Shackled (The Lord Series) by Amy T

266. Olivia - Escape III

The demons in the catacombs knew that I embraced the darkness inside me-darkness that spilled out of the small crystal that was put inside my uterus after my tubes were removed. The crystal was taken from the Dybbux Box, which ended up in Azael's hands. It was supposed to be a punishment for killing Camila, but only now do I understand that it was only the wish of a sick-minded person to inflict more pain and suffering on my already crushed soul. For years, I fought against the darkness that threatened to corrupt my soul. Each time I felt anything close to happiness, it caused me a lot of pain, like the time when Ansel made love to me.

I was scared that by accepting it, I would become evil, my soul lost to the darkness for eternity. Then, my desire to be reunited with Camila, Levi, and all those that I've lost would be lost forever.

What a surprise I had when I accepted the darkness. Not only wasn't my soul corrupt, but I also realized I could use this dark power whenever I wanted.

Butterflies with white wings, the edges black, come out of my palms, and they fly directly to where the Bitch is. A creepy smile spreads across her face. Next to me, **429** lets out a loud breath. I'm he hasn't seen something like this before. Hell. I didn't know I could do this until now. Since the night I accepted the darkness inside me, embracing it, I've started finding out things about me that I didn't realize before. Like how fierce I can be when it comes to protecting those I love. That's how I could save Ansel in the Catacombs. Despite this power that was put inside me by force, as I never wanted it, I'm still weak, especially when it comes to him. No matter how much I want to hate him, the truth is that I still need him. Yet, our relationship will never be the same. I'm not the same Olivia as years ago, and he is no longer my boy with turquoise eyes.

"You are my most magnificent creation," the Bitch says.

"No wonder you work for Azael. You have the same God complex as him," I say as the butterflies surround her.

Realizing what I'm doing, her smile quickly disappears. "You can't harm me. I made you like this. Powerful. Magnificent."

I shake my head. "You took away all my feelings together with my last hope of ever being happy in this life. So I won't regret killing you."

The pistol detonates a moment before the Bitch is completely engulfed by my darkness.

Everything happens so slowly.

die. Not right

him in the shoulder. He grunts

Did he...protect me? Why?

her. Knowing that my darkness will keep me safe in case of a surprise attack, I turn my attention to 429. His wound doesn't look that bad, but I'm sure it's painful. "Why are men always idiots?" I huff. I didn't need his help, but his gesture makes

me that men should protect women. And because I'm a

are doing. "I won't hurt you as long as you try anything funny. Besides, your uncle is not here, is he?" I try to knock some sense into him. "So don't try to be a hero when it's not the case." **429** reveals

that I was wrong, I say, "Your uncle

turn sad for a moment.

least. After you are done with her, I'll

the idea of having to touch her makes him

we are out of here, we'll have all the time

moving. Despite **919** clearing the way for us, there are more guards ready to stop us. The noise

There's always noise, but right now, the

fully trusting **429**, I ask, "How

of the stairs, **429** tells me, "After **666** was rescued, Azael went on a killing spree, executing most of the staff. He's always been paranoid that his own people will betray him." I wonder why. I almost chuckle at my sarcasm. The drugs made me lose my sense of humor. Maybe it's better without them. After all, no matter how fast I run, the past will always catch up with me. While some memories are so painful, every cell of my body hurts remembering them, there are