I’d barely walked twenty paces when Lysandra appeared next to me, her determined stride matching mine as if our conversation
wasn’t over.
Was she making sure I understood her warning? Before I could ask what more she wanted, Frost appeared.
*Elowen. I told you to stay there; where did you go…” His words trailed off as he took in the scene–me, clearly uncomfortable, with Lysandra hovering nearby.
Lysandra’s smile. “Beta. Not to worry, she is safe with me; we were only having a little chat, and I was going to escort her back to her room; she’s not very familiar with this place yet.”
They exchanged a look I couldn’t read.
“Thank you, but I will be taking over now.” Frost’s tone was courteous but final.
He placed a hand at the small of my back, guiding me away from Lysandra. I allowed myself to be led, grateful for the rescue yet dreading the questions that would inevitably follow.
“What?” I asked once we were around the corner, his grip on my arm firmer than necessary.
“Why did you leave?” There was genuine concern beneath his irritation.
“I got overwhelmed; I’m sorry.” The apology came easily, surprising me. When had I started caring what Frost thought of me?
His expression softened. “No, don’t be. I had been worried.”
“Why?” I searched his face, confused by his concern. “Wait, did you think I was going to run away?”
“I thought of that, but of course, you wouldn’t be able to pass the soldiers, but that still wouldn’t be a fun experience.” His matter- of–fact assessment of my captivity should have angered me, but instead, I found myself oddly touched by his honesty.
“Then… why?”
“Kaius would probably kill me if I lost you.”
I rolled my eyes, some of the tension dissipating. “Now I get it, but I doubt he would kill you, so if that is your worry, please be rest assured, you are very safe.”
“You don’t know Kaius very much, do you?” The question carried weight beyond its simple words.
“No, I don’t.” I admitted the simple truth: I was bound by contract to a man I barely knew, pretending to be his mate.
We walked in silence for a few moments, Frost guiding me through the maze–like corridors.
So you and Lysandra–are you guys like friends?” His question broke the silence, accompanied by a sidelong glance.
“What do you think?” 1–shot back, not bothering to hide my distaste.
“I don’t know; girls are very weird, but this is simply a huge surprise There was genuine curiosity in his voice.
I sighed, my thoughts drifting back to my mother. “After I spoke to my mother…”
1/3
“How did it go?” His voice softened, understanding the hurt behind my words.
Bad- I’m surprised you hadn’t been listening in.”
“Why will I? She wanted me gone, and I know you both needed to talk. His reasonable response made me feel childish for my suspicion.
“My mother… she seems to be a new person. I won’t be visiting her anytime soon; I don’t care anymore, and I’ll let her live her life Even as I said the words, I knew they were a lie.
Frost saw through me immediately. “We both know that is a complete lie; you will never stop caring about her; she is your mother after all.”
The simple truth broke something in me. My voice shook as I finally let out everything. “She was just so ungrateful; all my life I had wanted to see her free, and I knew that this was also what she wanted. But then she finally is free, but she doesn’t like it. More to that, she keeps making me feel like a fool. Even if she knew I had no option, it was either I stay with Dorian or I came here and Dorian would be my end; he only wanted me there as some sex toy: would be more painful watching my ex–mate with another woman, and yet… I feel like she does not even want to see me living
I took a shaky breath and continued, my voice gaining momentum. At the Mistwood pack, I wasn’t living; I had only been surviving. I hated that life and I hated that pack, yet she thought I would be better off there. You know, I always thought she loved me, now… now I am not very sure. I’m sorry, I just had to let it out.”
but
I’d just revealed all the grudges I’d been hiding. Somehow, saying it out loud made me feel better.
“It’s alright. She believes she knows what’s best for you.” His response was measured, not taking sides but acknowledging the complexity of the situation.
“But what do you think, Frost?” I needed his perspective, this man who was neither fully friend nor foe.
He considered his answer carefully. “I’ll not decide if you will be better off here; your mother has her reasons, but I believe everyone should be given a chance to make a choice, even if it might not end up being the best choice.”
His words resonated with me. Choice. In the end, this had been my choice–signing that contract with Kaius, agreeing to be his substitute mate for six months in exchange for my mother’s freedom. Not a good choice, perhaps, but mine.
“We aren’t friends. I and Lysandra, I mean.” I returned to his earlier question, needing to make this clear.
“That would be more reasonable.” Relief flickered across his features. “Where did you meet her?”
“She said she had been waiting for a chance to speak to me alone.” The memory of our confrontation sent a chill down my spine.
His eyes narrowed. “And you spoke to her alone?”
“I knew it was dangerous, but I couldn’t back down because…” I trailed off, unsure how to explain my foolish pride.
“That would hurt your pride.” He finished for me, understanding immediately.
Something like that. I had gotten lost when I stupidly decided not to wait for you; I just couldn’t stay there, and I met Lysandra.” I glanced around, making sure we were truly alone in the corridor.
“What did she talk to you about?” His voice lowered, sensing the importance of my answer.
“I will tell you only if you promise me one thing.”
His eyebrows rose slightly. “And what is this?”
2/3
*Kajus can’t know what I am about to tell you.”
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