Ruby’s POV
Today had been… exhilarating.
First, my so–called parents were suffering a psychological meltdown. They believed they were being targeted by some unseen force of hatred, and the best part? They had no clue who was behind it.
If only they were more observant. They would have seen it–seen me.
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Their condition had slightly improved, but the scars marring their bodies remained, grotesque and permanent. Nathaniel had been particularly unhinged, his temper so explosive that the healers had resorted to dosing him with calming potions just to keep him in check.
Taking my revenge slowly had been the right choice. Watching them unravel, bit by bit, was the most satisfying performance I’d ever witnessed.
And this was still nothing compared to the suffering they had inflicted upon me.
They should be grateful. I had given them time—a chance to repent.
But, of course, they never would.
Second, a little surprise for my dearest fake sister.
The gift was exquisite–wrapped in delicate pink paper, Camilla’s favorite color. Inside? A porcelain doll, its face and body streaked with deep red ink, its stomach impaled with a knife. Alongside it, a bundle of curses scrawled on a crumpled piece of parchment.
Every ounce of my hatred for her, packed neatly into a single box.
Before handing it to the messenger, I ensured my instructions were clear: deliver it to her room when Dominic wasn’t there.
A few hours later, chaos erupted.
Camilla’s shrill scream tore through the manor, shaking the glass windows and rousing half the household from their sleep.
I played my role to perfection–rushing to her room, concern etched into every line of my face.
She lay sprawled on the floor, trembling violently, both hands clutching her now more pronounced belly. Dominic hovered over her protectively, his arms wrapped around her as he whispered reassurances.
On the floor beside them, the gift box lay discarded. The doll’s lifeless eyes stared vacantly at the ceiling, its crimson- streaked body grotesquely mimicking spilled blood.
Dominic’s jaw clenched, his voice sharp as a blade as he thundered across the room, his fury palpable.
“Find out who did this! I want them brought before me in chains!”
I made sure to shiver, allowing just the right amount of fear to seep into my expression as I turned to the servants.
“Th–this… this is horrible,” I whispered, my hand covering my mouth. “Who would do such a thing? Why would anyone target our family like this?”
Then, I let my gaze drift toward the foolish Alpha.
“Dominic, we have to investigate this thoroughly. The pack is no longer safe. People are already afraid after everything that’s
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09.25 ГП, 20 Арг
Chapter 52
happened,” I urged, my voice trembling with carefully measured fear.
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For once, Dominic didn’t snap at me. Instead, he nodded solemnly, though his gaze remained fixed on Camilla, who whimpered against his chest like a helpless pup.
“You’re right. I’ll handle it.”
That… was surprising. Had he hit his head? Eaten something spoiled?
I gave a slightly stiff nod.
“Then I’ll leave Camilla to you. I need to check on my parents.”
For a brief moment, our eyes met–long enough for Camilla’s pitiful cries to break the silence.
“Alright. Go ahead, Luna,” he said.
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As I walked away, my brows furrowed. I couldn’t make sense of his sudden shift in attitude. The more I thought about it, the more uneasy I felt. Maybe he was adjusting his approach, softening his stance in preparation for a new scheme. Treating me with outright hostility would only make their plans harder to execute.
I wondered when Nathaniel would finally give the order for him to kill me. Because so far, there hadn’t been the slightest indication.
With a sigh, I massaged my temples, pushing thoughts of Dominic aside. Right now, I had a more pressing matter–dealing with my so–called parents.
The visit was brief. I had the perfect excuse–there were pack affairs to handle, and my duties as Luna came first.
Day faded into night.
Given Dominic’s unusual behavior, I had half–expected him to show up at my door. But he didn’t. Good. I wasn’t in the mood for another confrontation.
The silence in my room was suffocating, broken only by the soft whisper of the wind outside.
Dressed in a deep blue nightgown, I sat by the window, watching the garden bathed in moonlight. My mind drifted.
Killian.
It had been days since I last saw him. Not that I was waiting. Of course not.
This was about our deal. I needed him to witness how well my plans were progressing.
And yet… deep down, I despised how his absence felt like a persistent itch beneath my skin, impossible to ignore.
I leaned my head against the cool glass, absentmindedly running my fingers over the fabric of my gown. A tyrant was likely plotting something wicked. Perhaps that was why he hadn’t come. Or maybe… he was simply too busy with the countless women surrounding him. Rumors often whispered that he had many lovers.
I flinched, my hand instinctively pressing against my chest.
Why did that thought make me feel–off?
No. It was nothing. There was absolutely nothing between us. Nothing even remotely close to romance. Yet, in the back of my mind, my wolf scoffed at my denial. Annoying.
I was lost in thought when a sudden light filled the room. My body tensed, heart hammering as the golden glow swirled, twisting into a vortex.
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Chapter 52
Finally. He was here.
Killian.
But something was different tonight.
As he stepped forward, his crimson eyes locked onto mine, sharper than ever.
Colder.
I had never seen that look directed at me before. It was the kind of gaze that could kill.
“You’re late…” I murmured.
Killian tilted his head, his smirk ghostly–lacking its usual amusement.
“Oh? So you did miss me?”
I wanted to shoot back a retort, but something in his tone made my skin prickle. I swallowed hard, arms crooding, over my
chest.
“You were gone for days. Why?”
His eyes darkened. He took a step closer. Instinctively, I stepped back. And suddenly, my back hit the wall.
“Tell me about the man you met at the tavern”
A cold sensation crawled down my spine.
“M–man?”
Killian’s jaw tightened, his entire presence suffocating.
For the first time, I swore I saw something flicker behind his rage–something dangerously close to pain.
“Don’t play dumb,” he growled, his voice razor–sharp. “I know you met him. Who is he?”
And then–realization struck. My blood ran ice–cold.
“Jake,” I whispered, my lips barely moving. “Jake Smith. He… he’s Camilla’s lover.”
Killian froze. His expression shifted–fury melting into something unreadable.
“Camilla’s lover?”
“Y–yes, Your Majesty,” I stammered, lowering my head, barely able to withstand the storm brewing in his gaze.
“The man you saw… he’s the father of her child.”
Killian muttered a curse under his breath, his fingers raking through his hair. I stared, frozen, as something unexpected flickered across his face–guilt.
Regret.
“Your Majesty?”
Then, he spoke, and his words sent my heart into a frantic rhythm.
“I might be jealous.”
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Chapter 52
“J–jealous? Of me? Just an ordinary woman?”
His crimson eyes bore into mine, the sheer intensity of his gaze knocking the breath from my longs.
“Yes”
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