Beneath the surface

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• Bloodline Betrayal: The Beta and I   The Moon's Conquest

  BiancaThe much-anticipated mate ball had finally arrived. I didn’t really know what to expect, but I felt it was extremely necessary for me to muster some surge of hope, one that would surely prevent me from spending the rest of my life with my nightmare.I stood right in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection, while the maids took their time dressing me. Thinking of the event made me curl with much anticipation of what the night held.The door opened slightly, Amber ducking her head halfway into the room, her mouth slightly open as she pushed the rest of her body inside.“Good Heavens, my lady!” she exclaimed, pushing her small, cute head beside mine, her chin resting tentatively on my shoulders. “You’re extremely blessed by the moon goddess with exceptional beauty, my lady.”“Flattery, Amber; flattery is what your words echo,” I retorted, locking gazes with her through the reflection of the mirror.“You know I speak the truth, my lady,” she insisted stubbornly.“Your truths

• Bloodline Betrayal: The Beta and I   Thorns of Ambition

  BiancaHis fingers curled angrily around my neck, making it nearly impossible for me to breathe. My vision blurred, and fear gripped me as I struggled for air. Suddenly, the door to the study flung open, and a guard rushed in.“My Prince, the—” he stopped abruptly, his eyes widening in shock as he took in the scene before him. This was not the demeanor expected of the prince. “My Prince!”Despite the guard’s attempts to pull him away, the prince tightened his grip on my neck, his eyes filled with pure hatred. The guard moved closer, trying to restrain him, but his indifference to his efforts only heightened their concern.“Listen to me, Bianca...” His voice was laced with pure hatred. The guards, sensing the urgency, tried to hold the prince back, probably hoping to bring him back to his kind and loving self, but the indifference in his actions sent fear coursing through their faces.“I don’t want you around me. Not as a mate or even as a friend. So whatever this is, stop it before I

• Bloodline Betrayal: The Beta and I   The Confrontation

  Bianca The room felt suffocating, with the weight of my brother’s words pressing down on me like a dreaded nightmare. “You disappoint me, Bianca.” His accusation echoed in my mind, each syllable a sharp reminder of my own betrayal. I had shattered the image he held of me. I sat on the edge of my bed, my hands trembling as tears streamed down my cheeks. I thought of Daniel, his eyes dark with disappointment and disbelief. The warmth of his embrace, the strength of his love—I had tarnished it. With trembling hands, I wiped my tears, trying to regain control of my emotions, as I heard a knock on the door. “Who is there?” I asked. My voice cracked. “It’s me, my lady,” she replied. “You should go back, Amber. I am not in the place to talk to you,” I responded with a heavy sigh. “I needed to tell you...” “Amber,” I called, cutting off her words. “Please respect my word.” “I’m sorry, my lady,” she pleaded. I could hear her footsteps as she walked away. It was total silence as I bega

• Bloodline Betrayal: The Beta and I   A Sister's Sacrifice

  Bianca“Good morning, my lady.” Amber’s voice greeted me. I blinked, opening my eyes to meet her gaze.“Good morning, Amber,” I answered, pulling the blanket around me as I sat up. “What brings you here so early?”“My lady, I am here to inform you that your brother has returned,” she announced. Shock coursed through me at her words.My heart skipped a beat. The news I had been dreading had finally arrived. I had waited yesterday for Daniel to return, as Mother said, but he hadn’t arrived. And now he was home. How would I face him?“Where is he?” I asked, taken aback.“He is with your mother. They are having a discussion,” Amber informed me. Glancing at the clock in my room, I realized it was already 9 a.m. How had I slept in so late? Whatever Mother was discussing with him couldn’t be good. It must be about the marriage to the prince.I rose from the bed. “I need to shower, Amber. You can go back.”“Of course, my lady,” she responded before leaving the room. I hurried into the bathroo

• Bloodline Betrayal: The Beta and I   Dinner Distress

  Bianca.The next day.I was awakened by a loud knock on my door. I slowly opened my eyes, feeling groggy from sleep. The knocking persisted, growing louder each time.“Who’s there?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.“My lady, it is I,” the voice replied. It was Amber.“Come in,” I said, struggling to get up from the bed. She opened the door, revealing her worried look. What was going on?“Why do you look like that?” I questioned, rubbing my eyes.“My lady...” Amber began, her voice trembling as she knelt before me.“What is wrong?” I asked, rushing to her. My eyes were already clear. What the heck was going on? “Did you offend my mother?”“I’m sorry, my lady,” Amber apologized, struggling to find the right words, tears welling up in her eyes. This was unlike her; Amber was usually full of life and free-spirited.I sighed and pulled her up. “What is wrong?” I questioned her softly, wiping away her tears. She looked at me, deep inside my eyes. Wait! What did I just see in her ey

• Bloodline Betrayal: The Beta and I   The Weight of Lies

  Bianca.“You’re here to see me. So, let’s go inside,” she insisted, pulling me along.“Mom, Dad, look who’s here,” she announced, ushering me in. “It’s Bianca.”“Bianca,” her mother called, rising to her feet. She rushed toward me and enveloped me in a motherly hug. “It’s so good to see you again, dear.” I melted into her embrace.“How are you doing, ma’am?” I asked, as she smoothed my hair, showing genuine affection, unlike my own mother, who often faked it.“I’m fine, darling,” she replied, holding my hand and leading me to the sofa, where she gestured for me to sit. She caressed my hand. “We all miss you, darling.”“Especially me,” her husband cut in. “I miss you so much.” My heart skipped a beat. They showered me with love. Apart from my brother and father, who genuinely loved me, they were the next closest.“I miss you too. If it weren’t for my mother, I would be coming here every day,” I admitted, and the room fell silent. What was going on? Did Sophia tell her parents what she