ВойтиKarson's POVThe forest was different at night.Shadows stretched between the trees like dark fingers. Moonlight filtered through the canopy in scattered patches. Every sound amplified in the stillness. Every rustle of leaves a potential threat.I followed Irene through the darkness. Keeping my footsteps light. Matching her pace exactly.
Irene's POVKen arrived just as the meeting was winding down.His face was grim. The kind of grim that meant bad news. The kind that made my stomach clench before he even opened his mouth."Princess." He gave a quick nod to the elders. "I need to speak with you. Privately."
Irene's POVThe war room felt smaller with everyone crowded inside.Elders filled the seats around the main table. Maps and diagrams spread across every surface. The smell of blood and smoke still lingered on our clothes from the battle hours before.We had won the skirmish. But winning a battle wasn't the same as winning a war.
Karson's POVThe scratches on her arm weren't deep.But they were there. Red lines carved into her skin. Evidence of a fight that could have gone differently. Evidence of my failure.I watched her apply the ointment. Her movements efficient. Practiced. She didn't wince at the sting. Didn't hesitate or fumble.
Irene's POVThe battlefield was still settling when Karson appeared at my side.He moved fast despite his injured leg. Limping across the blood-soaked ground like the wound didn't exist. Like nothing mattered except reaching me."Irene." His voice was rough. Breathless. "Are you hurt? Did they—"
Irene's POVLexie was broken beneath me.Bleeding. Whimpering. Defeated.I shifted back to human form. Stood over her crumpled body. Ready to end this once and for all."It's over, Lexie." My voice came out cold. Flat. "You've lost."
IRENE"L-Let go of me, Karson!" I struggled against his tight hold as he held me from behind. I tried to grab the door to the kitchen to pull myself away but he kept dragging me back, putting it away from my reach."Karson, let me go!" I yelled in a whisper as he chuckled at my frustration, planting a
IRENEBy the time I got home, I had no tears left to cry. My anger had dissipated and all that was left was a deep hole of nothingness and numbness in my heart.I recalled the situation back then and I slid to the floor against the door, threading my hands in my hair as I stared hard on the floor.Fuck
KARSON"Karson, what's wrong?" Irene continued to ask and I'd lost count of how many times now.I walked on, leading us back to the car and sending a mindlink to the guards to leave at once. I opened her door but she stood far away, watching me with confused eyes."Get in.""Why are you acting like this
IRENEFor the first few seconds, I froze until Iris sang in my head with a low voice, 'Busted.'I stepped away from Karson immediately like his closeness would burn my face and bring out the truth."What are you talking about? Don't be ridiculous!" I moved around quickly and got busy with my hands, "Wo







