Tied to the Ruthless Three

The bruise on my cheek only brought a dull, lingering ache.But it was proof of the betrayal I’d suffered at the hands of both my boyfriend and my father. They had valued me so little all this time. They acted as if I didn’t exist.This would leave a scar far more painful than any physical wound.My eyes were fixed on my father and Evelina, who sat across from me. Father’s men were already posted behind me. Is Father really that afraid I’ll attack his precious woman? Is he more scared of losing Evelina than of losing me?“I can’t tolerate your actions, Anna.” Father opened the conversation.“Which action?” I asked flatly."Attacking your mother."I tilted my head. "My mother? She’s dead, Father. She was buried not long before you married your mistress.""Alistair!" Evelina shrieked hyperbolically, as if my words had wounded her more than anyone else on earth.Father only drew a breath and gave me a look that mixed disappointment and anger. That look should have been aimed at Dimitri,

I took a step back, spun around, and ran toward the left wing, dragging my suitcase behind me. The only sound I heard was the chorus of mocking laughter echoing down the corridor. My heart pounded wildly, and my mind went blank.Could I still get out of here? I could, right?I stopped at the first door with a nameplate: Head of the Girls’ Dormitory.I glanced back down the corridor where I’d encountered the twins. Fear prickled my skin. What if they followed me here?They’d never dared to touch me at home, but their stares were always full of hatred whenever our eyes met.Here, at Bastorin, it felt like I was stepping into a wolf’s den.My hand trembled as I grabbed the doorknob. The harsh click made me freeze."Couldn't you knock first?"I swallowed hard. "Sorry, I—" I knocked anyway, though it felt useless."Come in!" The woman’s raspy voice dripped with hunger for power and validation.Inside, a middle-aged woman with neatly pinned white hair sat. Her glasses had slid to the edge o

If Bastorin’s reputation is truly a living hell, then I need to be prepared for anything. Even when it comes to absurd orders from the most powerful man here. I couldn’t possibly fight back.With trembling hands, I unbuttoned the front of my blouse. Suddenly, Alexei caught my hand.“In the bathroom.” His gaze shifted to another door near the bookshelf. “There’s a robe and towel in there. Go on.”I froze at his command, shame crashing over me. He released my hand, straightened, and motioned toward the bathroom.His eyes stayed cold, his expression unreadable. “Or do you want to undress here? I don’t mind.”I jumped up at once. “I—I’m sorry, sir. I didn’t mean… I mean…”Damn it! I was stammering like an idiot in front of him. As if I were seducing the council president. Humiliating!I rushed into the bathroom and locked the door. Bright lights flicked on, reflecting off the white-dominated interior. Clean, polished, pristine. A bathtub. Shelves stacked neatly with towels.This was suppo

I stepped out of the confessional booth, gave a polite nod to the pastor, and quickly left the chapel. I didn’t feel any better after being bombarded with advice. It’s not that I rejected his words—it’s just that my heart was still too broken to accept all that “path to goodness” talk.The air was silent as I walked along the pedestrian path back toward the academy. Everyone had already gone to the dining hall. Honestly, I didn’t want to go there, but I couldn’t deny how hungry I was. My stomach even ached and burned.I headed toward the right wing, where the dining hall was located at the far end of the first floor. The closer I got, the clearer the chatter became. I stopped in front of the half-open door, took a deep breath, and forced myself inside.All the students were already seated in neat rows along the long tables. Every pair of eyes turned toward me, following my every step as I made my way to an empty seat in the corner. I guessed that one was mine.I sat down and saw Isold

ALEXEI POV:I knew they were scared. But behind their arrogance, the twin boys in front of me were trying to hide it behind blank expressions. Their faces were pale, and Nathaniel’s knuckles had turned white from clenching his fists too tightly. I glanced between them, one after another, sharply.“Have you ever seen puppies play? How do they bite each other?” I asked.Gabriel and Nathaniel exchanged looks before nodding. Then Nathaniel muttered, “You called us here to talk about puppies?”“Yes. As a metaphor.”Nathaniel immediately fell silent, averting his gaze. Ah, Alistair Lancroft really had a stubborn stepson.“When their game gets too rough and dangerous, you know what happens?” I stared more intently. The twins shook their heads carelessly. “An older dog interferes,” I continued.“So?” Gabriel raised an eyebrow.“I’m stepping into your little game before it goes too far.” I folded my arms, asserting authority. “Nightshade isn’t something to be used lightly, especially by pups l