Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 490: Don’t Leave Me

Chapter 490: Don’t Leave Me

Maxi and Aldric were about to wreak destruction, Islinda could sense it in the tense air. The gods knew she could not let that happen. Not on her watch. What if one of them ended up dead? Who was she kidding? What if Maxi died? While Maxi was strong, Aldric was the dark Fae prince. The name alone was enough to inculcate fear into any living creature. Aldric was a powerhouse of dark power. Islinda couldn’t have any death on her conscience. Except she didn’t exactly have a choice in the matter.

Aldric, the dark Fae prince, and his trusted companion until moments ago, Maxi, the dark Fae horse shifter, their gaze locked in a silent exchange of challenge and determination, each of them fully aware of the stakes at hand. This was no longer just a matter of Islinda’s freedom anymore. Maxi had betrayed Aldric and he was determined to teach her a lesson. Maxi was as wanted to remind Aldric he was yet unborn when she started roaming this realm; he was just a child with too many powers on his hand.

The tension in the air was palpable as Maxi cracked her neck, flexing her shoulders and the small muscles of her, then lunged forward with blinding speed. Aldric on the other hand, equally poised and ready, met the onslaught head-on, his dark powers swirling around him like a malevolent storm.

Islinda had a brave heart, however, she closed her eyes at the last minute, unwilling to see her loved ones entangled in such conflict. But she had no choice but to open them when the clash of their forces sent shockwaves rippling through the air, the ground trembling beneath their feet as they grappled with one another in a fierce display of combat prowess.

Maxi had incredible speed and agility on her side and did not fail to use that advantage by unleashing a barrage of powerful strikes against Aldric who was also a skilled combatant, his movements fluid and precise as he countered her every move. Maxi’s razor-sharp claws glinted menacingly in the dim light, slicing through the air with deadly intent, decapitating Aldric’s shadows that danced and twisted around her.

Islinda could finally understand what Maxi meant when she said she had studied Aldric’s move over the centuries. Their attacks were evenly matched, she wondered if they were reading each other’s mind. Each of their moves was calculated and precise; they might as well be having a synchronized deadly dance of death. At this rate, it seemed like there was going to be no winner.

However, Maxi decided to up her game because she delivered a devastating blow that sent Aldric reeling, a deep gash opening across his chest as he staggered backward, his dark powers faltering for a fleeting instant.

"That must have hurt. Although it hurts much more that I wasn’t available in the palace to change your diapers." Maxi intentionally jibed at Aldric.

Aldric growled, his anger roused, his dark powers swirling around him in a menacing aura as he lunged at Maxi once more. With every strike and parry, the intensity of their battle escalated, the air thick with the scent of blood and magic. With a wave of his hand, shadows coalesced into formidable barriers, deflecting Maxi’s attacks with uncanny accuracy.

He said sarcastically, "Don’t you think you are too old now you should rest now."

"Nice one." Maxi laughed it off, however, concentrated on the battle at hand.

The both of them circled each other, warily, each seeking an opening to deliver a decisive blow. Maxi’s body was taut with tension as she prepared to strike, her eyes blazing with determination. Meanwhile, Aldric’s gaze was cold and calculating, his mind racing with strategies and counterattacks.

In a blur of motion, the two Fae clashed again, the sound of their blows echoing through the air like thunder. Maxi fought with all the ferocity of a wild beast, her primal instincts driving her forward with relentless force. Islinda watched in horror, her heart pounding in her chest as she prayed for Maxi’s victory. Maxi would have the heart to kill Aldric if she defeated him. But the same couldn’t be said for Aldric. She knew nothing about him anymore.

But despite Maxi’s formidable strength and skill, Aldric proved to be a formidable opponent. With a sudden surge of power, Aldric unleashed a devastating counterattack, catching Maxi off guard and sending him reeling backward.

As Maxi lay on the ground trying to recover, Aldric stood over her with an emotionless face. He spat, "This insolent ends now. You’d be punished for your insubordination and as for Islinda, she wouldn’t be going anywhere."

But for someone whom they just passed judgment on, Maxi’s lips began to quiver uncontrollably, fighting back the urge to laugh. However, the snicker escaped her lips, quickly erupting into full-blown laughter.

Aldric, taken aback by her unexpected reaction, furrowed his brows in confusion, unable to comprehend why Maxi found the situation amusing. Maxi struggled to compose herself, gasping for breath between fits of laughter, leaving Aldric puzzled and intrigued by her inexplicable response.

"What is funny?"

Maxi snorted, "You really think this is over."

"What?" Aldric’s eyes seemed to widen at that pivotal moment, a flicker of realization flashing across his face as he sensed the imminent danger in the air. Maxi’s urgent scream pierced through the tension, jolting him into action.

"Isaac, now!" Maxi’s command echoed in his ears, snapping him out of his momentary stupor. With a surge of adrenaline, Aldric’s instincts kicked in as he braced himself for whatever was to come, his mind racing to devise a plan to confront the looming threat.

With a sudden whoosh, a chain ripped through the air, its metallic links glinting menacingly as it latched around Aldric’s neck. He winced in pain, feeling the cold, unyielding grip of iron tightening around his throat. As he struggled for breath, his eyes widened in realization of the danger.

Isaac and Maxi sprang into action, seizing both of Aldric’s arms with a forceful grip, their expressions determined as they forced him down to his knees. Aldric grunted in pain, unable to resist the strength of their combined efforts.

Islinda was rooted at the spot, stupefied over the scene. She could not believe what was happening, but Maxi’s voice roused her to consciousness.

"Islinda, Run now!"

"W-what?" She stammered.

"Run, you fool! We can’t hold him down for long!"

That seemed to get Islinda’s feet moving and she quickly picked Prince Wayne from the ground and was about to leave only to hear Aldric’s pained voice.

"Islinda." He called her name.

She slowly turned and met the desperate look on Aldric’s face.

"Please, don’t go. Don’t leave me here." His voice wavered, "... Don’t leave me like the others..."

Islinda hesitated, a strange energy humming between them, spiraling in the air and compelling her not to go. It was unlike the other time he got into her head, this one was pulling her to him. She can’t leave.

"Godammit Islinda! He’s going to come after you the minute that he’s free. This is your chance to experiment with the freedom you’ve always longed for! Don’t give it up for this selfish prick!" Maxi shouted at her.

Islinda’s senses returned at that moment. Maxi was right. As long as she still bore his slavery mark, he would be able to find her. She had no idea how long this freedom would last but Maxi promised to buy her time. She had to enjoy it. She had to ensure that Maxi’s effort was worth it.

With determination, Islinda turned and ran, leaving Aldric behind, his cries of rage echoing in her wake. However, something like pain rippled through Islinda’s chest. She felt like she had left something very important behind.