To Embrace the Devil - Chapter 7
Tap, tap. The footsteps grew closer, but Fabio, lost in his frenzy, seemed oblivious.
Yelena paused her forehead from hitting the floor and took a breath.
Steady steps echoed. Someone wandering the main tower’s cellar just before lights out.
‘Who could it be?’
If she screamed loudly, would help come? Or would they join Fabio to overpower her even more?
“Behave yourself.”
Fabio grumbled, spitting on the floor. Hot blood trickled down Yelena’s forehead and nose, reaching her lips.
‘Still… maybe…’
Just as the cruel hand reached again beneath her skirt, Yelena squeezed her throat and screamed,
“Help me…uhp!”
Before she finished, Fabio clamped a hand over her mouth, his eyes suddenly darting around.
“Damn it, who the hell…?”
His muttering was filled with unease. Even though the main tower was largely symbolic now, any servant sneaking in here risked punishment.
Fabio reluctantly stepped back, hastily fixing his belt. As the oppressive weight lifted from her, Yelena gasped out the breath she’d been holding. Blood pooled in her mouth and dripped onto the floor.
Thunk! The cellar door slammed open violently.
Yelena trembled and barely managed to look back. A massive figure holding a candle appeared.
A low murmur echoed.
“So you were here.”
Next to the flickering flame stood a strikingly handsome face. Strong, defined features and captivating yet somber eyes. A solid physique that looked as if it could withstand the harsh northern winds….
“Ah.”
Yelena whimpered softly. It was as if she saw a ghost. No, it couldn’t be. He couldn’t be here.
“What are you doing down here?”
The deep, resonant voice filled the cellar. Even the short words carried pressure. The moment Yelena heard it, a shiver ran down her spine.
Red hair and golden eyes. The unmistakable marks of Martinas blood.
If she wasn’t fainting from banging her forehead, this had to be Diago Martinas.
Fabio, too, recognized him instantly and spoke trembling with fear.
“Young, young master… why are…you here…?”
“I asked what you’re doing.”
The firm tone was familiar, drilled into him by habit.
Yelena stared blankly at Diago. His imposing shadow seemed to fill the entire cellar. Even Fabio, who usually swaggered among the servants, seemed small in his presence.
Standing rigid by the cellar door, Diago wore a plain brownish silk shirt over a thin silk chemise. Though ordinary attire, it radiated nobility.
He didn’t act, only calmly stared at Fabio. But his gaze showed the ease of one accustomed to power.
Fabio writhed like a kicked beast, unsure what to do.
“That, that bitch… seduced me to come here…”
Fabio shamelessly lied. Diago’s voice lowered.
“And?”
“So… somehow…”
“Be specific.”
“For… intercourse.”
“You snuck into the Martinas main tower like a rat to have intercourse?”
“No, not yet…”
“……”
“I’m, I’m sorry!”
Fabio bowed. Diago’s golden eyes flashed as he stared at the top of Fabio’s head.
“Name.”
“…Yes?”
Fabio looked down dumbfounded. Diago exhaled quietly. That breath was thick with irritation and disdain directed at the man before him.
Shaking, Fabio stammered.
“It, it’s Fabio!”
“Do I look like an idiot who can’t tell what’s going on after seeing this mess?”
“No. Absolutely not.”
“In Mediol, r*ping a woman is a crime.”
The cold voice left both Fabio and Yelena holding their breath.
“…Yes, yes.”
“Using violence without official cause is also forbidden.”
“I, I know.”
“Then you are a criminal. And a liar who tried to deceive me.”
“……”
“How do you judge your own guilt?”
“Young, young master! I’m truly sorry.”
With the situation worsening, Fabio collapsed to his knees.
The Martinas family, as rulers of Mediol, wielded absolute power. To fall out of their favor meant a difficult life in the city.
“I reflect deeply on my sins. I did a terrible thing. It was never my intention to deceive you…”
“Reflect?”
“Yes, I’m truly remorseful and will never let this happen again… kugh!”
Fabio clenched his knees tightly and muttered desperately. His words were cut short as Diago drew his blade and severed Fabio’s neck.
Splash! Blood splattered across the cellar walls. Thud! The sound of a severed head hitting the floor echoed.
“Ah…”
Yelena froze for a moment, unable to believe what she’d witnessed.
Had everything since the cellar door opened been a nightmare?
Blood droplets from Fabio’s severed neck stained Yelena’s face.
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