LOGINChapter 99SERAPHINAI stumbled backward, my heart racing from the collision. Reginald steadied me with his hands on my shoulders, and I quickly stepped out of his reach."Sorry," I muttered, not meeting his eyes."No harm done." His voice was light, almost amused. "You seem distracted.""I am fine."He gestured to the open door beside us. "I was just about to go in here. Care to join me?"I peered past him into the room, curious despite myself. It was unlike anything I had seen in the palace before. A large space filled with various equipment. A chess table sat near the window. Shelves lined with books and board games. Comfortable chairs scattered around. Even a billiard table in the corner.A play room. An actual room designed for leisure and entertainment.My chest tightened with a mix of longing and resentment. I could have spent so many boring hours in here instead of trapped in my room. Why had no one told me this existed?Then again, Leone had banned me from the library within
Chapter 98SERAPHINAThe morning light hurt my eyes as I sneaked out of Leone's room. My whole body ached. Every muscle. Every bone. He had been rough again. Worse than usual.I wrapped in one of his robe since I tore my nightgown. I was trying to hold myself together and not to cry in the corridors where servants could see.My legs shook as I walked. I kept one hand against the wall for support. The other clutched my robe closed.I just needed to get to my room. Just needed to hide away where no one could see me like this."Seraphina?"I froze. No. Not him. Not now.Reginald stood at the end of the corridor. His expression shifted from confusion to concern as he took in my appearance."What happened? Are you hurt?""I am fine.""You do not look fine. You can barely walk.""I said I am fine."He moved closer. I took a step back."Let me help you to your room.""No.""Seraphina—""The only way you can help me is if you pretend you never saw me. Can you do that?"He opened his mouth to
Chapter 97SERAPHINA That night, Sussane came to my room with a message from Leone. He wanted me in his bed chamber. I knew exactly what awaited me there— another night where he took what he wanted, leaving me feeling empty and used. Sussane watched my face, her eyes full of concern. "You could tell him you're feeling sick from the pregnancy," she suggested quietly. "Say you can't see him tonight."I shook my head, staring at the floor. It would make no difference. "He'd just come and drag me out himself," I replied, my voice flat. The thought made my chest ache. How many times had I tried to avoid him? Each attempt only made things worse.Sussane nodded, understanding without needing more words. She helped me wash up, the warm water doing little to ease the chill inside me. Then she picked out the nightgown—a thin, transparent silk that clung to my skin like a second layer. It was pale blue, almost see-through, with delicate lace along the low neckline that dipped between my br
Chapter 96LEONEThe door slammed shut behind Seraphina. The sound echoed through the council chamber, followed by heavy silence.Every council member turned to look at me waiting, expecting me to make some sort of decree to punish her for her outburst and put her in her place.I sat there, feeling the weight of their stares. My jaw was clenched so tight it hurt."Well?" Lady Margot prompted. "Are you going to allow her to speak to us that way?""The meeting is over," I stated flatly."Over? But we have not resolved anything!""There is nothing to resolve right now. Lord Voss made an accusation. Seraphina denied it. Without proof either way, this discussion is pointless.""But she threatened him —""Allegedly threatened him. We have no witnesses or evidence. Just his word against hers.""His word should be enough!"I stood up. "I said the meeting is over. I will look into the matter. If there is evidence that Seraphina actually threatened Lord Voss, I will deal with it appropriately.
Chapter 95SERAPHINA'Every head in the room turned to look at me. The silence was deafening.I stared at Lady Eileen, my mind racing. A woman I had never spoken to before was accusing me of threatening Lord Voss."That is not true." My voice came out steady despite the fear coursing through me. "I never threatened him.""Of course you would deny it." Lady Eileen's voice dripped with disdain. "But lord voss was very clear about what happened. You threatened him.""Lord voss is lying. He was the one who threatened me. He spat at my feet and told me he would wipe me from this pack.""How dare you call Lord Voss a liar!" Lady Eileen stood up, her face flushed with anger. "He is a respected member of this council. A man of honour. And you are just a rabid werewolf who cannot be trusted.""I am telling the truth. He threatened me. Not the other way around.""Lord Voss told me you said you would use your position against him. That you would make him regret crossing you."I almost laughed. "
Chapter 94SERAPHINAAnd then realization dawned on me.The tyres. The ones I slashed. All four of them.My blood ran cold. What had I done?"What kind of accident?" My voice came out barely above a whisper."A car accident. Last night after he left the palace. Something happened with the tyres and he lost control."Oh God. This was my fault. I had slashed his tyres. And now he was in hospital because of me."Is he... is he badly hurt?""I do not know the details. Leone wants to see you in the throne room. The council is gathering for a report."I looked at Cassian. His expression was concerned but calm."Do not worry too much," he offered quietly. "You do not know what happened yet."But I did know. I knew exactly what happened. I had caused this."I have to go."I rushed past Bill and through the corridors.My heart pounded and hands shook. What would they do to me if they found out? Would Leone punish me? Would the council demand my head?I reached the throne room. The doors were o







