myself.
As I wallowed in my self-inflicted misery, resigned to let the darkness consume me, a gentle voice sliced through the silence.
"Bluestella, are you okay?"
The voice was like a beacon of light in the desolate abyss.
I forced my weary eyes to look up, expecting to find yet another face of mockery, but instead, my gaze saw someone I never expected.
Lumiere.
The boy who had every reason to despise me, stood before me.
His hands nonchalantly tucked into his pockets, a knowing smile gracing his lips.
My iron mask rattled against my face as I muttered, "You've come to laugh at my downfall, haven't you?"
Lumiere's smile only widened, his amethyst eyes shimmering with empathy and understanding.
Without a word, he knelt down, one knee hitting the ground with a soft thud.
His outstretched hand beckoned to me, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the bleakness.
Fear gripped my heart, fueled by the countless tragedies.
"No! Please don't hurt me! I'm sorry!"
I instinctively scuttled back.
But Lumiere, instead of hurting me, his touch gentle and comforting, grabbed the collar of my tattered garments.
He drew me closer, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still.
In his hand, a swirling torrent of water materialized, cascading over me like a river of renewal.
The filth and grime that had accumulated on my body melted away under the purifying touch of his magic.
Once the cleansing wave subsided, Lumiere's voice broke the silence, his concern evident in his tone.
"Are you okay now?" he asked.
With tears cascading down my cheeks, I mustered the strength to reply, my voice choked with emotion.
"I am... thank you," I managed to utter, my heart welling with gratitude.
Lumiere, his expression radiating kindness, gently brushed a strand of hair from my blood-stained mask.
His gaze softened, his eyes filled with curiosity. "Tell me," he implored, "who placed this mask on you?"
"It was my punishment," I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper.
Lumiere's smile remained unwavering as he clasped his hands together.
"Then I'll free you," he pledged. "If it's on there any longer, it'll ruin your hair."
"No," I exclaimed, my hands instinctively pushing him away. "Anyone who tries to remove it will be cursed."
Lumiere's eyes reflected genuine understanding as he placed my trembling hands back at my side.
"I understand your fears," he reassured, his voice gentle. "But trust me, I can do it."
Without further hesitation, Lumiere placed his warm hand upon the accursed iron mask. Suddenly, a surge of radiant light burst forth, illuminating the dark forest around us. In an instant, the mask shattered into pieces, falling away from my face, and along with it, my steel cuffs shattered as well, releasing me from their confining grip.
Overwhelmed with gratitude and awe, I found myself unable to voice the question burning in my mind.
How did he do it?
Instead, my voice, somewhat tainted with shame, asked the question that weighed heavily on my heart.
"Why... why are you helping me, Lumiere?"
Lumiere stood up, his gaze drifting to the heavens above, as if searching for the words to convey his sentiments.
"Just cause," he murmured thoughtfully.
The evening sun began to descend, casting a warm glow over our surroundings.
"Oh? It's getting late.." said Lumiere.
He lowered himself into a crouch, inviting me to rely on him for support.
"What's the matter?" I asked, concern lacing my voice.
"Get on my back," he replied gently.
Surprised, I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I should accept his offer.
But his unwavering gaze and soft smile convinced me that this was something he earnestly wanted to do.
"Are you sure?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.
He nodded, his black hair cascading over his shoulders, beckoning me to trust him. With a hint of uncertainty, I cautiously climbed onto his back and was astounded by his strength, despite his slender form.
"You can wrap your arms around me you know?" he assured.
"Okay," I stammered, my heart fluttering in my chest.
As I nestled my head against his silky hair, a sense of tranquility enveloped me. Lumiere's steadfast steps resonated beneath me as we moved forward, his presence offering solace amidst life's chaos.
Overwhelmed by gratitude, I took a deep breath and uttered a heartfelt "thank you."
With a gentle smile, he replied, "No problem," his voice filled with warmth.
In that moment, the weight of past mistakes and regrets weighed heavily on my heart.
"Lumiere?"
"Huh?"
"Can I tell you something?"
"Sure, tell me anything."
"I've spent my life doing the wrong thing out of envy and greed. Now that it's destroyed... I honestly don't know what to do..."
His response was delayed, as if he carefully chose his words, before finally offering guidance.
"Pick up what's left and live it properly," he said, his voice a tender whisper.
As his words sank in, tears welled up in my eyes, brimming with both sorrow and newfound hope. Lumiere's wisdom touched me deeply, his support igniting a flame of determination within my weary soul.
"You're right," I choked out, my voice laden with emotion.
As his soothing presence lulled me into a peaceful reverie, my eyelids grew heavier, gradually succumbing to the exhaustion of the day. Safe and comforted in Lumiere's embrace, I surrendered to tranquility, knowing that a brighter future awaited me.
And hopefully, he would be in that future.
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