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She left me standing there, staring after her retreating form.
Inside my room, I closed the door and collapsed against it, sliding the floor as the tears finally came. They tore through me lik storm, hot and harsh, leaving me gasping for breath between subs.
I curled into myself, trying to become smaller, trying to disappear entirely.
I don’t know how long 1 sat there, lost in the ruins of my illusions. Leng enough for my tears to dry, for my breathing to steady, for a cold, hard resolve to form in the pit of my stomach.
I had to leave this place. Had to escape, somehow, anyhow.
Should I really trust Lysandra? Would she really help me escape? But Lysanden clearly wanted me gone–anything to remove me from Katus’s life.
And what about my mother? If I fled, she would remain behind, vulnerable to Katus’s wrath. But I knew with crushing certainty that Lysandra’s offer extended only to me… Whatever choice I made condemned one of us to suffer.
I washed my face and changed into a clean gown, forcing my breathing to steady. I needed to appear normal.
Just then, the door opened, and Kaius stepped in.
His eyes found mine immediately, narrowing slightly. Why are you crying?”
I touched my cheek, surprised to find it damp again. “Is nothing?”
“You lie to me again, Elowen. His tone hardened.
“I just got emotional thinking about my past,” I improvised, hoping to wouldn’t press further.
He moved closer, his hand sliding beneath the thin fabric of my nightgown. “There’s a feast coming up, ye me; it would be different from the previous. Alaric and Ophelia are gone now.
‘I’m not feeling very well; please Kaius, I’d prefer to stay in.” I wispered.
be accompanying
“I didn’t remember giving you an option. The slight edge in his voice sent a chill down my spine. This was the real Kaius speaking now–the one who expected absolute obedience.
His fingers resumed their exploration, sliding higher along my thigh jerked away instinctively.
“What was that?” He growled, eyes flashing in the darkness.
“No!” The word burst from me before I could stop it.
He
grasped my wrist, pulling me back toward him. “Are you going to pretend now that you don’t like being fucked by me?”
His crude language made me flinch. “I’m tired, Kalus; please let me go.”
Til have you, Elowen, whenever and wherever the need arises. His grip tightened painfully.
arthu bril. “I don’t want to share the bed with you, Kahus.
Confusion replaced anger on his face. “Okay, what is your fucking problem? Yes, I had been away for a while, but I had been busy What the hell do you want? Is it attention? I’m willing to fark you down If that’s enough attention for you
“I just don’t want you on the same bed with use.” I wrapped my mum armund myself, trying to stop the trembling t my body.
His jaw clenched. Then maybe I should lay with someone who appreciates my presence,”
“If that soothes you, then you are live.” I looked away, unable to meet his gaze.
that had overtaken
If you try this next time, I won’t let you go easily, he threatened before rising from the bed and walking to the couch.
Relief washed over me, but it was short–lived.
Once I could pla
I play around with his threats, hat now…now I knew how dangerous his threats could
I couldn’t stay even a single day with a monster like him, and so I made my choice.
I hadn’t slept at all that night. Each minute crawled by as I rehearsed what I’d say, how I’d act. By morning, my resolve was iron. Whatever awaited me beyond these walls couldn’t possibly be worse than remaining here.
Kahes entered
the room,
his
presence overwhelming.
“Kaius,” I began, deliberately softening my voice, I’m sorry about last night. I don’t know what came over n
He approached, studying me with that predatory focus. I fought not to recoil
“That wouldn’t stop me from punishing you if you deny me what’s mine again,” he said casually, the threat unmistakable beneath his words.
I nodded, hating the submission but knowing it was necessary. “Where’s Frost? I haven’t seen him lately.”
I needed to know where Frost was. If my plan had any chance of success, I needed to account for both Alpha and Beta.
“I’ll send him in, in a few hours,” Kalus said, already turning to leave, apparently satisfied with my apology.
“Thank you, I called after him.
Once I was alone, I started to feel restless about my escape plan. Lysandra had said she would come for me, I hoped she would arrive before Frost.
After I changed into more practical outdoor clothing–sturdy boots, dark pants, and a jacket with deep pockets–1 had no other option but to wait patiently for them.
My heart nearly stopped when a soft knock sounded at the door. It was too early for Frost, and Kalus wouldn’t knock. I hesitated. then called out, “Come in.”
The door opened just enough for Lysandra to slip inside, her hair pulled back in a severe bun, her expression uncharacteristically serious
“I’m here, as promised,” Lysandra whispered, slipping inside my room like a shadow. Her eyes darted nervously to the door you made your decision?”
2/3
I met her gaze, unflinching. The leaving. Today,”
“Smart girl. I’ll be waiting in the forest. You know what to do.” She stilled.
I nodded, still not fully trusting her but having no better options. T. Yes, I do,”
“Good. I’ll be ready, she replied, slipping back out as quietly as she entered.
1 barely had time to collect myself before another knock enme ice–blue eyes immediately assessing me.
This time. Frost entered without waiting for my response, his
“You look kind of pale, everything alright?” he asked, concern evident in his voice.
The genuine worry in his expression almost made me falter. Almost
1 am fine. Just really tired of staying here all alone,” I replied, forcing a smile I didn’t feel.
He nodded, though suspicion lingered in his gaze. ‘You are dressed; where do you want to go?!
This was it–the opening I needed. I took a deep breath, careful not to seem too eager.
“I was wondering… If we could go for a run. I need that to clear my head, there had been a lot on my mind lately.” The request sounded natural enough, I hoped.
‘s go then.” His easy agreement caught me by surprise. I’d expected more resistance, more questions.
“Okay, let’s go thun
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