Chapter 15 Setting the Trap  

“Please...” Scarlett stepped between Levi and Damian, her arms outstretched toward both men.

“Stop making a scene here. All I want is some peace and quiet.” She turned back to face Levi.

“And you, Levi, if you are truly so confident your name is written there, you should not need to shout about it. You even accused anyone and everyone of being able to alter the names on that sacred scroll, as if the names are easy to change, when it is obvious they cannot be modified once set in place. Unless...” She paused.

“Unless someone intentionally tried to change them...” She looked slowly at every person gathered there, one by one. “And usually, the person who immediately thinks of that possibility is the one who knows exactly what really happened.”

Her words made everyone exchange meaningful glances, until all eyes settled on Levi. His jaw tightened, and he clenched his fists so hard his knuckles turned white.

Levi knew Scarlett was guiding everyone’s opinion to turn against him, and he was completely unprepared for it.

‘How dare you, Scarlett! Now you even dare to corner me like this! Just wait. Once that sacred scroll is opened six days from now, I will use that binding spell to destroy you right then and there!’

Levi’s thoughts echoed loudly in Scarlett’s mind, causing a sharp throb behind her temples for a moment. She pressed a hand to her head, wincing against the pain.

Damian, standing closest to her, looked startled and reached out to help her, taking her hand in his.

Before Damian could move any closer though, Levi grabbed Scarlett roughly and pulled her against his chest. In that instant, Scarlett’s body reacted with a tremor born from terrifying memories of the past. Even this brief contact left her feeling nothing but revulsion toward Levi.

“What do you think you are doing? Let go of me. Do not touch me!” She pushed against his chest and stumbled several steps backward.

She held her hands up between them, keeping him at a distance. “Stay away from me!”

The commotion drew every eye in the room toward them. Scarlett had become the center of attention, all the way down the hall to where the servants were still preparing her new chambers.

Mia approached her hesitantly. Scarlett motioned the girl closer, then let Mia guide her toward her room, leaving the young Alphas standing there in silence. They watched her leave, their minds filled with questions Scarlett could hear clearly.

‘Why has Scarlett changed so much? Could it be she really does not love Levi anymore? That does not seem possible. This must just be some new trick of hers to win his attention.’ Jason thought, his earlier certainty about Levi’s claims beginning to waver.

‘I do not think Scarlett is pretending with Levi. She is truly angry. No, more than angry, she is disgusted by him. It looks to me like Levi is the one chasing her now.’ Blake reasoned, his perception sharper than Jason’s. Scarlett had to fight to suppress a smile.

Lucius frowned and glanced at Levi, who was still barely holding back his rage. ‘If this is all an act, it is a very convincing one. But if she really has turned against him, does that mean there might still be a chance for me with Scarlett?’

This time Scarlett could not hold her smile back, and she had to cover it with a cough. Still, one thing troubled her above all else. She could never hear Damian’s thoughts, not even when they stood close together or touched.

Touch.

‘Wait. Maybe I need to touch him first to break through whatever is blocking my ability to read his mind?’

She looked at Mia as she reached the edge of her bed. “Mia, may I ask you for a favor?”

Mia nodded firmly. “Of course, My Lady. Anything you need.”

“Just a moment.” Scarlett walked to the desk and picked up a sheet of paper and a quill she had already dipped in ink.

‘I am certain this note will make Levi act recklessly. With his arrogant nature, I know he will panic the moment he hears about it.’

She stared down at the finished message, a secret smile playing on her lips.

[Damian, meet me at the west gate tonight. It is important. Scarlett]

She folded the note, slipped it into a small envelope, and handed it to Mia.

“Please give this to Master Damian. Their classes should be ending soon. Wait for him, and make sure everyone sees you give it to him. I want no doubt that it came from me.”

Mia’s eyes went wide with surprise at such an unusual request. She gathered her courage to speak. “But, My Lady, what if Master Levi finds out and becomes angry?” The girl looked genuinely afraid.

Scarlett let out a cold scoff. “Let him be angry. He acts as though he is annoyed and disgusted by everything I do, yet he loses his temper the moment I speak to another man. They are his classmates and mine at the academy, nothing more. What do you think about it, Mia?”

Mia’s eyes lit up. She could not hide the happiness spreading across her face.

‘This is the first time Miss has ever asked for my opinion. And now it seems she finally realizes Master Levi does not truly love her. Thank the Moon Goddess!’ Mia cheered silently to herself.

“Why are you so quiet? I asked you a question, Mia. You must have your own thoughts on the matter.” Scarlett looked at her with a knowing smile.

Mia quickly dropped to her knees in a bow. “Forgive me, My Lady. I...to be honest, Master Levi has never treated you well, even though you were always so kind and attentive to him.” She kept her head bowed, fearful of saying too much.

Scarlett smiled with satisfaction. “Good. Then you know exactly how to handle this. Be sure Levi sees you hand that note to Damian.”

Mia stood up quickly, her face bright with joy. “I understand perfectly, My Lady. If you wish, I will make sure Master Levi learns exactly what is written inside it too.”

Watching Mia run off with such enthusiasm, Scarlett let a soft, triumphant smile spread across her beautiful face.

‘Perfect, Mia. Starting tonight, I will lead Levi straight into the trap he built for himself.’