Chapter 175: Fire in the library

Words : 1033 Updated : Oct 13th, 2025

Chapter 175: Fire in the library The Queen’s shriek echoed, filling the library; Abrielle, who was initially dazzled by the sudden hit due to the force from the explosion that struck her against a nearby shelf, knocking down the books, had her head up in the clouds. She was snapped out of her dazed state, her face pale as a ghost with her eyes wide like saucers, filled with fear and terror creeping into her shaken heart that was still recovering from the shock after what she just discovered. Despite being in a state of shock, she knew she had to leave immediately before she was seen. From afar she could already hear the panicking voices of the queen and priestess. Gritting her teeth while ignoring the pain that tormented her back, she struggled to get up, leaning against the wall to leave the aisle just in time before the priestess arrived at the scene to assess the situation. Eleanor’s plan was perfect; they could claim Abrielle knew about the poisoning, that was how she could detect the poison in the tea and using her husband’s influence, she assassinated the maid before her confession could be made. When in reality, Eleanor was the one who killed the maid; although it was technically Astrid, she let it happen. The queen suspected her daughter before meeting Abrielle. Hearing it from Abrielle did break her because she never imagined her beloved daughter could do such a thing but the milk was already spilled. Her suspicions were on the ground, only a few had access to her food, meaning whoever poisoned the exclusive tea was close to her. Back in the Library, the sudden heat wave and thick smoke ahead caught their attention, and immediately, they realized the library was on fire, the same area the priestess heard sounds from. "Evacuate the queen immediately; I will assess the fire, and please call for help. " The priestess instructed with a sense of urgency. Eleanor was a bit disorganized and puzzled, but her safety was a priority compared to figuring out how a fire suddenly started. Maybe a candle fell from a lamp that was her thoughts about the cause. The priestess rushed towards the fire which had already devoured, engulfing an entire aisle. Its tall flames were intense with an unbearable heat making it hard to move forward. It was a hard glimpse; she could barely see the person, but she saw or rather felt something move as books were knocked off the library. There was no one but it was enough to know this fire was not entirely an accident. Observing how fast the flames were moving, the priestess knew she had to retreat, but then the fire seemed to have a mind of its own, spreading out quickly and entrapping the Priestess. "Jacinta, get the queen out of here. The fire is too strong and might get out of hand soon. I have already been trapped here...." Her voice broke, being interrupted by a dry cough as the fumes were filling her lungs, making it harder to breathe by the second. She pulled out a small handkerchief to cover her nose from the fumes. "Try getting help, I don’t think I will last long." She could barely scream but the lady in waiting heard the priestess’s voice. "We can’t move, the flames are too hot!!!" Jacinta’s voice boomed, piercing through the crackling sound of the flames burning everything in its part, followed by a hacking cough. It was in the middle of winter in the mountains, which was colder than other places, but it was hot as hell in the library. The flames were still spreading like a rage so fast it seemed like they might be left with no choice but to break through its hot pits to escape. "Something is off about this fire," Eleanor sneered, her fist curling up. She was confident that she would not meet her end here. Eleanor found everything happening too timely, the fire had just started after she stated her plans. She had a sharp mind and knew it was too much of a coincidence. First, something was knocked off by the wind that flew in so conveniently through the open window, and now this fire. **** Abrielle’s heart was on a rapid as she made her way out of the library literally running for her life. The heat waves were too intense even for her, who had a very low tolerance for cold. It felt like her lungs might give up at any moment from now. She was in a hurry as she left, right at that moment another familiar figure with auburn hair was going through the same path. His hazel eyes caught sight of the fleeting images of the ginger-haired princess who seemed like she was running for her life. This aroused his curiosity and suspicion. He sensed something was wrong with the way she was running and the intense heat. He chose to chase after the ginger head running in the direction she scrambled away instead of assessing the situation or helping the possible victims. From the door, he could already hear the faint screams of the queen, but he couldn’t care less. Abrielle found herself more lost in the paths and intricate passages of the temple. She could not find her way back, and it was hard to think with her heartbeat that was hammering in her ears. She didn’t stop, she had to get away from the crime scene. Far away before she got seen. Her fast footsteps echoed down the halls that were lit with several candle lamps. Her lungs were running out of breath. She tripped herself falling on the floor with her face. She fell at the end of a corner, as she struggled to get up. She wanted to cuss out but swallowed her complaints as soon as her eyes caught sight of two figures that she didn’t want to run into at the moment. He had his back against her. His large frame covered a petty figure. Abrielle could not see who it was but she was more than certain it was Callista he was talking to. .

Chapter 175: Fire in the library

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