2
A mother’s love is a masterpiece—and a target. 🎨🛡️
📺 Watch All Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU-N-6CWZ7E6JeraBG7QNreWWUc_Xv5fD
❤️ Episode 445
🎥 Episodes Included: 1003-1005
In Episode 445, Alessandra finally completes her "obsessive" work on Elijah’s portrait. Despite Edgar’s teasing, the reveal leaves the entire estate in a stunned silence before erupting in a chorus of praise. It’s a moment of pure triumph for the Duchess, but the peace is short-lived. 👶✨
Outside the gates, Caleb catches a "skulking" Prince Alistair lurking in the shadows. The Eldenfield Prince claims he was just lost and late, but Caleb’s instincts are screaming—is Alistair an ally, or is he watching for a different reason? 🏰👁️
But the true horror lies in the heart of the Red Light District. The Keeper faces a room full of angry, "bleeding" merchants and smugglers. To regain control, she delivers a chilling ultimatum: they won't just kill the Duke; they will break him psychologically by taking what he cherishes most. The toast has been made: "To the end of Edgar Collins." 🍷💀
✨ Story Highlights
🎨 The Final Stroke: Alessandra finishes the portrait of Elijah. 🤫 The Silent Reveal: The stunning moment the cloth falls from the easel. 🏰 The Skulking Prince: Caleb confronts Alistair at the gate. 🐍 The Keeper’s Trial: A vote of leadership turns into a plan for war. 🍷 The Death Toast: The criminals of Lockwood unite against the Duke. 🍼 The Weakest Armor: Why the Keeper is targeting the nursery.
❓ Viewer Question
Is Alistair truly an ally, or is Caleb right to keep a "critical gaze" on him? And do you think the Keeper is targeting Alessandra or the baby to break Edgar? 💬🤔
🎬 Production Credits
Story & Characters: A fictional drama for The Duke's Masked Bride.
Visuals: AI-generated for creative storytelling.
Editing: Crafted with Clipchamp.
#TheDukesMaskedBride #Episode445 #TheKeeper #EdgarCollins #HistoricalDrama #TheLastPortrait #AlistairMystery
📺 Watch All Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU-N-6CWZ7E6JeraBG7QNreWWUc_Xv5fD
❤️ Episode 445
🎥 Episodes Included: 1003-1005
In Episode 445, Alessandra finally completes her "obsessive" work on Elijah’s portrait. Despite Edgar’s teasing, the reveal leaves the entire estate in a stunned silence before erupting in a chorus of praise. It’s a moment of pure triumph for the Duchess, but the peace is short-lived. 👶✨
Outside the gates, Caleb catches a "skulking" Prince Alistair lurking in the shadows. The Eldenfield Prince claims he was just lost and late, but Caleb’s instincts are screaming—is Alistair an ally, or is he watching for a different reason? 🏰👁️
But the true horror lies in the heart of the Red Light District. The Keeper faces a room full of angry, "bleeding" merchants and smugglers. To regain control, she delivers a chilling ultimatum: they won't just kill the Duke; they will break him psychologically by taking what he cherishes most. The toast has been made: "To the end of Edgar Collins." 🍷💀
✨ Story Highlights
🎨 The Final Stroke: Alessandra finishes the portrait of Elijah. 🤫 The Silent Reveal: The stunning moment the cloth falls from the easel. 🏰 The Skulking Prince: Caleb confronts Alistair at the gate. 🐍 The Keeper’s Trial: A vote of leadership turns into a plan for war. 🍷 The Death Toast: The criminals of Lockwood unite against the Duke. 🍼 The Weakest Armor: Why the Keeper is targeting the nursery.
❓ Viewer Question
Is Alistair truly an ally, or is Caleb right to keep a "critical gaze" on him? And do you think the Keeper is targeting Alessandra or the baby to break Edgar? 💬🤔
🎬 Production Credits
Story & Characters: A fictional drama for The Duke's Masked Bride.
Visuals: AI-generated for creative storytelling.
Editing: Crafted with Clipchamp.
#TheDukesMaskedBride #Episode445 #TheKeeper #EdgarCollins #HistoricalDrama #TheLastPortrait #AlistairMystery
Category
🎈
FunTranscript
00:00While Alessandra paints a legacy of love, a room full of monsters is toasting to its destruction.
00:05The war for Lockwood just got personal.
00:09The portrait is finished, the family is gathered, and for a moment, peace has returned to the estate.
00:15But outside the gates, and deep within the red light district, the storm is finally breaking.
00:21Welcome back to The Duke's Masked Bride.
00:25The light was fading, but Alessandra still hovered over her painting, brush in hand.
00:31Over time, her strokes had grown even more delicate and precise, more obsessive,
00:38even though to the outsider's eye, the portrait was complete.
00:42She tilted her head this way and that, her eyes moving rapidly across the painting.
00:48A bit here, and a little more here.
00:54She whispered to herself as she inspected and dabbed the canvas.
00:59Dabbing the brush and paint, she leaned in again,
01:03holding her breath to dab the tiniest line of shadow beneath his chin.
01:08From the doorway, Edgar's voice cut into her concentration.
01:14Alessandra, why the hell are you still painting?
01:18Dabbing, he asked her with exasperated affection.
01:21It's done.
01:22It's more than done, in fact.
01:25It's marvelous.
01:27She ignored the interruption, instead adding a glint to Elijah's eye,
01:33deepening the warm folds of his blanket,
01:35and adding a hint of sunlight to a curl in his head.
01:39It was finished.
01:41Just not to her.
01:44She finished dabbing and then turned to him, finally taking a breath.
01:48Her cheeks were flushed,
01:50and different colors of paint streaked across her forehead.
01:54There was a mistake, but I fixed it.
01:57She turned back to the easel,
01:59her critical eyes scanning for more places she could improve.
02:03Enough.
02:05Edgar crossed the room and plucked the brush gently from her fingers.
02:08You said that two hours ago.
02:12The portrait is perfect.
02:15He took her shoulders in his hands,
02:17his gaze finding her.
02:19If you don't stop now,
02:21not only will you drive yourself insane,
02:24but you'll miss the dinner party.
02:27Dinner party?
02:29Alessandra mumbled as she tried to focus on Edgar's face
02:32and not the portrait.
02:35Oh, what time is it?
02:37She stuttered, blinking,
02:40as though finally emerging from a deep spell.
02:42Edgar shook his head, chuckling.
02:45You still have time to get ready.
02:47You have a bit of paint.
02:49His eyes roamed her face.
02:52Everywhere.
02:54Alessandra's face broke into a smile.
02:57I guess I got a bit carried away.
03:00One might say that.
03:03Edgar chuckled,
03:05putting her brush out of her reach.
03:07But now that I've taken away your weapon,
03:09you have no choice but to leave perfection alone.
03:15I surrender, Duke Collins.
03:17She said with a light laugh.
03:20His eyes sparkled with mischief.
03:23Is there time for me to collect the bounty?
03:27Oh, Edgar.
03:29Oh, Edgar.
03:29She breathed out, cheeks turning red.
03:33I thought you said I had to get ready for the dinner party.
03:37I did.
03:39You do.
03:41Edgar let out a low growl,
03:44reluctantly letting his hand fall from her shoulders.
03:47Go on.
03:48I'll collect my winnings later.
03:52That evening,
03:54the Collins estate glowed like a beacon of joy.
03:59Lanterns floated above the courtyard like stars descending to earth,
04:03welcoming the incoming guests.
04:05Inside,
04:07the rooms buzzed with warmth and music.
04:10Alfred and Rose greeted guests at the door with polished charm
04:14and a little harmless bickering over guest placement.
04:18Reed and Eleanor arrived first,
04:20followed closely by Caleb and Sally.
04:23There was a moment's pause in the festivities when Edmund arrived.
04:27His breakup,
04:29theft of his fortune,
04:31and the subsequent destruction of the Hollow
04:33were still fresh in everyone's minds,
04:35despite all that had passed since then.
04:39Edmund!
04:40Alessandra greeted him with open arms.
04:43Edgar gave a warm smile,
04:46patting his father on the shoulder.
04:48Good to be here.
04:51Edmund smiled warmly at everyone
04:53before crossing the room to Reed and Caleb.
04:57I'm back at home,
04:58thanks to all you two have done to scare off the Keeper.
05:02I can't thank you enough for all you did.
05:06Caleb smirked,
05:07putting a hand on Edmund's shoulder.
05:09Maybe we should vet the next woman you take an interest in.
05:13Wouldn't want a repeat performance, would we?
05:18Just then,
05:19the door swung open.
05:21Priscilla entered,
05:22looking radiant in a deep blue gown.
05:24Her hair swept into an elegant updo.
05:27She smiled warmly at everyone,
05:30scanning the room.
05:31The moment her eyes met Edmund's,
05:34time slowed,
05:35though her heart raced.
05:38She barely registered the greetings of the other guests.
05:41Even her hugs with her son and Alessandra were lackluster.
05:46All she could think about was how she was going to tell Edmund her true feelings.
05:51Having made the rounds,
05:53she took a deep breath.
05:55Now,
05:56I have to do it now,
05:58before I lose my nerve,
06:00she told herself.
06:02Finally,
06:03she took a step forward in his direction.
06:06Her first steps forward almost felt like walking through mud.
06:10She could not seem to muster the speed to cross the distance between them.
06:15But her heartstrings pulled her forward.
06:18Her feelings were a rope that she could hold to bring her closer.
06:23She picked up her pace,
06:24the sound around her muffling as her pulse pounded.
06:27She was close.
06:29She repeated the words she wanted to say to him in her head like a mantra.
06:34Edmund?
06:36I?
06:38Suddenly,
06:38he turned away.
06:40Edmund grabbed a drink and launched into a conversation with Reed,
06:45turning his back to her.
06:47Her rope snapped,
06:49leaving her standing still,
06:51her heart faltering.
06:53Is that it?
06:54Did I miss my chance?
06:58Edgar clinked his glass to gather the room's attention.
07:02If I could steal you from your wine and conversation for just a moment,
07:06he called out,
07:08moving toward the large covered easel centered along the back wall.
07:12The guests quieted,
07:15forming a semicircle around the easel.
07:18Candles flickered all around,
07:20casting a shimmering spotlight over the spot.
07:23Alessandra stood close to Edgar,
07:26hands clasped in front of her.
07:28She took a deep breath to steady her nerves.
07:31Thank you all for coming.
07:34She began softly.
07:36For a long time,
07:38I've dabbled in the art of painting.
07:40But until recently,
07:42I had never imagined myself capable of painting something that truly mattered.
07:47She gave a meaningful look at Rose and smiled.
07:52But becoming a mother and having the support of people who support and love this family
07:58has been eye-opening and life-changing.
08:02Rose sniffled lightly,
08:04dabbing a tear from the corner of her eye.
08:08I'm excited to share this with you all.
08:12Alessandra met the eyes of everyone in the room
08:15before taking her place by the side of the easel.
08:18She nodded at Edgar,
08:20and he stood on the other side.
08:22Both of them placed their hands on the cloth
08:25and gently tugged.
08:27The cloth fell away,
08:30revealing the completed portrait of Elijah.
08:34The painting was serene,
08:36tender.
08:38It captured Elijah mid-laugh,
08:41bright eyes shining with glee.
08:43A blanket trailed off his foot,
08:45and one hand curled by his cheek,
08:48as though he were fully aware of the power
08:50in the moment of joy.
08:53Alessandra held her breath
08:54as she waited for something,
08:56anything.
08:58But the room was completely,
09:00utterly silent.
09:03Alessandra risked everything
09:04to paint this portrait.
09:06Now,
09:06the room is silent.
09:08Is it a masterpiece,
09:09or have they found a flaw she missed?
09:12The room had gone still.
09:15Alessandra's hands trembled
09:17as she stood beside
09:18the unveiled portrait of Elijah.
09:20The only sound she could hear
09:22was that of her own heartbeat
09:23pounding in her chest.
09:26The silence had lingered far too long.
09:29Do they hate it?
09:31Is it too sentimental?
09:33Too soft?
09:34Did I get his eyes wrong?
09:36Fail to capture his delight and joy?
09:40Sweat beaded at the nape of her neck
09:42and ran down her back,
09:44sending a shiver up her spine.
09:46Why did I ever think I could do this?
09:49I'm not a real artist.
09:51Not a painter.
09:52I'm just...
09:54brilliant.
09:55Brilliant.
09:55Alfred breathed out in awe.
09:59What?
10:00Alessandra asked,
10:02her voice slightly cracking.
10:05You're brilliant.
10:07He stepped toward the portrait,
10:09tears in his eyes,
10:10and Rose's hand in his.
10:12This is unbelievable.
10:15This is unbelievable.
10:16You've captured his very soul.
10:20And then,
10:21applause.
10:23It began with Eleanor,
10:25and then grew into a chorus of cheers
10:27and warm, appreciative exclamations.
10:30Caleb let out a low whistle,
10:32and Priscilla wiped tears from her eyes.
10:36Relief swept over Alessandra
10:38in a dizzying rush.
10:40The immense highs and lows
10:41of the big reveal
10:42and portrait painting experience
10:44were enough to leave her feeling
10:46exhausted but elated.
10:49You all like it?
10:51She asked, looking around.
10:54Understatement of the century,
10:56Rose sniffled.
10:58We love it.
11:01Caleb examined the portrait,
11:03a broad smirk on his face.
11:05Damn.
11:06Elijah's already more handsome than Edgar.
11:10Watch it.
11:11Sally pinched his arm
11:13and gave him a reproachful look.
11:15That's our duke you're insulting.
11:17And Elijah's father.
11:20Ow.
11:21I'm not insulting,
11:23just pointing out the obvious.
11:26Eleanor left Reed's side
11:28and crossed the room quickly.
11:30She threw her arms around Alessandra
11:32in a tight embrace.
11:34You did it,
11:36she said,
11:37emotion filling her voice.
11:39Your art really can make a difference.
11:42You just made the entire world
11:44stop for a moment.
11:47Alessandra's eyes welled.
11:48She gave Eleanor a grateful smile
11:51and a tight hug,
11:52her heart finally beginning to settle.
11:57As wine flowed and laughter warmed the air,
12:01the guests gathered around the painting.
12:03They looked at it from every angle,
12:06pointing out the tiny details
12:08that Alessandra had obsessed over.
12:10The brightness of his eyes,
12:12the gentle fold of the blanket,
12:14the touch of sunlight on his hair.
12:16The way you've captured his expression,
12:20only a mother could do that.
12:23Only you.
12:25Priscilla congratulated Alessandra
12:27as she stared at the painting.
12:29You have rendered every detail
12:32with impossible accuracy.
12:35She turned to Edgar.
12:37Did you know your wife
12:39was capable of this?
12:43Alessandra gave Edgar
12:44a pointed look.
12:46Oh, he knows.
12:47He had to tear me away from it
12:49in time for this party.
12:52Edgar let out a chuckle
12:53and raised his hands
12:54in mock defense.
12:58If I hadn't,
12:59you would have still been at it
13:01and it would have looked
13:03too realistic.
13:04We don't want to make Elijah
13:06jealous of his own portrait.
13:10The celebration continued
13:11and Alessandra let every fresh wave
13:14of compliments wash over her,
13:17filling her with a sense of satisfaction
13:19the likes of which
13:20she had never imagined.
13:22Caleb sipped from his glass
13:24when something caught his attention.
13:26A flicker.
13:28He turned,
13:29his eyes narrowing
13:30as he peered out the window
13:32into the darkness
13:32of the estate grounds.
13:34His eyes searched,
13:36but there was nothing.
13:38He almost turned away,
13:40but spotted it again.
13:42There.
13:43A light flickered
13:44at the edge of the property.
13:47Quietly,
13:48so as not to disturb
13:49or worry anyone,
13:51he set down his drink
13:52and slipped out
13:53without drawing attention.
13:55The night air was cool,
13:58the grass slightly damp
13:59beneath his boots.
14:01He moved silently,
14:02instinct sharp.
14:04He followed the bobbing,
14:06flickering light
14:07to the edge of the property,
14:08just beyond the locked gate.
14:11Whoever you are,
14:13you'd best show yourself now.
14:16A figure emerged
14:17from the shadows.
14:20Alistair.
14:23Annoyance quickly replaced
14:24his surprise
14:25as he took in the sight
14:26of the Eldenfield Prince.
14:28What the hell
14:29are you doing here?
14:32Alistair stepped
14:32into the light
14:33and raised his hands
14:34in a gesture of innocence.
14:36Easy there, Caleb.
14:38I'm here for the gathering.
14:40He jutted his chin
14:41towards the Collins estate.
14:43Would you mind
14:44letting me in?
14:45I do mind.
14:47Caleb raised his lip
14:49into a sneer.
14:50What are you doing
14:51skulking around
14:52out here in the darkness?
14:55I'm late,
14:56and from the sound
14:57of the applause,
14:58I took it I had missed
14:59my chance.
15:00I got flustered
15:01and then turned around.
15:04Alistair shook his head.
15:06Embarrassing.
15:07I know.
15:13Caleb did not join him
15:14in laughter,
15:15instead tilting his head.
15:17Who invited you?
15:19He asked,
15:20not bothering to hide
15:22the suspicion in his voice.
15:24Edgar, of course.
15:25Alistair answered casually.
15:27Nice of him to do so.
15:29You and Edgar
15:31barely know each other.
15:33Caleb's posture
15:35remained rigid.
15:36His voice clipped.
15:38Now, suddenly,
15:39you're invited
15:40to a special gathering?
15:43We're allies now,
15:44aren't we?
15:45He probably thought
15:46it was a nice gesture,
15:48and I've messed it up
15:49by being both late
15:51and lost.
15:53Alistair shrugged
15:54his shoulders,
15:55offering up a smile.
15:57If you let me in,
15:59I can at least remedy
15:59one of those issues.
16:02There was a beat
16:03of silence
16:04as Caleb studied
16:05Alistair's face
16:06in the dim,
16:07flickering lantern light.
16:09Something about the situation
16:11sent his hairs on end.
16:13He narrowed his eyes
16:14and crossed his arms
16:15across his chest.
16:16Why are you here,
16:19Alistair?
16:20He finally asked,
16:22not bothering
16:22to hide the coldness
16:24in his voice.
16:25I told you.
16:28Alistair's brows
16:29knit together.
16:30I'm here for the party.
16:33That's not what I mean.
16:36Caleb took a step
16:37toward him,
16:38locking Alistair
16:39in his critical gaze.
16:41Why are you here
16:42in Lockmere?
16:44You've been spending
16:45more time here
16:46than in your own city.
16:48Why is that?
16:53Alistair let out an exhale,
16:55his expression hardening.
16:57I care about
16:59what happens to Lockmere
17:00just as much
17:01as any of you,
17:02especially with all
17:03this nasty business
17:04going on in the
17:05Red Light District.
17:06It seemed as though
17:07Lockmere could use
17:08an extra set of
17:09helping hands
17:10and watching eyes.
17:12Wouldn't you agree?
17:15After a long beat,
17:16Caleb finally reached
17:17for the gate
17:18and unlatched it.
17:20Come in,
17:22he said.
17:23Alistair smirked faintly
17:25and stepped over
17:26the threshold.
17:27Much appreciated, Caleb,
17:29he said with a slight bow
17:31as he walked ahead
17:32to the main entrance.
17:34Caleb walked behind him
17:36in steady silence,
17:38but his thoughts
17:39shouted warnings
17:40and threats
17:40at Alistair's back.
17:43I'm going to keep
17:44an eye on you,
17:45little Prince of Eldenfield.
17:47Of that,
17:48you have my word.
17:51While Alistair
17:52plays his games
17:53at the gate,
17:54the most powerful
17:54criminals in Lockwood
17:56are gathering,
17:56and they only want
17:58one thing,
17:59Edgar Collins' head.
18:01The keeper stood
18:02at the head
18:03of the long
18:04lacquered table.
18:06Remaining utterly still,
18:08she seemed more
18:09like a statue
18:09than a woman.
18:11She wished she were
18:12behind the iron-bound
18:14doors of her
18:14private quarters,
18:16far from the rising
18:17heat of this room.
18:19The air hung heavy,
18:21not just with cigar smoke
18:23and spilled whiskey,
18:24but with venomous tempers
18:26ready to snap.
18:27Seated before her
18:29was a collection
18:29of the red-light district's
18:31most powerful figures,
18:33smugglers,
18:34blackmailers,
18:35brothel owners,
18:36and merchants
18:37made rich
18:38by shadow and sin.
18:39And every last one
18:41of them was angry.
18:43But thou was dead.
18:45He was the one
18:46who was supposed
18:46to get us closer
18:47to the royals.
18:49You said you had
18:50it under control.
18:51Our prophets
18:52are bleeding.
18:54You've lost Lockwood.
18:56This is what happens
18:57when a woman
18:58plays king.
18:59The keeper lifted
19:01her manicured hand.
19:03Gentlemen.
19:04But her voice
19:05was swallowed
19:06by the room's
19:07growing roar.
19:08You're too soft.
19:11One man snarled.
19:13Too reckless.
19:14Another snapped.
19:16No.
19:17She's too busy
19:18lining her own pockets
19:19to protect our interests.
19:21The keeper's lips,
19:23painted to perfection,
19:25pressed into a line.
19:26Beneath the table,
19:28her fingers tightened
19:29around the carved armrest.
19:31But still,
19:32she said nothing.
19:33Not yet.
19:36Perhaps it's time
19:37for a vote
19:38of new leadership.
19:41That cut through
19:43the noise,
19:44silence dropping
19:45like a guillotine,
19:46and all eyes
19:47turned to her.
19:48The keeper stepped
19:50slowly away
19:50from her chair,
19:51the hem of her silk coat
19:53whispering across the floor.
19:55The chandelier's low candlelight
19:58glinted off
19:59her painted cheekbones,
20:00casting shadows
20:02that sharpened her features
20:03into something
20:04almost inhuman.
20:05Her painted mask
20:07of a face
20:08gave nothing away,
20:09but her eyes,
20:11cold and calculating,
20:13glittered with menace.
20:15You're all so quick
20:17to throw stones.
20:19But tell me,
20:21where were your brave hands
20:24when the hollow was raided?
20:26When that silver-tongued duke
20:29came knocking on your doors?
20:32Not one of them answered.
20:34That's what I thought.
20:36I built this empire.
20:39While you cowered
20:41behind closed doors,
20:42I brokered the deals.
20:45I paid the debts.
20:47I took the fall.
20:49And now,
20:51with the crown
20:52breathing down our necks,
20:54you dare to question
20:55my leadership?
20:57The keeper let the silence stretch,
21:00feeding off the attention
21:01now firmly back in her hands.
21:04She slowly straightened,
21:06her chin lifting.
21:07I know who's responsible
21:09for all of this.
21:11She said at last,
21:13who's crippled our shipments,
21:15bled our profits,
21:17and stirred the wrath
21:18of the crown.
21:20Murmurs rippled
21:22across the table.
21:23She let the suspense
21:25hang in the air
21:25before delivering the name.
21:28Duke Edgar Collins.
21:32The room erupted again,
21:34but this time,
21:35not with fury at her,
21:37with interest and curiosity,
21:40with dark,
21:41hungry murmurs.
21:43Everyone in the room
21:45was desperate
21:46to get at the dreaded duke.
21:47If we took him out,
21:51one merchant whispered,
21:53the king's guard
21:55would flounder,
21:56another said.
21:58He's been leading
21:59half the efforts
22:00on that end.
22:01Trade restrictions
22:03would ease,
22:04the pressure would lift.
22:05One by one,
22:07they all began
22:08to see the same vision.
22:10Let's kill the duke!
22:13The men cheered,
22:14but the keeper
22:15raised her hand again,
22:16and this time,
22:18the room obeyed.
22:20Do not be fools.
22:22I don't mean to assassinate him
22:24in some back alley
22:25like a petty thug,
22:27she said.
22:28That would make him
22:29a martyr.
22:31She stepped back
22:32toward her chair,
22:33then turned
22:34to face them all fully.
22:36No.
22:38I intend to strike
22:40where it will hurt the most,
22:43where his armor
22:44is weakest.
22:46We take
22:47what he cherishes,
22:49we break him
22:50psychologically,
22:51and when he's
22:53nothing more
22:53than a ghost of himself,
22:55everything he's built
22:57will collapse.
22:59Her eyes narrowed,
23:01and when that happens,
23:04the crown will have
23:05no choice
23:06but to back away.
23:07The red-light district
23:09will rise again,
23:10stronger,
23:12smarter,
23:15untouchable.
23:16For the first time
23:18that evening,
23:19the keeper smiled.
23:21The keeper lifted
23:22her glass.
23:23Her eyes swept
23:25over the room again,
23:26her eyes taking in
23:27the merchants
23:28draped in silks,
23:29disgraced nobles
23:31desperate for
23:32a return to power,
23:33and smugglers
23:34who had once
23:35ruled Lockwood's
23:36darkest corners.
23:38Now,
23:39they leaned forward,
23:41eager and restless,
23:42caught in the stillness
23:43before the storm.
23:45To the fall
23:47of the Collins
23:49legacy.
23:51The last word
23:52left her lips
23:53as if it pained
23:54her to say it.
23:55A few in the crowd
23:57raised their glasses
23:58cautiously.
23:59Others waited,
24:01unsure if it was
24:02just another boast.
24:04Beneath her dark
24:05black eyelashes,
24:07the keeper's eyes
24:08narrowed.
24:09They took from us
24:11our coin,
24:13our streets,
24:15our power,
24:16and now
24:18we take it back.
24:20She stepped forward,
24:22fire in her voice.
24:23You will all
24:25get what you
24:25deserve.
24:27Bertram,
24:28the trade
24:28will flow again,
24:30half the proceeds
24:31lining your pocket.
24:32The corrupt
24:33nobleman
24:34licked his lips
24:35at the idea.
24:36She turned
24:37to another man.
24:39Robbie,
24:39you will be able
24:40to squeeze
24:41the gamblers dry,
24:43free from
24:44the crown's grip.
24:46Here,
24:46here.
24:48Titles will be
24:49restored,
24:50territories regained,
24:51no more groveling,
24:53no more fear,
24:56the keeper continued.
24:58We will make
25:00an example
25:00of Edgar Collins
25:01and his
25:02pretty little
25:03duchess.
25:04Let them scream.
25:06Let the palace
25:08tremble.
25:09We are not
25:10a forgotten
25:10corner of this
25:11kingdom.
25:12We are
25:13its beating,
25:15decrepit heart.
25:16And we're about
25:17to stop
25:18pretending otherwise.
25:21Glasses rose
25:22in unison
25:22this time.
25:24To destruction,
25:26someone muttered
25:27under their breath.
25:28To rebirth,
25:31the keeper
25:32corrected
25:32with a smile.
25:34The toast
25:35rang out
25:35in full force.
25:37To the end
25:38of Edgar Collins.
25:43The keeper
25:44has set her
25:45sights on
25:45the duke's
25:46only weakness,
25:47his heart.
25:48As the red light
25:49district prepares
25:50for a rebirth,
25:51no one is safe.
25:52Don't miss
25:53episode 446.
25:56Join now
25:57for early access.
25:58And don't forget
25:59to like
26:00and subscribe.
26:01and subscribe.