He's up in a second, moving toward me before I can react. He yanks my arms above my head with one hand, the other digs into my neck as he presses me against the wall. "You drugged me?" he snarls, the sound making me shudder. "Sebastian," I start. "You drugged me!" he says again like he still can't believe it. "You hired me to kill the king!" I shoot back, glaring at him.The prince releases my arms, stepping back from me. His face is showing so many emotions, I can't read everything going through his mind. "Did you not feel anything for me?" I ask him, despite my common sense. I want to know. Was it all some act for him? Was I really that naive to think he might've felt something for me? "It isn't that simple," he replies. "So, explain. What possessed you to want to kill your own brother, Sebastian?" I demand. "I might not know you that well, but I know you can't be that horrible to want something so evil. And did you really think I wouldn't f*cking figure it out?!" "Y

It's been a week. The shifters can't find him. Every time they get close to where they think the prince may be, he vanishes. I have the theory that he's leaving false clues and we actually don't know at all where he is. Ambrose is starting to believe the same. We spend our time waiting for news. The king reinforces security, paranoid about my safety despite my protest. Even Althea becomes impatient as she waits for Theo to return with news. "This isn't working," I tell him. It's evening as I sit across the table from him. Our dinner has grown cold as neither of us has an appetite. "We need to lure him out." "I'm not sure how you think we will manage that," he responds.I consider that for a moment. If I was determined to kill my mark but they were in hiding, I'd research what could convince them to come out. Usually, it's an event or I would make someone they love appear to be in danger. Neither of those really apply here. Sebastian wouldn't reappear for his brother unless

The time for the banquet arrives. I'm nervous. Despite all my preparation and instinctive skill, I'm worried it's not enough. Althea helps me get ready. She braids my hair and then pins it up on my head. The dress I'm wearing was made specifically for tonight. The corseted top is part of the armor. It stretches up my chest and down my arms, fashionable yet strong. The skirt opens in the front, revealing the tight pants I'm wearing underneath. At my hip is my dagger along with two more knives at each ankle. The back of the skirt is laced with silver and I've hidden additional weapons in the fabric. When the time comes, I can detach the skirt entirely and leave it behind. I look at myself in the mirror. I feel surprisingly comfortable in this outfit like it was crafted to be worn only by me. And in a way, it was. It's an assassin's dress. Mine. I'd come to this palace on a job to assassinate the king. Now, I would work by his side to eliminate the threat of his brother. How? I

Before the prince can make a move, Ambrose takes a step forward. I watch as he lets out a growl so loud and deep, the room seems to vibrate. I almost lose my balance, leaning against the king to catch myself. The room stops. I observe as the fighting stops, all the shifters turning to the king and prince like they have no other choice but to listen. I'm not sure what happened, but I can guess Ambrose used his authority to make them stop. I don't know why. Ambrose shifts, human beside me once again. Sebastian pauses but shifts a second later. "There won't be much of a pack left if we continue fighting, brother," Ambrose says. "Let's finish this. You and me. Whoever wins takes the crown and will be the Alpha." Sebastian glances at his pack, considering. There are already a few dead bodies, I can't tell how many. If they keep at it, everyone will be dead or wounded. Even with Elric, they are evenly matched in strength. "To the death," the prince says. "No," I gasp. "Ambros

I rush to Althea's room, pounding on the door. "It's me! Everything is okay!" I shout. She throws open the door, crashing into me with her arms wide. I laugh, spinning her around and squeezing tightly. "Theo?" she asks when I release her. "Waiting for you, I'm sure," I tell her with a grin. She kisses me on the cheek before she takes off down the hall. I smile, happy to see my sister so joyful. I would give anything to keep her in this state. And maybe we could. I make my way back to the king. We shut the bedroom door behind us, and he helps me take my corset off. The armor saved my life more than once and it showed. There were a few holes in the hide that prevented a puncture to my chest. He carefully bandages my shoulder, taking his time with gentle movements. I'm so exhausted, I almost fall asleep as he does. When Ambrose is finally done, he carries me to the bed and lays beside me, wrapping his arms around me. We don't say a word. We don't need to. I know he's awa