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POV: Fedora

Shut your mouth. I am not done talking. I glared right at her.

Veronica did not even flinch. She just looked up into Stefan's eyes with a sweet, fake smile.

Actually, that sounds like a very nice idea. You are so smart, baby. A dark chuckle left his chest.

He leaned down and kissed her lips.

I know, baby. Her smile grew even wider.

No, you cannot be serious! My heart pounded in my chest. Stefan, look at me. Ignore her and mark me. It is almost time!

A cold smirk crossed his face. He grabbed Veronica by her waist.

I know it is almost time. That is exactly why you will wait right there and enjoy the show. Consider it your punishment for slapping her.

His large hands pressed hard against her backside, pulling her body completely against his.

No, Stefan, please! Tears rolled down my dirty cheeks. You know the truth. If I do not get the mark tonight, I will die.

This cannot be a punishment! Fine, you can punish me tomorrow. I will do anything you want. Just please do not let me die.

He did not even look at me. He just captured her lips in a deep, hungry kiss. He lifted her easily into his arms and carried her straight to the large bed.

A sudden, sharp pain tore right through my skin. A loud scream ripped from my throat. I grabbed my neck hard. The burning fire was getting worse. I fell to my knees, panting for air while the whole room spun around me.

I could not stay here. If this was really my end, I needed to die alone in the dark forest. Anywhere but in this room.

I forced my shaking legs to stand. I almost fell back down, but I dragged myself toward the heavy door.

Grab her. Make her watch. Stefan's deep voice boomed through the room.

No! Let me go! I thrashed and kicked.

The big guards at the door rushed in. They grabbed my arms with rough hands.

They did not care that I was already dying in pain. They forced me down on my knees and pulled my head up, making sure my eyes stayed wide open.

Veronica got on her knees right on the mattress.

She pulled his pants down. She took his dick into her mouth, moving perfectly.

Stefan leaned back against the pillows. He closed his eyes, a low groan vibrating in his throat.

Veronica turned her head to the side. Her dark eyes locked perfectly with mine.

A pure look of victory danced on her face as she kept going. She wanted me to see everything.

Suddenly, Stefan grabbed her shoulders.

He threw her flat onto the center of the bed. He grabbed the thin fabric of her skirt and ripped it completely open.

Beg for it. His voice held pure command.

Take me, Alpha. Take me hard. She let out a loud, dramatic moan.

He pushed his fingers deep inside her. Her moans grew louder.

Beg louder. A wicked smile touched his lips.

Her body shook against the sheets. Use me! Harder than you ever touched that useless girl on the floor. Ruin me, please, Alpha daddy!

Stefan kicked his pants away. He got over her body and pushed inside with brutal force. Veronica screamed out loud, throwing her head back, but her eyes quickly found mine again.

He grabbed her hips and flipped her over fast. He pulled her arms behind her back, trapping her wrists tight. He moved even faster now.

The loud smacks of his skin hitting hers echoed in the room. He hit her backside hard, leaving red marks. She kept shouting, but he showed no mercy. He was totally lost in his own pleasure.

I remained trapped on the cold floor. I was literally dying, and the man holding my heart was taking another woman right in front of me.

It was the absolute worst humiliation of my entire life.

A fresh wave of pain hit my chest again . This time, it felt like a hot knife tearing my heart open.

I looked at the big clock on the wall through my blurry eyes.

One single minute remained.

I could not bear it anymore. Even if I survived tonight, I had nobody to run to. My whole world was completely shattered.

Living with this broken heart was too much. I could not stay alive for this pain, but I refused to die like a weak animal in front of them.

My stomach turned violently. I choked and threw up dark, warm blood all over the shiny floor. My insides felt like they were boiling hot.

The gross sight shocked the two strong guards. Their tight grip loosened for just one second.

I spun around fast.

I kicked the closest guard right between his legs with all my remaining strength. He dropped to the ground with a loud groan. I pulled my arms free and ran straight for the huge open window.

Do not let her get away! Stefan's angry roar shook the walls.

I ignored him. I jumped out the window and grabbed the rough stones on the castle wall. I climbed up blindly until I reached the flat roof. I ran toward the high, scary cliff at the back of the castle.

Loud emergency bells started ringing below. Dozens of guards rushed out into the dark night.

The back of my neck caught on fire. The curse was finally eating my soul from the inside.

I refused to let this dark magic win. But I was certain of one final truth. I was dying tonight because of Stefan.

I closed my eyes, took one last breath, and threw my body off the edge of the cliff.