I went back to my room and sat down. I was bored and needed something to keep my mind off Arden. I went to the shelf where Elmira kept her books and pick up the beauty and the beast. I sat down to read it. It took me a day to read it. But reading that book, made me realized a lot of things. That I and Elmira's story is just like the beauty and the beast. And right now, I find it difficult to believe, I had fallen in love with her without realizing it. After thinking for a while, I came up with my answer. I won't reject Elmira and I won't let him hurt her either. Within those two days, Arden gave me to thinks, I made some research on Arden. I was able to get some secrets about him, those I do not know before. With this, I came up with a plan. Although I do not know how well the plan will work. I have if not a hundred percent assurance, but eighty-eight percent assurance that it will work. I draft out some plans. I might have to go vicious a bit. If saving Elmira is going vicious, I'll do it. When I was sure everything was in place, I left my room to see Maya. She's been trying to act strong but I know that the disappearance of her sister got her real bad. And again, today is her sixteenth birthday. Elmira and I had planned to give her a surprise birthday party. That was the last discussion we had before she got missing . I can't even say anything about the birthday not with Elmira's absence. Maya also doesn't want to say anything about it too. I clenched my fist, trying to control my anger. Arden!!. I tried to control my anger, when I finally succeeded, I left the room and went to Maya's. She was seated on the bed with Elmira's picture in her hand. She raised her head. "You see, Damien, I had always thought, Elmira will be here to celebrate my birthday with me. I never thought her absence on my birthday will. She broke down into tears. "I want my sister, Damien. All I want is my sister". I sighed and walked up to her. I sat down beside her and hugged her. "Maya, it's ok". I hate to see her cry. "Maya, I want to promise you that before your birthday ends, Elmira will be here". She sniffed. "You promise?". I nodded. "I promise". I stayed with Maya in her room and tried to cheer her up by playing a few games with her. Although she wasn't happy, she was able to pull out of her shell. I took her out just to while away time. As the day dragged its lazy self slowly, bringing me, gradually close to the time to go save Elmira. At some point, I got restless and wish I could go now but I had to wait patiently for the set time. **. It was evening already and the time to go meet Arden at the mountain top. I know he will be there, awaiting my reply. I gave an order to some guards. They were to get the troops ready. If I don't show up in the next two hours with Elmira, they should invade the Voltras' territory. Although I know, how risky it will be for them because Voltras are known for their brutality and cunningness

They are also considered the deadliest. With everything set and in place, I drove to the mountain top alone. I had to park at some distance and then walk the rest. When I got to the mountain top, Arden was waiting for me. He smiled when he saw me. "Good to see you friend". I hissed. "I ain't your friend, Arden. A person who kidnaps other people's mates and claims them as his isn't a friend". He looked surprised but quickly conceal it. "Have you made a choice?". I smiled and walked closer to him. "Of course. He clapped his hands. "Wow, wow, wow". I smirked. "Well, the choice made is only favorable to me but not you". He furrowed his brows. "What's your decision?" . "What do you think my deci sion will be?" . He laughed. "Reject he r of course" . I nodded my head and clapped. "Good choice for you but not for me. If th at's what you think I'll do, you lie" . "Then watch h er die" . I rolled my eyes. "If the re is anyone here that wi ll die, that will be you" . He nodded. "Wow, you planned my death?. That's so scary". He made a sorry face and went d own on his knees. "Please spare me. Don't kill me" He began to laugh and then stood up. "D o you take me for a fool, Damien?. You know I'm way smarter than you are and will ever be" . I hissed. "I'm not here to exchange m any words with you" . He laughed. "I don't want to ta lk much too. So let's get this straight. What's your decision?" . "To rip off your head, of course" I mumbled. "Where is she?" I asked . He folded his arm s. "That doesn't a nswer my question" . I hissed. "That's because your question is useless a nd doesn't need an answer" . He smiled. "I love that". He clapped his hand and two guards showed up with Elmira. She looked so weak, wi th her eyes closed. I felt like ripping his head off. "Elmi ra" I cooed . He laughed. "Don't wa ste your time calling

She won't answer you" . I growled. "W hat have you done to her?" . He smiled. "Nothing mu ch, I only had a littl e bit of fun with her" . I hissed. Ard en is a liar! !. "If you. "Enough of the chit- chat, Damien. What's your final decision?" . I hissed. "I won't reject her. Never!!" . He laughed. "Nice ch oice. You don't want to change your mind?" . I his sed. " Never" . He smiled. "Watch me make you change your mind". I hissed. "Guards, you know what to do". I watched them afflict pains on Elmira. I felt the pains too but I was stronger and didn't go down. I thought Elmira wouldn't resist the pain but surprisingly, she did. They kept afflicting pains on her and when I attemp ted to attack, she wouldn't let me. She kept reminding me of how I've promised her not to go vicious again, not for any reason. I hissed. Arden clapped his hands. "I think I love the new you, Damien. The one who claims to love someone and can not save her". I hissed. "You can make a choice, Damien. Reject her and I'll stop. If you can resist the pain, what about her. She won't be able to resist the pain for long. And if she dies, you lose not just half of your power. You will lose your mind. That's if you don't bleed to death. Make the right choice, Damien". He kept spilling trash until I couldn't take it anymore. "Sorry, Elmira. I'll have to break that promise" I mumbled. I dashed at him and soon, we were exchanging blows. I was stronger than he was, giving me more advantage but because of the way Elmira is been hurt, I lose concentration most of the time. It was during this loss of concentration, that I was almos t pierced with a silver pin. Elmira saw it fast and warned me. In the process of turning and trying to stop him, he pierced himself. I stood rooted to my spot as I watch him fall to the ground. Well, he never fell to the ground. He fell off the cliff. I was devastated. I only wanted a fight but not to kil l him. The guards ran away and I had to carry Elmira back to the packhouse. It was a joyous day for everyone, but for me, it was the first day I felt so sober for killing someone. And that was when I realized, my heart isn't just tender but I have transformed from the beast I used to be, to a meek person