Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 485: Run, Islinda, Run.

Chapter 485: Run, Islinda, Run.

Islinda sensed the moment of her demise, but deliberately delaying her resurrection proved to be the most challenging task. It had to be precise because she had a plan. Islinda knew that Aldric would come back to check on his work and it worked.

Islinda experienced an indescribable sensation the moment Aldric entered her room. It felt akin to staring at him from an out-of-body perspective. While she was aware of his presence, it transcended mere sight, existing as a profound feeling. When he touched her cheek, the temptation to return nearly overwhelmed her, but she clung to the moment, knowing that just a little more patience was required for her plan to unfold.

Upon contact, Islinda felt an overwhelming wave of sorrow from Aldric. The intensity surprised her—was he regretting her death? Yet, it was too late for remorse, and Islinda refused to let it distract her from her plan. Having endured enough of Aldric’s cruelty, she was determined to make him taste the pain he had inflicted on her.

In a strategic move, Islinda allowed Aldric to be consumed by grief, thereby letting his guard down. As he immersed himself in sorrow, Islinda returned to her body. Despite a moment of hesitation when she stared at him —, this was the Fae she had given her body to hours ago — her resolute will took over. Her heart may have longed for him, but she refused to let emotions jeopardize the culmination of her carefully laid plans.

Islinda saw the surprise in his eyes when she resurrected, but for her, that was the cue that she needed. She stabbed him in the chest with the dagger Andre had given her. Bless his soul because it turned out to be useful to her. At first, there had been surpise, then relief in his eyes which he saw her come alive, then shock when he stared down at his chest and saw her handwork.

She seized the element of surprise as she resurrected. With a dagger gifted by Andre —bless him — she plunged it into Aldric’s chest. There was a sequence of emotions in his eyes—initial surprise, fleeting relief, and eventual shock at the sight of her handiwork. He realized what she had done.

Islinda purposefully turned the knife inside his chest, intending to inflict greater harm to impede his pursuit and seek retribution for his actions against her. As she plunged the blade, she locked eyes with him, ensuring he witnessed the intense fury in her gaze, signifying her unwavering lack of forgiveness. Despite numerous opportunities she had given him, all had been squandered by his actions. This time, Aldric had a stark choice: release her or end her life permanently, as she vowed to persistently return to torment him.

As Aldric bled on her bed, Islinda fled, aware that the dark Fae prince would eventually recover as the dagger wasn’t made of iron and wouldn’t be fatal. With deliberate intent, she secured the door behind her for an added layer of security. Real fear was palpable in Islinda’s eyes, acknowledging the gravity of her actions and the imminent threat posed by a vengeful Aldric who now likely harbored animosity towards her.

Islinda sprinted with unparalleled urgency, driven by the necessity to get away from here. Even if she possessed a medallion, which she did not, it was impossible to depart the Fae realm because she was bond in service to him. But if she could leave this castle, perhaps, she could hide away from Aldric. In her frantic rush to elude the ominous Fae prince, Islinda collided with an unsuspecting individual, resulting in a startled scream escaping her lips.

"My lady." a familiar voice called out, steadying both of them.

"Aurelia?" Islinda questioned, studying her. Why was the Fae hovering around at this time? Perhaps, as the head Fae, she was putting things in order and didn’t seem suspicious at all.

But there was no time to ponder over her strange movements because Islinda heard a thud in the distance, and her body locked up. She didn’t need a God to tell her that Aldric was out and was coming for her.

The sheer terror radiating from Islinda must have been palpable, as Aurelia’s complexion paled, and her lips quivered in response. Without even the question getting out, Islinda could sense what Aurelia was about to ask. What have you done?

Yet, before the Fae could utter a sound, Islinda seized her hand, desperation evident in her eyes as she implored, "You must help me escape from here."

Islinda knew deep down that what she was asking was too much and might as well cause the Fae her life. She could see that in the pained look in her eyes. However, Aurelia bravely said, "Don’t let go of my hand then."

Her expression lit up, and hope filled Islinda. Perhaps, she could escape Aldric after all. Aurelia took her hand and led her through a series of corridors before they returned to their initial position, causing Islinda’s brows to furrow in confusion.

Aurelia explained to her, "Prince Aldric must be tracking you through scent, that was meant to throw him off."

"Okay." Islinda understood just a little. But something was still off. Now what?

However, she watched with shocked eyes as Aurelia turned a particular fixture on the wall, and it caved in, revealing a secret way.

Of course, Secret passageways! Why hasn’t she exactly thought of that!

"Come on!" Aurelia said, dragging her through the dark and ominous secret pathway.

Thankfully, Aurelia took a Fae light strapped to the wall that lit up their way at once, the wall closing up behind them.

"Come, we must hurry. I stumbled upon this passageway during my time spent here, but Aldric is the owner of this castle and he knows every secret route. If he suspects that you’re using them...." Aurelia didn’t need to finish her words because Islinda shuddered. Their steps were hurried; they were nearly jogging through the path.

Aurelia said, "This should lead us directly to the courtyard, and then you must run as if your life depends on it. I’m afraid that you might have doomed your fate this time."

She ruined both of them, Islinda did not need to guess. The insinuation lingered thickly in the air.

"We are here." Aurelia announced ominously, and Islinda could hear her heart pounding in her ears. She subtly nodded to Aurelia that she was ready.

"Run!" Aurelia shouted as soon as they set out onto the courtyard.

Adrenaline spiked through Islinda’s veins as she ran through the courtyard. She could see the large gate in the distance, and it had never felt so far. If only she had magic to get her the hell out of here. Aurelia was surprisingly loyal to the end and ran beside her as if to guide her back.

However, that joy did not last forever because Aurelia suddenly screamed, and Islinda dared to look back and saw Aurelia on the floor with terror in her eyes. Aldric’s shadow curled around her ankle and dragged her to the floor. She spotted Aldric on the stony stair who stood watching her with cold disinterest as if he couldn’t be bothered going after her, knowing that her efforts to escape him were futile.

Islinda stood frozen on the spot, conflicted. She couldn’t leave Aurelia and run. Aldric was going to make an example out of her.

And yet Aurelia screamed at her, "Run, Islinda, Run!"

Islinda didn’t even realize it, but her feet carried her away, tears streaming down her eyes. She couldn’t let Aurelia’s effort go down in vain even if it killed her to leave her behind.