Zilayefa and her brothers as they trudged back to the castle gate, their feet heavy with grief and exhaustion. They had spent the entire morning mourning Bernard's loss, and now they were determined to see the Duke of Ralston.
As they approached the gate, Zilayefa began knocking on the wooden doors, her fists pounding out a rhythmic beat. Her brothers joined in, shouting for the gate to be opened. The noise echoed through the stillness, a stark contrast to the eerie silence of the previous night.
Inside the castle, Duke Larry stirred from his afternoon nap, his sharp ears picking up the commotion outside. He wondered why the children were still lingering around the castle, despite the dangers they had faced the night before.
Unbeknownst to Zilayefa and her brothers, Duke Larry had orchestrated Bernard's disappearance. He had instructed one of his guards to kidnap the young boy and throw him into the dungeon, where he would join his mother.
As the knocking and shouting continued, Duke Larry's patience wore thin. He could feel his anger rising, his face growing hot with irritation. Finally, he bellowed for the gate to be opened, and the heavy wooden doors creaked apart.
Zilayefa's eyes narrowed as she pushed open the gate, her heart racing with a mix of emotions. She was glad to have finally gained entry into the castle, but she was also seething with anger and resentment towards the Duke.
"Take us to the Duke of Ralston," she demanded, her voice firm and authoritative.
The servant who had opened the gate ignored her request, instead gesturing for them to follow him. Zilayefa and her brothers trailed behind, their eyes scanning the unfamiliar surroundings.
They were led to a small cell in the center of Fire's home, a sprawling complex that seemed to be the Duke's private quarters. The cell was cramped and dingy, with stone walls and a cold, damp floor.
Zilayefa and her brothers were thrown into the cell, the door clanging shut behind them. They were left alone, with no food or water, for five long days.
On the sixth day, Duke Larry strode into Fire's home, his tall frame and imposing presence commanding attention. He walked over to the cell, his eyes scanning the huddled figures within.
"Zilayefa," he called out, his voice deep and menacing.
Zilayefa's heart skipped a beat as she recognized the Duke's voice. She slowly got to her feet, her eyes fixed on the tall figure looming outside the cell.
"Which one of you is Zilayefa?" Duke Larry asked, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the siblings.
Zilayefa took a deep breath and stepped forward, her voice barely above a whisper. "I am Zilayefa."
Duke Larry's gaze settled on her, his eyes taking in her petite frame and delicate features. He looked at her scornfully, his expression twisting into a sneer.
"So you are the Zilayefa," he repeated, his voice dripping with disdain. "I must say, I expected more."
Zilayefa flinched at his words, feeling a surge of fear and anger. She stood her ground, however, her eyes locked on the Duke's.
"Yes, my lord," she stuttered, trying to keep her voice steady.
Duke Larry's gaze lingered on her for a few moments, then he turned and walked away, Fire padding silently by his side.
As soon as the Duke was gone, Zilayefa let out a sigh of relief. She turned to her brothers, who were watching her with wide, fearful eyes.
"Don't be scared," she whispered, trying to reassure them. "He's gone."
But the damage was done. Bryan had already peed on his pants, while Richard and Ryan were shivering with fear.
"That man is very scary," Bryan whispered, his eyes welling up with tears.
Zilayefa hugged her brothers tightly, trying to comfort them. "I know, but we'll be okay. We just have to be brave."
As they huddled together, Richard suddenly spoke up. "That's the same wolf that chased us the other day, the same one that killed Bernard."
The words hung in the air, a stark reminder of the danger they faced. Zilayefa's anger and determination surged to the forefront, and she made a silent vow to avenge her brother's death.
That evening, Duke Larry instructed his butler to release Zilayefa and her brothers from the cell. They were taken to a nearby bathhouse, where they were washed and fed.
As they ate their meal, Zilayefa couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. She knew that they were far from safe, and that the Duke's motives were far from pure..