?Chapter 83:

With these thoughts, I drifted into a dreamless sleep. With the way it hurt to walk, I was left with either my thoughts or sleep.

I woke up to the familiar sound of Seraphina’s gentle footsteps as she shuffled around my room. The bright sunlight streaming through the windows only highlighted the exhaustion etched on my face. Another day, another charade. I felt like a doll, dressed up and paraded around with no purpose.

“Good morning, mistress,” Seraphina bowed, her bright countenance a stark contrast to my gloomy mood.

I groaned, tossing the covers aside. I’d hoped I’d wake up sometime around noon. “Morning,” I groaned.

Seraphina’s eyes sparkled with concern. “Did you sleep well, mistress?” For once, I was grateful for the way my tangled hair covered my face, since my cheeks soon red red as I recalled the events of the previous night. Ryder’s touch, his whispers, the way he’d imed me. I couldn’t meet Seraphina’s gaze. I bit my lip and shrugged.

“Let’s just say… interesting,” I muttered, trying to downy the turmoil brewing inside me. “How long have I been asleep?”

Seraphina’s expression turned knowing, and she looked away. I thought I saw a small smile on her lips.

“I think twenty minutes. Do you want to talk about it?” Her small voice, calm and soothing, made me rx.

So I’d only been asleep for a few minutes after all. I nodded slowly. With deliberate movements, I pulled myself up until I was standing, and with the same carefulness, I followed her to the bathroom, where a warm bath awaited. The soothing aroma ofvender and chamomile filled the air, calming my frazzled nerves.

The silence and Seraphina’s gentle hands made me wish I could stay in the bathtub forever. Her cue to not ask questions was a bonus.

Not used to keeping so much to myself, I ended up telling Seraphina what happened. I wished it was Ruby, though, but Seraphina was all I had here.

While I soaked in the bath, Seraphina handed me a steaming bowl of local soup. “This will help ease the pain,” she said with a gentle smile. I took a sip, letting the vorsfort me. “Thanks, Sera. You’re always looking out for me.”

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She helped me out of the bath and began to dress me in one of the elegant gowns with ruffles that made me itch. I had a feeling Ryder picked them out of pure spiteful intentions.

“Seraphina, I don’t want to see him today,” I dered, my voice firm.

Her hands paused on my back, and she met my gaze. “Mistress, it’s not wise. The Alpha King expects your presence at breakfast. Refusing would be… an insult.”

I crossed my arms, defiance burning within me. “I don’t care. I’m tired of this facade.”

Seraphina’s expression turned serious, and her hands found mine. “Mydy, please listen. The Alpha King has a soft spot for you. He’s never slept in any of his mistresses’ rooms before, but he’s slept in yours twice. You keep surprising me.”

Her words sparked a glimmer of hope; even my non-existent butterflies seemed to flutter, but I squashed them.

“I won’t be his ything, Seraphina,” I huffed, arms folded across my chest.

“I understand, mistress, but please consider the consequences. Disrespecting the Alpha would have far-reaching repercussions.”

I sighed, knowing she was right. With a heavy heart, I followed Seraphina to the breakfast hall, steeling myself for another encounter with Ryder. Fuck him.

I stepped into the grand hall, my heart pounding harder with each step. How ironic it was that the same person who caused me so much passion also filled me with anxiety, anticipation, and annoyance. The room was filled with Ryder’s Betas, their Lycan faces familiar yet intimidating. And, of course, Isabelle was there—her presence a p in the face, leaving my mouth tasting bitter.

My gaze scanned the room, searching for a ce to sit. Kade, Ryder’s loyal Beta, upied the chair to Ryder’s right. Isabelle… My fist curled at the sight of her. There she was, seated cozily beside Ryder, a coy smile on her lips as our eyes met.

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