Midnight threats

Greg’s POV

The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silver light over the woods as I made my way back to the palace.

The air was cool, the night silent except for the faint rustling of leaves beneath my feet. I glanced back toward the tent where Anna had disappeared into the darkness, heading back to her own home.

My heart was heavy with the weight of what we were doing, and the dangers that lay ahead, but there was also a fire within me that refused to be extinguished.

Anna’s story had changed everything—I couldn’t keep playing the role of the obedient prince, not anymore.

With a final look toward the woods, I summoned my speed and raced through the night, my body moving in a blur of motion as I neared the palace gates.

The world around me was nothing but a rush of wind and shadows, my mind focused solely on slipping back into my chambers unnoticed.

The garden came into view, its flowers and trees bathed in moonlight, and I slowed my pace, hoping to make my entrance without drawing any attention.

But as I approached the palace, I spotted a figure sitting alone in the garden, his silhouette outlined by the soft glow of lanterns.

It was Cole, my brother, seated on a stone bench with a glass of wine in his hand.

His posture was relaxed, almost casual, but there was an intensity in the way he stared at the night sky, lost in his own thoughts. I froze, keeping to the shadows, hoping he hadn’t noticed me. My heart pounded in my chest as I calculated my next move.

Maybe if I slipped around the other side of the garden, I could make it inside without—

“Greg,” Cole’s voice cut through the silence, smooth and cold. I hadn’t even seen him move, but in an instant, he was standing before me, blocking my path.

Super speed.

His smile was sharp and knowing, his eyes gleaming with a dangerous light. “Going somewhere?”

I cursed under my breath. There was no escaping him now. “Just heading back inside,” I replied, keeping my voice neutral as I tried to mask my irritation. “It’s been a long night.”

Cole chuckled, his smile never wavering. “So it has.” He took a step closer, his presence almost suffocating. “Join me for a walk, little brother. There’s something we need to discuss.”

I hesitated, every instinct telling me to refuse, to just turn and walk away. But Cole wasn’t asking. He was commanding, and I knew that if I didn’t comply, this confrontation would only get worse. I nodded reluctantly, falling into step beside him as we strolled through the garden, our footsteps the only sound in the stillness of the night.

We walked in silence at first, the tension between us thick. The garden was beautiful, with roses and lilies blooming in the moonlight, their sweet fragrance filling the air. But tonight, there was no peace to be found here.

Cole’s aura was oppressive, and every second that passed only heightened my sense of unease.

Finally, Cole spoke, his voice low and edged with malice. “I know what you’ve been up to, Greg. You’re not as clever as you think.”

I stiffened, glancing sideways at him. His expression was unreadable, but there was a hint of satisfaction in his eyes, as if he enjoyed having me on edge. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I said, keeping my tone casual. “I’ve been training, handling my duties, nothing more.”

Cole stopped abruptly, turning to face me with a smirk that sent a chill down my spine. “Don’t play games with me,” he said, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper. “I’ve seen you sneaking around with that little fox. I know you’ve been plotting behind my back.”

My stomach tightened, and I forced myself to meet his gaze, refusing to show any fear. “You mean the little fox you assigned to me without even asking for my opinion? Stop joking. Anna’s just my assistant,” I said coolly. “You’re reading too much into things, Cole.”

“Am I?” Cole’s smile widened, his eyes narrowing with suspicion. “I’ve been watching you, Greg. You’re getting too close to her, letting your emotions cloud your judgment. And that’s dangerous—for both of you.”

The implication was clear, and it took everything in me not to lash out. “You’re paranoid,” I shot back, my voice laced with defiance. “I’m not plotting anything. I’m just living my life, the same as I always have. And one more thing, Anna isn’t my type. You can clear that from your head.”

Cole’s expression darkened, his smile fading as he took a step closer, invading my personal space. “You think you’re invincible because of your magic. You think you’re untouchable. But you’re not. You’re still just a prince—a prince who answers to his king.”

I clenched my fists, anger simmering just beneath the surface. “And what about you, Cole? You think you can control everyone with your threats and your power plays? You’re the one who’s out of control.”

Cole’s eyes blazed with fury, but he kept his composure, his voice dangerously calm. “This is your last warning, Greg. Stay in line, or someone’s going to get hurt. And I won’t hesitate to make an example out of you.”

I stared at him, unflinching. He was trying to scare me, to remind me of his authority, but I was done being intimidated. “I’m not afraid of you, Cole. Do what you have to do.”

For a moment, we stood there, locked in a silent battle of wills. Cole’s jaw tightened, his fists clenching at his sides as if he was on the verge of losing his temper. But then, just as quickly as the moment had flared, he let out a mocking laugh, stepping back with a dismissive wave of his hand.

“You’re bold, I’ll give you that,” he said, his tone dripping with condescension. “But boldness can only get you so far. Remember that.”

With that, he turned on his heel and strode back toward the palace, his silhouette swallowed by the darkness. I watched him go, my heart pounding with anger and defiance. Cole thought he could scare me into submission, but he was wrong. If anything, his threats only fueled my determination.

I turned away, heading back toward the entrance of the palace, my mind racing. Cole was onto me, and he wasn’t going to stop until he had crushed any semblance of rebellion.

But I wasn’t going to give him that satisfaction. I would keep playing his game, keep up the facade of the obedient prince—until the time was right.

As I slipped back into my chambers, I couldn’t shake the feeling that tonight was just the beginning. Cole’s warning echoed in my mind, but it only served to strengthen my resolve. He might be king, but he wasn’t invincible. And I was done living in his shadow.

I glanced out the window, the moonlight bathing the garden in a soft glow. Somewhere out there, Anna was fighting her own battles, trapped in a web of lies and manipulation. But together, we would find a way to break free. Cole’s reign of fear was coming to an end, and I would make sure he saw it crumble.

This wasn’t just about power anymore. It was about freedom, about taking back control of our lives. And no matter what Cole threw at me, I would not back down. Not now, not ever.

The night was far from over, and the real battle was just beginning.