Empire of Seduction

r way back through the winding tunnels of the Shadow Falls. She kept lo

as never an

ed them, carrying the scent of blooming flowers. Alexa to

ace, the feeling of being watched returned. Al

l and imposing, standing just b

pered, her heart

scanning the darkness.

peak. It just stood there, watch

eyes flashing with anger. "

kept watching them, its presence seem

as it appeared, the figur

art still racing with fear. "W

clenched in anger. "I don't know," h

h anger. "We need to be careful," she sai

the palace, Alexa remembered the flower that the emperor had tasked her to retr

re someone else does," she sai

"I'll come wit

people," she said. "But be careful, Alex

nt. She and Karen made their way back to the S

oomed, Alexa could see that it was still there,

feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment.

eart was filled with excitement. She had succeeded i

was waiting for her, a smile spreading acro

ng with authority and approval. "You have pro

t, who stepped forward

or said, his eyes beaming with deli

g with anticipation. She opened it, r

highness," she said,

ling with approval. "I'm glad you

couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment

lots of pride and accomplishment displaying all over her. But as she look

g with his guests. But Alexa noticed that he kept g

uncomfortable. She excused herself from th

gardens, she was surprised t

here?" she asked,

you were okay," he said. "You seemed

e something's off," she said. "The emperor's been actin

what's going on," he said. "I guess he wants you

ped a beat. "Work

olved in something big," he said. "Something that could bring down th

many different thoughts and feelings . "Use

say the emperor's working with the Shadow Concord," he said.

ty. She knew that she had to get out of there, to e

, she felt a hand on her s

. "I see you're enjoying the gardens. But I

with fear. She knew that she was trapped, that