เข้าสู่ระบบ"You're a liar," Gianna said, her voice steady despite the blood pouring from her wrist.She looked at Elmund. Searched his face for any sign that he believed Viviene's story. That he thought Gianna was capable of such violence.His expression was unreadable.Blood gushed from the wound on her wrist. Viviene had cut deep deliberately. She'd made sure to sever a vein so it would look like a malicious attack. So it would look like Gianna had done this to herself in a fit of rage.Nolan glanced at Elmund and gave a subtle signal. The guard moved immediately, stepping toward Viviene, his hand already reaching for her arm."Take her to the holding cells," Nolan said quietly. "We'll sort this out later."Then he turned to Gianna and extended his hand.She took it. His grip was firm as he pulled her to her feet. Blood dripped onto the kitchen floor, creating small dark pools. The scent of it filled the air, metallic and sharp.Nolan led her out of the kitchen without a word. His jaw was clen
Viviene.Gianna's mind reeled. Viviene was supposed to be gone. Nolan had sent her away. She'd disappeared weeks ago, and Gianna hadn't thought about her since."I see you've been busy," Viviene said softly. Her eyes were fixed on the hickey Nolan had left on Gianna's neck. The mark was dark and obvious, right where everyone could see it.Viviene's grip tightened. The knife pressed directly against the mark, and Gianna's breath caught."What do you want?" Gianna forced the words out."What do I want?" Viviene laughed. It was hollow. Broken. "I want to ruin your pretty face. That's what I want."Her voice was steady in a way that terrified Gianna more than hysteria would have."First Cyrus," Viviene continued. "Then Nolan. Now the rogue king is after you too. What is it about you? What makes men lose their minds?"Gianna tried to speak but Viviene pressed the blade harder."Don't," Viviene hissed. "Don't you dare scream. Don't you dare make a sound. You'll end up like me if you do. Dea
Gianna came down from the heights slowly, her body still trembling with aftershocks. Nolan held her through it, his hand stroking her spine in steady, deliberate movements. They tangled together in the mess of sheets, sweat cooling on their skin.Somewhere between the third release and the fourth, Nolan had murmured against her collarbone: "Cyrus was a fool. A complete fool to fumble you like that."She hadn't answered because she didn't need to. The past was dead. This, Nolan's hands on her, his body claiming hers, was what mattered now.When she finally went boneless with exhaustion, he eased back and let her rest against his chest. His fingers traced idle patterns on her shoulder while her breathing evened out. The palace was quiet around them, cut off from the world.It didn't last long.A knock came at the chamber door. Nolan cursed under his breath but didn't move right away. He waited until Gianna opened her eyes, then extracted himself carefully. He pulled on his trousers and
She felt suddenly shy."Here?" she asked."Here."Gianna took a breath and stepped closer. She rose up on her toes and pressed her lips to his. The kiss started soft but deepened quickly. Nolan's hands went to her waist and pulled her against him. His tongue traced the seam of her lips and she opened for him, tasting him fully. His hand slid up her back and tangled in her hair, tilting her head to deepen the kiss further.Gianna's fingers gripped his shirt and she pressed herself closer, feeling the hard planes of his chest against her. Heat was already pooling low in her belly and they were still fully clothed and standing outside.When they finally pulled apart Nolan rested his forehead against hers, his breathing uneven. "That was a good start.""A start?""Yes."Gianna glanced back at the guards. They were both staring very intently at the ground, their faces carefully blank."They are watching," she whispered."Let them watch.""Nolan—"He did not let her finish. He swept her up
The next morning Gianna woke early and went to the garden to water her plants. The morning air was cool and fresh and she was enjoying the quiet when one of the maids approached her."My lady," the maid said. "The woman from last night is still at the gates."Gianna stopped what she was doing and looked up. "What?""She has been there all night, my lady. She is still begging to see you."Gianna felt a mix of shock and irritation. "She stayed there all night?""Yes, my lady."Gianna set down the watering can and walked toward the front of the house. She could see Margaret from the window, still on her knees at the gates. Her dress was even more disheveled now and her face was pale.Why would she go to that extent? Gianna wondered. But then she realized the shop was probably Margaret's only source of livelihood and knowing Nolan he did not care about that at all.One of the guards approached. "My lady, there is someone else with her now.""Who?""The young woman from the dress shop. Cla
Gianna groaned and sat up. "What is it?"One of the maids opened the door slightly. "My lady, I am sorry to disturb you. But there is a woman outside. She is wailing and wanting to see you."The woman was granted access after the guards searched her thoroughly. She was brought into the sitting room where Gianna was waiting with Alexandra standing protectively beside her.When the woman stepped into the light Gianna recognized her immediately. It was Margaret, the stylist.Her face was blotchy from crying and her dress was covered in dust like she had traveled in a hurry. She dropped to her knees the moment she saw Gianna."Please," Margaret said, her voice breaking. "Please forgive me. I am so sorry for what I said. I was wrong. I was cruel. Please."Gianna stared at her coldly. "Why are you here?""The Lycan King," Margaret sobbed. "He sent his men to my shop. They locked it up. They said I can no longer operate my business or any other one until further notice. And anyone caught ass
Chapter SixThe table was silent.Every Alpha, every Beta, every carefully dressed wolf in that banquet hall was looking at their plate, their glass, the middle distance – anywhere except at Cyrus, or at Gianna, or at the head of the table where Nolan sat with his hand resting flat on the cloth an
Nolan's hand closed around her wrist and their eyes met. Gianna went completely still. She could see the blazing anger in her eyes but under it, something else flickered there. Recognition? Confusion? She couldn't name. The moment of silence stretched between them, taut as a wire. Then footste
Gianna moved through the corridor on silent feet. The temple's restricted section was darker and narrower than the main hall. Nolan was twenty paces ahead. His hood was still up. He walked quickly despite the unsteadiness she'd noticed earlier. She kept to the shadows, pressing herself agains
Gianna found Evelyn in the hallway."I need you to send this," she said, holding out the sealed letter. "Find a courier. Make sure it gets to my father in Highmoon."Evelyn took the letter carefully. "Of course, Luna. Right away."Gianna nodded and headed to her bathroom.She filled the tub and san







