Alaric''s subordinates later discovered a secret passage hidden underneath Liam''s bed which led to an underground chamber.

    To reach the underground chamber, they passed by a narrow and dark tunnel. Their only source of light was the flickering flames of the torches held by sconces.

    Upon entering the secret chamber, they saw more than ten naked women of varying ages huddled together. They revealed fearful gazes when they heard the door creaking as it was pushed open.

    Alaric''s face darkened upon seeing the bruises and the signs of torture on their bodies.

    One of them looked even younger than Elena and this fragile little girl also shared the same wounds.

    "Liam..." Alaric muttered through gritted teeth.

    The people near him couldn''t help but shudder when they sensed his overflowing killing intent.

    "Cover their bodies first before sending them back to their families," Alaric instructed while trying to hold back his rage.

    "Yes, my lord!"

    Everyone quickly moved into action. They brought clothes for the women and sent them out of the secret chamber.

    However, there was one particular woman who refused to go back to the surface.

    She looked quite young at around seventeen. She had a pretty face, but it was destroyed by a burn scar on the left side of her face. Her youthful body was also covered in whip marks and bruises which she must have gotten after being tortured.

    Alaric couldn''t even begin to imagine what kind of experience she had gone through.

    "My lord, what should we do with this woman?" A warrior asked hesitantly.

    "I''ll go and talk to her. Continue searching the chamber and see if there is still something we can find." Alaric instructed calmly.

    "Yes, my lord!" The warrior acknowledged his command with a salute before he turned around and left.

    While everyone was busy searching every corner of the bedchamber, Alaric approached the woman and asked. "Why didn''t you go back with the rest?"

    The woman lifted her head, revealing her terrifying burn scar. With eyes flashing with hatred, she responded. "I want to kill him with my own hands, but before that, I will torture him and drink his blood!"

    Alaric narrowed his eyes.

    Alaric rubbed his chin and thought deeply.

    What should I do with this woman?

    It was rare for a woman to become a warrior. Only a few special individuals like Cassandra could survive the rigorous training. What more a fragile woman who had been tortured and abused?

    After some careful thought, Alaric spoke. "What''s your name?"

    "Aliya." She replied while staring at him with anticipation. Read exclusive chapters at My Virtual Library Empire

    "I can give you some swordsmanship lessons, but if you don''t survive my training, then you will have to work as a servant instead."

    Aliya''s eyes flashed with joy. "I will work hard, my lord! I will never give up!"

    Alaric chuckled while shaking his head. "We will know soon if you are just speaking some empty words."

    ...

    Alaric and his subordinates searched every corner of the estate, but they found no signs of Liam.

    Night had arrived and the snowstorm was becoming increasingly severe so Alaric told his subordinates to stop the search.

    On their way back to the main mansion, Josephus approached him and whispered to his ears.

    "My lord, I heard that it was Lady Vivian who helped Liam escape."

    "I know." Alaric nodded with a stern look.

    He had already thought of questioning her, but he would thoroughly offend House Paxley if he did that.

    "Lord Theo also wants to speak with you. Maybe he knows something." Josephus added.

    Alaric furrowed his eyebrows. "Where is he?"

    "He''s been following us quietly since we left the secret chamber." Josephus pointed somewhere behind them.

    Alaric followed his gaze and saw Theo trying to strike up a conversation with his subordinates, but no one seemed to have the intention of speaking with him.

    "Bring him here." Alaric couldn''t fully trust this guy since he didn''t know much about him, but he had no choice at this point.