It is well past midnight and I can vaguely hear the owl hooting out my window. Creeping toward the door, I pull on the straps, adjusting them to fit around my boobs. Should've gotten a new pair. These are hella tight. As I twist the doorknob, hoping for a quiet exit, I come face to face with Boris, the ever-vigilant captain of my guard. Damn. How do I get rid of them? How the hell am I supposed to sneak out if someone's always on guard around the clock? "Princess, do you need something?" Boris inquires, stepping forward. I force a nervous laugh, holding the door open wider. "I was hoping I'd get some air." He nods, but I know he won't let me go alone. No chance. He motions to the rest of my entourage, and it's crystal clear they're coming along for the ride. "We'll accompany you, Your Highness," Boris declares. "Actually, Boris, I'd like to take a stroll on my own. You can stay here and guard the room. I won't be gone for long," I announce,

I could tell you all about how I showed up by my door in Rune's torn bedsheet and mascara stained tears rolling down my cheeks. I could also describe Boris's disdain and anger. Not at me, of course. It had taken three growls to stop him and the rest of my guards from heading to Rune's room and doing things that would no doubt put the peace between our races in jeopardy. I could tell you about the following days and how much I cried, how much Sloan raged, how much I literally felt like dying and jumping out of my window, feeling like a stupid slut with peas for brains. I could tell you all about how much I wanted to claw Ginevra's eyes out, every time she blushed at a congratulatory comment, every time she smirked in my direction, as if to say, "In your face, bitch." I could also tell how much Rune and I happen to end up in the same place, at the same time, and then, I freak out and flee from there. Oh, and his nose has healed. It looks perfect again, just like the

"Astrid."I halt, my fingers lingering over the buttons of the vending machine. It's past curfew, and I had thought I was alone here—well, as alone as a heavily guarded princess can be. Sloan growls softly. I haven't eaten much today, and although I despise processed food, here I am, wrestling with this stupid machine that's refusing to scan my points.And now, Rune's here too.I choose to ignore him, focusing on placing my phone over the scanner. The screen at the top turns an unwelcome shade of red, displaying the message: "Services closed. Try again tomorrow."My stomach growls in protest, and I let out a frustrated groan. I had been busy the entire day, hopping from class to the designer's office to the complex, planning the perfect outfit for the ball, and I didn't have the time to eat.I decided that I would attend the ball, if only to shove it in Rune's face that his wedding means nothing to me. I can be happy. I will be happy. "Let me—""No," I interject sharply.Why is he ev

I tried talking to Vesper, giving a valid reason as to why I cannot attend the wedding. Everyone gets to go home after, but my home isn't in Lycanthia.Vesper assured me accomodation will be provided, nullifying my point. Then I told him straight out that I had no interest in attending, but his response was firm and uncompromising. As a student of Lycan School, I had no choice in the matter. The rules of the Royal Family and their jurisdiction applied to me, whether I liked it or not. The threat of suspension hangs in the air like a heavy cloud, casting a shadow over my hopes of escaping this. I feel sick to my stomach, and my breaths are harsh. Fast.My imaginations run wild on the various possibilities of how my day might go, but none of the outcomes are good. I'll probably pass out in the hall. Or puke. Or shift.I peer around my room, clutching my bags to my chest, heart heavy with resignation, bones heavy with fatigue. Packing seem

Hekate's grasp on my calves tightens as I unleash my fury, ramming my fists into his broad back, his shoulder. I yank at his hair, screaming with every ounce of rage within me."I hate you! I'll kill you if you don't let me go! I'll burn you alive!" My words spill out, a desperate attempt to get to him. But it seems to only excite him further, to revel in this twisted dance of our emotions.Blood rushes to my head, and I squeeze my eyes shut as a wave of nausea crashes over me. Upside-down, my gaze scans the grand hall, straining to take in the surroundings. Six entry points, three of which are sealed shut. The remaining three are at opposite ends of the hall. Attempting to make a run for it once Hekate releases me doesn't seem like a bright plan. He would catch up to me before I make it across.As he carries me past one of the pillars, my gaze drifts to Darian. Unconscious, his head rests in Maya's lap. She cries, tenderly caressing his cheeks, whispering words that escape both his