Transmigrated as the Villainess Princess - Chapter 116

Chapter 116: Beaten to Death
Khaterine spent days confined within the towering mansion of Devetrinthon.

At first, fear gripped her, keeping her locked inside her room, unsure of what awaited beyond the grand halls and shadowy corridors.

But as time passed, curiosity gnawed at her, and she finally mustered the courage to explore the eerie domain. The maids, always clad in their black veils, made no effort to stop her.

They seemed indifferent to her presence, whispering amongst themselves that a mere mortal would not survive long in Devetrinthon anyway.

Left to her own devices, Khaterine began to wander the endless hallways and forgotten chambers, each corner of the mansion revealing fragments of a dark past she could only begin to fathom.

It was an afternoon like any other when she stumbled upon a narrow, winding staircase she hadn’t seen before.

Driven by a strange pull in her chest, she descended the stone steps, each one echoing beneath her soft footsteps.

The air grew heavier the deeper she went, a damp chill seeping into her bones. At the bottom, a massive iron door loomed before her, slightly ajar.

She hesitated, her hand trembling as she pushed it open, revealing a dark, humid dungeon that reeked of decay and suffering.

The dim torchlight flickered against the damp stone walls, casting long shadows that danced ominously.

Khaterine’s heart pounded as she stepped inside, her breath shallow. Rows of empty cells lined the narrow corridor, but at the far end, one cell wasn’t empty.

Her eyes widened in horror as she saw a figure kneeling in the center of the cell, chains binding his wrists and ankles to the cold floor.

His head hung low, dark hair matted with blood and sweat. Bruises and cuts marred his bare back, and his breathing was shallow, almost imperceptible.

Khaterine’s hands flew to her mouth, stifling a gasp as tears welled up in her eyes.

She recognized him instantly, even through the bruises and injuries that marred his handsome face.

“Richmond.”

The name escaped her lips in a broken whisper, and the weight of her sorrow pressed down on her chest.

She had never seen him like this, so fragile, so defeated. Her heart shattered at the sight.

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she pressed herself against the cold iron bars, trying to reach him.

“Richmond,” she whispered again, her voice cracking under the weight of her emotions. There was no response.

His body remained limp, and for a moment, fear gripped her that she might have lost him forever. But then, a faint, ragged breath confirmed that he was still alive, barely holding on.

Khaterine clenched her fists, rage, and sorrow intertwining within her. Who could have done this to him?

Why was he here, in this forsaken place? She wanted to scream, to demand answers, but all she could do was weep silently.

She reached through the bars, her fingers barely brushing his bloodied hand. “Richmond, it’s me, Khaterine. Please, wake up,” she whispered, her voice trembling.

A faint groan escaped his lips, and he stirred slightly, though his eyes remained closed. Khaterine bit her lip, determination sparking within her.

She couldn’t leave him here. She wouldn’t. She had to find a way to save him. But how? She was trapped in Devetrinthon, a mortal in a realm ruled by demons and dark magic.

She felt powerless, but she knew one thing, she would not abandon Richmond.

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed through the corridor. Khaterine’s heart leaped in fear, and she quickly stepped back, wiping her tears.

She turned to see Zephyrion standing at the entrance, his crimson eyes gleaming with an unreadable expression.

He tilted his head, a smirk playing on his lips. “Found something interesting, little mortal?” he asked, his voice smooth and mocking.

Khaterine glared at him, anger simmering beneath her sorrow. “Why is he here? What did he do to him?” she demanded, her voice filled with fury.

Zephyrion chuckled softly, stepping closer. “Richmond? Ah, yes. A stubborn one, that wolf. He refused to bend, no matter how much… persuasion was used.”

“Admirable, really. But you… he trailed off, narrowing his eyes at her. You seem quite attached to him.”

Khaterine’s eyes burned with unshed tears. “Let him go,” she pleaded, her voice breaking. “Please, I’ll do anything.”

Zephyrion’s smile faltered for a moment, replaced by a calculating look. “Anything?” he echoed, his eyes narrowing. “Are you willing to make a deal, little mortal?”

Khaterine hesitated, fear and desperation warring within her. She knew deals with demons were dangerous, often leading to devastating consequences.

But the thought of leaving Richmond to suffer alone was unbearable.

“What do you want?” she asked softly, dreading the answer.

Zephyrion’s gaze softened slightly, though an unsettling glint remained. “Stay with me. Here. Forever.”

“Forget the outside world. Be mine, and I will spare him,” he said, his voice almost tender.

Khaterine’s heart clenched. Forever in Devetrinthon, away from everything and everyone she knew, bound to a demon she barely understood.

But the sight of Richmond’s broken body haunted her, and the thought of him suffering more was unbearable.

Tears rolled down her cheeks as she whispered, “If I agree, will you let him go? Will you let him live?”

Zephyrion nodded slowly, his expression serious. “He will be free. I give you my word.”

Khaterine’s hands trembled. She didn’t trust him, but what choice did she have? She took a deep breath, her voice barely audible as she replied, “I’ll stay.”

A flicker of triumph crossed Zephyrion’s face, but it vanished quickly. He reached out, gently brushing a tear from her cheek. “Good girl,” he whispered.

Khaterine turned back to Richmond one last time, her heart breaking. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered. “I’ll protect you, no matter what.”

As Zephyrion led her away from the dungeon, Khaterine’s mind raced. She had made her choice, but she vowed silently that this wouldn’t be the end.

She would find a way to save Richmond and herself, no matter the cost. For now, she would endure the darkness, hoping that a sliver of light would find its way to them once more.