Mag-log in“I don’t need a handmaid,” I said.“I disagree,” Dominic replied.I pursed my lips.“It’s been arranged,” he said curly. “Mara starts today. She’ll have the room at the end of the east hall.”I looked between the two of them. Mara’s smile hadn’t moved an inch. Dominic’s expression hadn’t either.“Wh
Ellie’s POVThe restricted section was tucked behind a heavy door at the far end of the library’s upper floor, sealed with a lock that required the pass to be handed to the librarian on duty before she would let you through.The room beyond wasn’t large. It smelled like old paper and leather, and th
“Don’t you think,” I said carefully, “that at this point it might be simpler to just—”“Clearly, she’s being influenced by him,” Dominic cut me off. He crossed to his desk and began shuffling around papers. “Lucas has had his hooks in her for a long time, and she’s not going to snap out of it on her
Vivian’s POVI was done waiting.I had decided this morning. I had been patient. I had been strategic. I had played the long game and smiled through every single slight and setback, and what did I have to show for it?Ellie was still here. Still wearing the title that was supposed to be mine. Still
Empty. Just a couple racks of clothes and the faint scent of mothballs.Dominic stood there for a moment, staring into the empty space. I could only see the partial outline of his jaw from this angle, but I could see it tense. His hand fell to his side, and I could nearly scent the moment he realize
Ellie’s POVI woke up before my alarm went off the next morning.That wasn’t terribly unusual anymore. A good night’s sleep felt like a distant memory at this point; my mind was always racing too much for proper dreams to fill the space. This morning was no different. I laid there for a moment stari
Ellie POV I wake up in a bed that is more from a dream then reality. Before opening my eyes I already know it’s all wrong—The sheets too soft. The room is too large. Even the air smells expensive, like polished wood and something faintly floral that probably costs more than my entire monthly gr
Ellie POV Sarah arrives thirty minutes later. I love her, but to say she wouldn’t shut up is an understatement. She takes one look at me sitting in a dining room meant for royalty and bursts out laughing. “Okay. No. Pause. What is happening? Why are you dressed like a bridal P*******t board
Dominic POVI come home from practice sore in places I didn’t know could still ache.My shoulders are tight, knuckles scraped, lungs burning like I didn’t quite finish breathing before I left the training ring. Usually that kind of exhaustion helps. Usually it quiets things.Tonight, it doesn’t tou
Ellie POV A ball.I search my memory. Which one?So many were such wrecks, wastes of time and full of problems.Dominic’s mother doesn’t waste time, tapping the mic again fo rour attention.“The Ball,” she says, “Will kick start our process of finding our Dominic’s future Luna!”I feel this weird t







