Chapter 13
Lila
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Damon’s grip lingered for a moment longer than necessary, his fingers a vice around my waist. I could feel the strength behind them, the restraint he was forcing upon himself.
“I
“I have a curfew,” I said, forcing my voice to remain steady. “If I’m late, I’ll be scrubbing toilets for a week.”
Damon’s jaw tightened, but his hold loosened. “Curfew,” he repeated, almost like the word was foreign to him.
I nodded, feeling the heat of his hand even as he slowly withdrew it.
I took a step back, putting space between us, even though the warmth of his touch still lingered on my skin like a brand.
Damon exhaled sharply, his gaze narrowing. “Go, then.”
I didn’t hesitate. I turned and ran, not daring to look back.
The night air was cool against my flushed skin, but it did little to soothe the chaos raging inside me. My legs carried me swiftly through the palace grounds, my heart pounding with every step.
Why does he affect me like this?
I wasn’t supposed to feel anything for him. Damon Sinclair was a Tyrant that I needed to stay away from. He was the King I had sworn to deceive to save my mother.
Then why does my body react like this?
I shoved the thought aside as I reached the entrance to the residence. As soon as I stepped inside, a sharp voice cut through the
air.
“Where have you been?”
The housekeeper, an older woman with a severe expression, stormed toward me, her hands clenched at her sides. Her eyes roamed over me suspiciously, her nose wrinkling like she’d caught the scent of something foul.
“I stepped out for fresh air,” I said, keeping my tone neutral. “I missed my mother.”
The housekeeper’s frown deepened, but before she could respond, another voice slithered into the conversation.
“Fresh air?” Vanessa crossed her arms, her lips curling in amusement. “Or were you sneaking around in the forbidden parts of the palace?”
I turned to her, already exhausted by the mere sight of her smug face.
“Why would I do that?” I asked dryly
Vanessa tilted her head, her dark eyes gleaming “Oh, I don’t know… maybe because you’ve always been a troublemaker?” She
Chapter 1
smiled, saccharine and sharp. “Weren’t you expelled from noble school for bullying your classmates.”
This was a trap. And I didn’t want to walk into it.
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I could deny it outright, but that would mean claiming innocence for something Elena might have actually done and outing myself as… myself. I could argue back, but that would mean taking responsibility for whatever past sins Elena had committed, which was a step too far for me.
So instead, I went for the truth, my truth.
“And what have you been doing these past few days if not bullying me?” I countered, my voice as smooth as silk.
Vanessa blinked, momentarily caught off guard. “You admit it?”
I shrugged. “I admit that you clearly enjoy throwing your weight around when it comes to me. Should I start listing everything you’ve done?”
Vanessa hesitated, her expression flickering with doubt, maybe. Her fingers twitched, as if debating whether to claw at me or keep playing this game. Interesting.
She wasn’t just trying to provoke me. She was testing me. If she had been so sure that Elena was guilty, she wouldn’t have reacted
like that.
Maybe Elena wasn’t expelled for bullying at all.
Vanessa’s gaze lingered on me, assessing, searching for cracks in my armor. Then, she scoffed. “You’ve changed,” she muttered. “Though you’re still as annoying as ever.”
I smirked. “Likewise.”
I brushed past her before she could say another word, my heart pounding just a little harder than before. That had been too close.
And if I wasn’t careful, I’d be exposed before I even had a chance to escape.
And my mother would be the one punished if I failed.
“There will be a ball tomorrow night,” Helen declared after gathering us all in the parlor. “All the selected candidates will have the opportunity to dance with His Majesty. You will be tested on your social etiquette and grace.”
The news sent the ladies into a frenzy. Excitement buzzed through the air as they whispered about dresses, dances, and the chance to impress Damon
1, on the other hand, had absolutely no interest.
That evening, I feigned illness, claiming I needed to rest. It was the perfect excuse to avoid an entire night of forced smiles and political games
At least, that had been my plan. But just as the ball began, a sharp voice cut through my mind.
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Elena. It was Helen. I expect you in the ballroom within the next fifteen minutes.
I groaned internally. I’m sick.
You can be sick while dancing.
I cursed under my breath as she cut the link.
With no choice, I pulled on the plainest dress I could find; one that would ensure I blended into the literal background. Then, I hurried toward the ballroom, my mind already working on an escape route.
The palace was a labyrinth of towering columns and endless hallways, and in my rush, I knew I had made a wrong turn.
I didn’t recognize the décor and the air turned heavier, scented with aged parchment and something faintly floral. I slowed my steps, suddenly aware of how eerily silent it was.
“You’re lost.” An amused voice rumbled from behind me.
I whirled around to face a tall male, his broad frame casting a long shadow in the dim corridor.
He was handsome, dangerously so. His features were sharp, regal, with piercing blue eyes that flickered with curiosity. His tailored black suit emphasized his powerful build, and he filled it with confidence. He looked like an Alpha
My body tensed. His scent hit me a second later: dark and electric like lightning over the stormy sea.
“You don’t belong here,” he continued, tilting his head slightly as he studied me. “Not in this part of the palace.”
1 straightened my shoulders, keeping my expression neutral. “I took a wrong turn.”
The
armured
gaze lingered on my face, his brows drawing together slightly.
his scrutiny. He clearly found me lacking.
lave such a big reaction to my face?” I asked, my voice edged with irritation.
answer right away. Instead, he stepped closer, his eyes flickering with something unreadable. “You don’t know?” he
The way he said it sent a chill down my spine.
I forced a laugh. “Should I?”
The man studied me for another long moment before his lips curved into a slow, knowing smile.
“Interesting,” he murmured. And then, before I could react, he reached out.
His fingers brushed against my chin, tilting my face slightly. The touch was featherlight, but it sent a jolt through me, my wolf stirring in agitation.
“Don’t touch me,” I snapped. I pulled back instinctively, my heart hammering.
Choptor C
The man chuckled, unfazed. “I see what the fuss is about.” His gaze lingered, as if I were a puzzle missing just one piece.
A puzzle he intended to solve.
