The Queen And The Pawn

   Victoria arrived at the old lighthouse at 2:56 PM. The wind whipped violently off the sea, salty and cold. The abandoned structure stood like it was a broken guard against the gray sky, and her heart hammered so hard she could feel it in her throat.

She almost turned back.

But she didn’t.

At exactly 3:00 PM, a sleek black car pulled up. A driver stepped out and opened the back door.

Lily Carter emerged like a goddess stepping out of legend.

She was even more striking in person. She wasn't too tall, but she carried herself in a way that made her look taller than she actually was, she was elegant, with sharp cheekbones and piercing green eyes that seemed to see straight through Victoria.

She wore a long black coat that billowed in the wind like they were wings. Power radiated from her.

“So you’re the one,” Lily said, her voice smooth as a polished stone, but sharp as a blade.

“The little artist who’s been fucking my masterpiece.”

Victoria’s stomach twisted. She wanted to say something, but she genuinely felt star struck. Even though meeting Sebastian had introduced her to a world of meeting influential and powerful people, something about Lily's air and aura was different. 

"I would say nice to meet you, but that won't entirely be true," Lily Continued. 

They walked together along the rocky cliff edge, the ocean roaring below them. Lily didn’t waste any time in getting to the point of the meeting. 

“I made Sebastian,” she said calmly.

“I found him broken and starving and turned him into a god. I destroyed people who stood in his way so the path for him would be clear. I taught him how to lie, how to seduce, and how to win. He was mine.”

Victoria’s voice came out shaky but defiant.

“He’s not yours anymore.”

Lily laughed - a cold, beautiful sound.

“Oh, sweetheart. He will always be mine, because I own the very foundations of his empire. One phone call from me and everything collapses. Including you.”

She stopped walking and faced Victoria directly.

“Here’s the truth that you’ve been so desperately chasing: Sebastian didn’t just help destroy Marco Vale. He was the one who suggested the final nail in his coffin, which was planting the audios and videos. He wanted it more than I did. He begged me to let him rise.”

Victoria felt like the ground was disappearing beneath her feet.

Lily stepped closer, her perfume wrapping around Victoria like it was sophisticated smoke.

“And now he’s playing the same game with you. He’ll keep you wet and addicted until you’re no longer useful. Then he’ll discard you just like he discarded his guilt.”

Victoria’s hands clenched into fists.

“Why are you telling me this?”

Lily’s smile was pure venom.

“Because I want him back. And you’re going to help me.”

She pulled out her phone and showed Victoria a video. It was security footage from Sebastian’s study - clear as day. It showed Victoria going through his desk and taking photos. The timestamp was unmistakable.

“I have copies,” Lily said sweetly.

“One word from me and this goes public. Your precious reputation will be destroyed. Your career will be over. And don't forget a moment think Sebastian will protect you. He’ll let it happen if it protects him.”

Victoria’s world spun.

Lily leaned in, her voice dropping to a deadly whisper.

“Here’s your choice, little girl. Help me pull Sebastian back under my control… or I burn your entire life to the ground while he watches. You have forty-eight hours."

She turned and started walking back to her car.

Then she paused and looked over her shoulder with a smile that appeared both sweet and cruel at the same time. 

“Oh, and Victoria? He fucks even better when he’s scared. Enjoy him while you still can.”

The car door slammed.

As Lily’s car drove away, Victoria’s legs gave out. She fell to her knees on the cold rocks, the wind howling around her.

Her phone buzzed.

Sebastian: Where are you, baby? I want you tonight.

Victoria stared at the message, tears streaming down her face, and the taste of salt and betrayal on her lips.

She had just met the real devil behind the devil she loved.

And now both of them had her trapped.