Page 21 of Heart of the Villain

He took a step forward, but Ryanna put her hand out, stopping him at the same time her jaw snapped shut. “You are to be the face of not only one, but two territories, Marlena Caelum. You are to set an example at all times. Do you think this picture of you sneaking away with a lowly Ardor-born is setting an example of what the first ever double-seat-holding Curia member looks like?”

Marlena didn’t think before speaking. “I think it shows that I can do both. I can have fun and be the puppet you are plotting me to be.” Because was she really being set up to rule on her own? No. It had always been her parents' plan to stay behind the scenes… to make Marlena the face of two territories but never give her the control she wanted—the control she deserved.

The scoff from her mother came first. The raised palm that was projected to whack Marlena across the face came milliseconds later.

Except it never made contact.

Marlena caught it inches from her cheek. Maybe it was the hangover. Maybe it was that she was still drunk, but for the first time in her life, Marlena was done being used as her parents’ personal punching bag.

She was done being abused.

Her grip around her mother’s wrist was crushing, causing a pained gasp to slip from Ryanna’s lips. Marlena didn’t let go. She held her mother’s hand in place, staring deep into her bright green eyes. “I’ve had enough. You’re done. No more.”

Ryanna tried to yank her hand back, but Marlena held strong, gripping tighter. “You’re breaking my hand!” she whined.

“Good,” Marlena responded. “This is what you’ve done to me my entire life. Caused me pain, crushed me, made me feel less than.” Her father made a move to grab his wife, but Marlena used her wind to shove him back.

It caught Jonan off guard, and he stumbled, crashing into the table. The pictures of Marlena and Vega fluttered to the floor.

Marlena shoved her mother’s hold away and used her invisibility to shuffle to the door without being seen. Before she snuck through, Marlena allowed herself to come back into view. She made sure her parents were looking at her when she spoke again. “You’ve had your fun using me as a personal stress reliever. Find someone else. It’s time you treat me like the daughter you’ve raised… the daughter who can handle a little torture.”

They could yell at her, scream, tell her she was a disappointment—it was nothing she hadn’t heard before, but the physical abuse had run its course. This time, when Marlena left the room, she didn’t hide herself behind her invisible cloak. She walked out, completely turning her back on her parents and the mess she’d made of their office.

It’s time to show them who they’ve raised.

Eighteen Years Old

The clicking of Marlena’s heels rang down the long, guard-lined hallway.

Fortis had always made Marlena feel like there was someone watching her, and it was likely because there was. Lucius Dimico trusted no one, and neither did his father, or his father’s father. There was a long line of untrusting commanders that dated back to before anyone currently alive in Tolevarre could remember.

The Dimicos always had something to hide, and when there was always something to hide, there was always a shoulder to look over.

Marlena didn’t hide, and she didn’t look over her shoulder. She held her head high, making no eye contact with any of the guards as she walked by.

Play the part.

She was Marlena Caelum, future seat holder of Amora and Aeris. She didn’t need a reason to show up unannounced to the fort city of Atrox, searching down the commander of Tolevarre.

She had only been to the commander’s home once, but she knew where the meeting room was—and the meeting room was never far from the leader’s personal office.

Two guards lined the double doors at the end of the hall, where Marlena knew she would find Commander Dimico. She took a deep breath and positioned herself in front of the doors, glancing idly at the guards in their fresh-pressed black uniforms.

They didn’t even look at her, didn’t pay her a single glance.

Marlena cleared her throat and crossed her arms like she’d seen her mother do a thousand times before when she wasn’t getting the attention she desired.

The female guard’s eyes landed on her, but not a muscle more moved besides her lips. “Commander Dimico isn’t taking visitors.”

Marlena motioned to the door. “Pity. He is now.”

Confidence, Marlena. Wear it like you own it. Make them bow.

Finally, the male guard decided Marlena was enough of a nuisance to step in. “You’ll have to come back.” He started to move towards her, reaching for her arm—he would likely force her out of here if he deemed it necessary.

Marlena’s invisibility washed over her. She stepped out of the guards’ way, watching both of their eyes blink rapidly as their faces flickered with confusion before she allowed herself to cloud back into view.

She was only a few feet away but far enough out of reach that she’d be able to disappear again if needed. “I’m only going to warn you once not to put your hands on me. If you do, I’ll make sure to remove the air from your lungs.”