a warm light into Selene's bedroom. She sat up abruptly, her breath ra

was

ound herself. This was her room-her old room. The familiar scent of lavender filled the air, the

ndar on the wall. A month be

bbled in her throat. So, th

ind. Victor's hands tangled in Liliana's hair. Liliana's sm

no

ad a seco

s time, I won't beg. I won't break.

I'll make

nded the grand staircase. The sound of porcelain clinking against plates

e a queen surveying her court. Liliana sat beside her, dressed in a delicate p

was the

hair, looking at Liliana with barely concealed admirat

ache, no longing. The

e turned, her lips curling into a sof

We were just wondering

i

her head sligh

caught off guard by h

nts slow, controlled. Each step was a remi

d herself a cup with steady hands. The first sip was slo

poon against her pl

a soft clink and finally look

Unbo

ctly where I

er fingers tightening arou

g the tea's warmth soothe her w

ren't here." She leaned back slightly. "Funny, cons

of breath cam

erware turned bone-white.

is seat, as if sensing the tensio

head, feigning inn

Helena's forehead

st, a slap meant to rem

ime-Selene

echoed thro

na f

was caug

didn't flinch. She didn't cower. Instead, she lifted her gaze and s

ctor's fork clatte

flared, her face r

ice barely above a whisper-but po

s were pre

with a flick, like she was n

room held

r, completely thrown off balance

vously, her usual c

Vict

ictor looked at her.

ng a stranger sitt

d his throat.

him, her expres

oothly. "You don't nee

mouth opening slightly

t know wh

o

d him off

ly desperate to shift the moo

ut her words were razor-sharp. "Trying to

na fa

ck her chair and

urmured, smoothing out her dress. "I'm not

and walked away, leavi

ep was a

heir game. Now, she was g

lway, she paused when she

ctor's voice was quie

ed, but there was an edge of unease in

ofter, hesitant. "...

mirked t

have n