AVERY In the next moment, I realize the grave mistake. Darkness leaps for the figure standing in the distance until it covers all of him. I blink, stumbling another step back and desperately trying to find him in the fog. An ear-piercing scream sounds in the silence of the hall. It grows in volume, becoming soul-wrenching. With a wild heart beating in my chest, I break out into a sprint to reach him. The darkness appears around me like a cold entity, trying to trap me into the same spot but I pass through it until I am standing right behind Aleister’s imposing figure. I come to an abrupt halt when I catch sight of the scene before me. Agrona is nowhere to be seen. But Tracy and the group are still there. They are on their knees, clutching their heads and screaming at the top of their lungs. Their eyes…have lost color, turning into a familiar black that I saw in Darksin’s eyes. My breath comes out in labored pants. Shock renders me immobile. Slowly, I lift my terrified gaze to

AVERYI start, “ I don’t— ”“ After that, those who accused you would already become an enemy for Aleister. He would have eliminated them on the spot and what happened tonight…wouldn’t have happened. ” He doesn’t give me a chance to talk as he narrows his eyes on me.For a moment, I pull my knees tighter to my chest and ponder over his words. He seems so sure of Aleister’s thoughts that I am forced to revisit the memory from a few hours ago.He did sound genuine when he asked me if it was true. What was I thinking back then? I bite my lip. I was thinking about how my family never believed me and I assumed that Aleister won’t either. But in my defense, if even my closest people never believed me…how could Aleister do it? A small voice in my head whispers that I should have given it a chance and even if Aleister had not believed me, I should not have tried to anger him more by telling him to believe whatever those witches were saying. If I had been honest with my words and had refuse

ALEISTER“ What? ” She draws her head back and blinks at me innocently.She was with me when I needed someone so I can never be too harsh with her. I promised to always care for her, after all. I soften my expression when I notice the hurt in her eyes. “ I want to retire for the night, Agrona. You don’t need to worry about anything. I am not angry at you and I believe you so go back and rest first. ” “ Can I not stay with you tonight? ” Her hand sneaks down to my belt, playing with it suggestively.How do I make her understand that something is fucked up with my cock’s logic? I only want to spend my nights with that stubborn Princess who seems to have engraved herself in my mind and a small part of my heart.“ I don’t want to lose control in the middle of the night and harm you. So, go back to your room Agrona. ” I state firmly.“ But— ”“ It’s not up for debate. Get up now. ” I interrupt coldly. I am done for tonight. All the softness has left me.Realizing that I am getting into a

AVERYHe is only saying this now because he already confirmed the truth with his brother!I huff exasperatedly and push at his chest to create some distance. “ Talk without kissing me. ”“ I can’t do that. ” He whispers, in a husky and deep voice. I open my mouth to retort but he grabs my hand and drags it towards his legs. Surprise crosses my face as I cup his hard length.“ Take care of it. ” Aleister demands, sounding whiny.“ Do you usually go crazy after losing your mind because of whatever curse it is? ” I pull my hand back instantly. I am sure there is steam coming out from both my ears.“ Why would I take care of anything? And what is this talk about being on my side? Did you not tell me that you plan on using me all along? That I mean nothing to you and you are not affected by me or the mate bond!? You don’t care about me at— ”He seals my mouth with his lips, not letting me rant on about the problems he caused. I mewl, hitting my fists over his chest to be free.Only after

AVERYFour days. He went four days without seeing me or letting me anywhere near him. Aleister is surely trying his best to resist. But why should I care? It’s better if he goes mad like this and stays out of my path.“ You are scowling again. ” Draven reminds me.My nose wrinkles. I throw him a stinky look, that tells him how much I dislike him right now. “ What? ” He laughs sarcastically. “ You wanted me as a guard, didn’t you? Now, why do you show me such a long face whenever I follow you? ”“ It’s because you are just…unbearable. ” I nod as if telling him an important secret.“ Princess, don’t ruin your mood. ” Renee grabs my elbow and squeezes gently.I release a soft breath and lean to the side. I was not expecting Aleister to send me Renee. When she first appeared in my room four days, she told me that Draven told her that she must accompany me all the time, and keep an eye on me as my companion. I know it’s not Draven who did that. But the one who issued such orders right