Page 6 of Once A Villain

She storms into her father’s office, enraged. I follow her without waiting for an invitation, planting myself in the corner with my arms crossed.

“What the hell is going on?” Her voice is sharp, full of anger and impatience. “I was in the middle of rehearsal.”

“Sit down, Rory,” Conrad orders. He looks rough—tie loosened, sleeves rolled up, and that pristine image slipping away fast.

“No. Tell me what’s going on,” she snaps, crossing her arms like she’s got any real control here. Her defiance only adds fuel to the fire.

But Conrad’s eyes are already on me.

“I hope you understand the gravity of your request, Axe,” Conrad hisses, barely containing his fury. “You’re asking for something...unthinkable.”

Her gaze snaps to me, eyes narrowing, fully aware of my presence now. Good.

Smirking, I step forward. “Unthinkable? Funny, I thought it was rather poetic, considering the circumstances.”

His jaw tightens, eyes darkening. “You think this is some kind of joke?”

“No, Conrad. This isn’t a joke. This is about consequences. The kind you thought you could outrun. It’s time you learned you can’t.”

Rory stands frozen, her gaze darting between us.

I take another step toward him, the air thick with tension. “You sent four Sovereigns after DeLuca before me, and not one of them came back alive. You should have taken him out your fucking self after the first one failed.”

His face pales, fists tightening at his sides. The fire in his eyes burns with pure hatred. I feed off it.

“Rory, leave us,” he barks, his voice booming like it’s supposed to scare me. His sudden outburst makes her flinch, but I step in before she can.

“No. She stays.” My eyes lock onto his, daring him to challenge me. “You’ve forgotten what it means to be a Sovereign, so I’ll fucking remind you.” I let the threat hang in the air, savoring the moment before twisting the knife. “And I’ll start with her.”

I take a step toward her and just like I knew she would, she shrinks back. Fear ripples through her, she won’t meet my eyes—can’t. Conrad’s face twists with rage, a vein pulsing at his temple, but he can’t stop me. No one can.

"This has nothing to do with her! Name another price, Axe."

"No. It’s got everything to do with her," I snarl. "She’s another power move, isn’t she? Well, not anymore. She’s mine now."

“You have no idea who you’re dealing with,” he threatens. “I have friends in high places. I have power and connections!”

“And yet, here we are,” I sneer. “Because all the money and power in the world can’t protect you from the inevitable.”

“You’re fucking dead,” he snarls.

“Maybe,” I say with a casual shrug, “but not before I have her.”

“I’ll never be yours,” Rory spits, her voice firm and defiant.

Conrad’s gaze softens as it flicks to her, a mix of anger and helplessness twisting his features. “I’m sorry, honey,” he mutters, weak and defeated. “There’s nothing I can do. You will marry Axel Hawthorne. That’s final.”

This is just the beginning.

“No! What the fuck?!” Rory screams, her voice cracking with fury. “Who the hell are you?! No fucking way!”

I savor every word, every moment of her rebellion.

Conrad sighs, running a trembling hand through his hair, his composure unraveling. “You have no choice, Rory. You’re a Sovereign Servant, bound by duty and honor. You’ll do as he demands.”

Her face hardens, and her voice trembles with defiance. “I’d rather die.”

I take a step closer, smirking. “Don’t tempt me, sweetheart.”

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