Whew alot of editing went into this one XD Enjoy <3

Diana's POV

Two weeks had gone by. Needless to say, that with my charming skills, I was now much richer than I was when I left the boys 2 weeks ago. I'd seen some of them scattered  around the market place when I was buying necessities and food, but nothing a few paid distractions couldn't fix.  I was sufficiently appalled at the deplorable conditions that the children of Lhitedeys were living in. So much for ''Phil's generosity''.  I was grateful that my simple charm worked to disguise my face. Simple magic like that didn't require much.

I was visiting one of the children's shelter today and passing out cookies and bread that I had made the day before. The children grinned, happily munching on the goodies while the harried caretakers looked on, smiling. After all the children were fed, and many promises to send more goodies were made, I left the hut. I closed my eyes as I walked slowly back to my house. The familiar smells of the market made me feel nostalgic. Then I sensed something was off. I stilled, but before I could turn around, I was yanked into an alleyway and pushed up against the wall. 

I made to shout but a grimy hand was pressed on my mouth, muffling my shouts. Narrowing my eyes at my attacker I tried to kick him but more goonies came and held me to the wall. "Pedro sends his regards. He wants the 12000 credits you stole"

I mumbled out a reply obnoxiously knowing that they'd wanna hear what I was saying. "I'm gonna remove my hand. But if you scream, Joseph is gonna put a knife straight through you, got it?" He threatened. I nodded. He removed his hand and I took in a deep breath, before glaring at the group. "I didn't steal AN YTHING. It's not my fault if your boss is a lousy player" I spat on the man's face. He backhanded me hard enough, for me to know that it would bruise. Blood trickled down my split lip. The man smirked. "He said you might say that. So he asked us to give you a permanent reward...for winning." Joseph the lackey, brandished a wicked looking dagger, curved and all. "Wait! " I screamed. They stopped. "I'd like to be unbound and standing on my own two feet if I'm gonna die" I asked. "Dying girl's last wish" I shrugged.  They looked at each other and Joseph nodded. "Don't see how she could escape anyways." he told them. Main guy let me down and I dusted off my clothes. "Thanks. You guys got any tarp or something for me to stand on? I'm sure we don't want my blood all over the place." "Whoa lady, you suicidal or soemthing?" The main guy asked. "Maybe, Main guy. Maybe." Joseph and the other guy snorted "Did you just call him main guy?" I nodded. "I don't know his name do I?" I questioned flippantly. "Ugh, enough of the talking just kill her!" 

"Well to be honest, I was feeling suicidal before. But while we've been talking I've been scouting for escape routes. And right now, I count 3. All of which however, require you three..be lying on the floor. I'd rather not kill ya, so what d'ya say? " I smiled angelically. "And I felt bad for a moment there" Lackey #2 complained. "Kill her" Main guy instructed Joseph. He lunged at me. I dodged and let the blade hit my cuff instead, wincing at the reverbration. The boys are sure to feel that.  He swung the knife at me, but I'd already thrown myself between Main guy's meaty thighs and ran out of the alley. The men shouted and I could hear their pounding steps over the sound of my heart beating in my ear. I couldn't die. Not like this!. It'll be on my own damned terms dammit. I sprinted through the market weaving around people, not realizing where I was headed. I turned to look behind and was horrified to see that the three of Pedro's men were keeping up. Fuck. I looked forward, and ran harder.

Right into a wall.

I bounced off and landed on my ass, probably flashing the wall. I made to stand up quickly and run again but was helped up instead, by strong and firm hands. I looked up at the person. "Raven" I whispered. 

"I've been looking for you" he said, caressing my cheek. "Who did that, Diana?" Another voice asked. I turned my head to see North next to Raven. "North?" I said dumbly. "We need to go. Now. These people will kill us" I said, trying to yank my hand out of their grip. Yup their. North was holding on to my other wrist that wasn't held by Raven. "Fine." I sassed. "Let's all die together. Wait actually, I can use my magic to protect ya if you're in danger. " I ducked around them and put them in the path of the oncoming henchies. I closed my eyes, waiting for the magic to swell as it would when it detected danger to any of them. I heard grunts but my magic didn't swell. Panicking I opened my eyes and watched, gobsmacked while the 2 of them took down the trio effortlessly. "Now we going home da? No running business." Raven grunted, lifting my stunned figure onto his shoulder. "Raven!" I screeched, feeling my dress go up. North patted my bum and tugged my dress down a little more. I wiggled trying to break free. "This is so not fair." I grumbled as they walked home together, glaring at anyone who would cast a second look. I tried casting a charm to make my body heavier but it didn't work...probably because the cuff suppressed anything that might harm them when I was near them. And considering that the heavier-body charm might hurt Raven's shoulder...well why did I even try?

I sulked all the way back to the house, especially after North had sent the message too his brothers that they'd found me.  Found me. Like I was a lost pet. "Who's gonna be there?" I asked Raven, swinging from his shoulder. "All" he said. "All??" I asked, dreading a particular brother. North saw my look "Owen will be there, and he has some things to say" he said. I winced and continued my sulking making North laugh. I recognized the walkway now. We were here. 

They opened the door and set me gently on the couch. "We're here!" North yelled. Boys started appearing from god knows where and crowding me and bombarding me with questions and carresses. I batted their pawing hands away. "Fucking cats" I grumbled going to stand on the table. "Okay it's nice to see you all, but I really must get going before your foolish older brother comes along. I refuse to be a part of your demise, but that is what that stuffy lil shit is gonna bring you. And who's gonna have to save you? Me! That's right, me! And-are you even listening to me?!" Brandon cleared his throat and looked behind me pointedly. I sighed. "He's right behind me isn't he"

"Good to see you too, Miss Diana." He drawled. "Please continue, I think my brothers quite enjoyed your name for me." I groaned, dragging a hand down my face. "Owen Blackbourne. We need to talk." I said, turning around on the table to face him. Be a big girl and handle your issues Diana!  I told myself sternly. He raised an eyebrow and sat on an unoccupied cushion, gesturing for me to continue. "Actually, it'll be better if I talked to all of you. So let's start simple. I'm gonna tell you all a story. And you're gonna listen. Any interruptions and you'll get it from me. " I looked around the room, watching each man nod his consent. I sighed, sitting down on the table, in the centre of them all. Here goes...

"Once upon a time, there was a little girl. She was an adventurous one, who loved with all her heart, despite the cruelty she'd experienced at the hands of her family. After she was cast out, she lived on the streets. Hiding, living--if you call it such- in fear of every shadow. Every sound. She found a friend. He was older than her. She didn't know much about him, just that he too lived on the streets with no family. "

"This girl..let's call her Anna. Anna and her new friend...Thomas... soon became inseparable. And Anna adored him like she had adored her brother. That was to be Anna's downfall. Anna was kind. She helped the underprivileged children in the orphanages and shelters. She brought bread and cookies for them, for these were her favorites when she lived with her family. She sought..to bring happiness to a dark world and even darker lives. The entire of Lhitedeys...they loved Anna. They loved her more than they loved their princess. "

"Thomas on the other hand, was nothing like Anna. He cheated,robbed and extorted money from people to advance his wealth. People feared him. Hated him even. More than they hated their King. But together, Anna and Thomas had the people's respect. One borne of fear and the other of adoration. They were a force. The unofficial monarchs of Lhitedeys."

"The King and Queen could not allow this to continue. For they were power-hungry and greedy. They cared little for others, let alone the people of Lhitedeys, and they'd be damned before they saw street scum on the throne. The young Queen disguised herself as a poor merchant and went into the market  one day. She wanted to see the 'usurper', the fake queen. And imagine her surprise, when she recognized those flowing locks of hair. Those eyes. It was no doubt that this..Anna. THis usurper...was her daughter. The one she and her former husband had abandoned all those years ago."

"The young Queen had killed her previous husband so that she could seduce and marry the much older King. She'd climbed a long way and she'd be damned if she let this thieving street scum take her place. No. Anna would have a legitimate claim to the throne as anyone could see that she was the Queen's daughter. And the kingdom would rather have Anna than the actual princess. The Queen watched Anna's companion-Thomas. She recognized the greed. It was the same greed she saw in her own eyes. Greed could so easily..corrupt a man. So the Queen spirited away into the night, cackling. A heinous plan was hatched." 

"Anna remained unaware of the growing threat against her. So one day, when someone claimed to have lost their child in a nearby cave, Anna did not hesitate to help. She rushed into the cave, uncaring for her own safety like the bloody fool that she was. So stupid. Anna found herself unable to move upon entering. The Queen stood at the mouth of the cave. 'Dearest daughter. Did you think you could really take the throne from me? Winning all those people over. You might've fooled them! But you can't fool us!'She screamed. The Queen took out a book of dark magic and began chanting. Anna screamed when the tight ropes of magic wrapped around her limbs, stretching them. "

"Then she realized what the Queen had said. 'Us??' she said, dreading the answer. Thomas emerged from the shadow cackling as he fingered a golden coin, a sack of coins in his other hand. "All business, Anna" he told her. '"Thomas!"She cried. "Thomas, brother help me please, it hurts". Thomas faltered for a second, but the jingle of the coins in his hand shook him out of his reverie. "Just good business. I'll name the society The Academy. Just like you wanted Anna.I'm sorry. Goodbye" He said, and turned his back on his best friend, his street-sister. Anna screamed and cried, but no one came. The Queen finished her spell, by cutting her hand and letting a few drops of her blood into a goblet. The Queen poured the blood in a circle and chanted, brandishing a lamp. "You'll be bound to this. Only a Sorenson can get you out, but you'll be a forgotten relic, Anna. I'll make sure of it." The Queen vowed, opening the lamp and Anna disappeared into it."

"In the many weeks and years to come, Anna would be  traded off to different owners who cared little about her wellbeing, feelings and her basically. She was used to grant immoral wishes to vile men, abused like a toy and a plaything for other's amusment. Her newfound magic..was scary and strange. She didn't know how to control it, let alone use it. But she was punished, if she didn't do as her Masters commanded. And so Anna prayed each night. That she would be relieved of this life. That even death would be a gift, than this torture. And so the fates smiled upon her."

"A old man, who was passing through the village whose leader Anna currently served, found out about this beauty. He was a seer, unbeknownst to many. This magical woman who could do terrible and great things if you so wished it. He knew what she was. And so he prophesized that the woman would get her revenger,get a better life and all that. The old man told the leader his prophecy concerning Anna, but he was dismissed, and Anna was punished for 'seducing  the old man to set her free'. The old man was angry, by their lack of respect and their barbarity. So in the dead of night, he stole the lamp. He summoned Anna, told her his prophecy and taught her magic. But alas, it couldn't last forever. The old man brought Anna to a cave. A cave of wonders he called it. Everyone who had something valuable stored it here. But it was bewitched. None could remove its contents unless it was meant for them. Anna would be safe here."

"Unfortunately for both of them, they were followed, by the Queen's men. The Queen had kept tabs on Anna this whole time and when they found out that the old seer was taking her to the Cave of Wonders, they sent word to her immediately. The Queen arrrived at the cave, but it was too late, the old man had already placed the lamp within it's caverns. Anna was unable to do anything, but watch, as the Queen slaughtered the old man before her eyes.  The Queen also killed all the men who knew about Anna's location, and it wouldd remain forever a Sorenson family's secret. With his dying breath, bidding her farewell, the old man tucked her lamp in the cave, safely. The Queen fled before people could come in and see what had happened. And so the lamp was left there. Where it slept, waiting for its time. For its revenge would come."

I finished the story, watching their reactions. Luke pointed at me. "Yes Luke?" "You. You're Anna." he declared. I sighed, watching as the brothers pieced it together. "Yeah, I'm ''Anna''. Surprise!" I deadpanned.

"A-and you came up with the Academy?" Corey asked. 

"It was supposed to be a safe haven. For all those who sought shelter. We would teach you to become....who you wanted to be. At least that's what I wanted it to be..." I sighed heavily. "The founder...Thomas..don't tell me..." Sean gasped. "It's Phil! Okay, yes it's that wretched old man Phil. He has no loyalty to any of you, only the highest bidder. You need to leave while you still can."

"We still need to get our revenge against the Sorensons. For what they did to us. To you." Victor asserted. "And I said I would help you. But now that I know that Thomas is involved..well it isn't so simple anymore. The Sorensons were formidable to begin with. During my 2 weeks away from here, I found out much about Lhitedeys. Such as the current Queen was the one to imprison me. That Princess Sang was the Queen's daughter, the ''rightful heir" to the throne. Thomas must've heard the prophecy somehow and you being back..he has a part to play in all this I'm sure of it."

"Phil? Our Phil? Sure he's a little shady...creepy.... and mean..but working with Sorenson? I can't see the guy who built the Academy-who took us in...as that sort of person." Axel admitted scratching his head. "And..you won't see him coming till it's too late" I muttered under my breath. "What was that?" Marc asked. "Nothing,"I smiled tightly. "So, good news, you have me around, so you don't have to worry about your wellbeing etcetera. That's my job. So is anyone hungry? I'm starving." I said, abruptly changing the subject and sauntering towards the kitchen. 

"Ah ah, not so fast birdie. You still needa talk to someone. We'll give ya your privacy." Gabriel held the back of my shirt and turned me around to face Owen. I growled a little and pouted as Gabriel guided me over to the sofa next to Owen. "There" he said, satisfied. "All you fuckers out!" He instructed everyone, guiding them out of the room. 

When we were finally alone, Owen and I awkwardly looked around the room, avoiding eye contact. I sighed deeply. "I know you were just looking out for your family by not believing what I said about Phil. I mean it must be a shock to you..and I didn't tell you anything before that too..." I admitted. He laid a hand on my shoulder"Be that as it may, after everything, I should not have said that I wanted to be rid of you. You were speaking from experience. And I might not want to believe it just yet but I can't ignore the evidence. You probably don't get told this, but thank you Diana." I smiled at him. "Not like I can say no" I said cheekily, winking as I stood up. "Shall we go get some food?"

He nodded, "Let's". I hummed, linking arms with him while thinking to myself "I think..I might just have an idea on how to expose Thomas to the boys..."

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Yay so this chapter is pretty lengthy~

If you wanna chip in on how Diana should expose Phil..lemme know ! :D

Vote/Comment if you enjoyed the story and have a good week ahead peeps!

-CS