PART 2 (aka Author grovelling for forgiveness)

Hey everyone, it’s Ze Von here (yes, it's me. I know, I know.) First, thank you to all of you who’ve been patient with my snail-paced updates—I really appreciate you sticking with me (if you're still here that is 😭) From now on, I’m going to try updating daily until the book is finished. (Hold me to it, okay? 😅) To my longtime readers, you’re absolute legends for waiting this long. No seriously, I know I deserve jailtime for the stunts I pull. And to the new folks just joining us—welcome, glad to have you on board! Part 2 kicks off with Aritzea and Lucian’s romance heating up even more, so sit tight—it’s going to be a fun ride. Or is it? You'll never know if you don't continue reading 🫣☺️

Last Updated : 2025-10-04

Chapter 31

Aritzea’s POVIt’s been a month. Thirty days, twenty-three hours, and some change—not that I’m counting—since that godforsaken meeting where my brother decided I wasn’t good enough for the mission I started. Since he decided that handing my hard work over to Ethan and stripping me of any involvement was the smart thing to do.And since then, I haven’t set foot back in that house.Thorne’s called, of course. Many, many times. And every time, I hit decline. He sent messages, I left them on read. He even tried sending our sister to try and convince me to come home—sweet, innocent Laura with her puppy-dog eyes and shaky little voice. That one nearly broke me. Nearly, being the key word here. I still said no. Because going back means forgiving him. It means pretending that what he did wasn’t a betrayal. And frankly, I’m not ready for that right now.I keep in touch with Laura, though. She doesn’t deserve to be caught in the middle of this mess. But as far as Thorne goes? Since he could ea

Last Updated : 2025-10-04

Chapter 32

Lucian’s POVAs expected, she was anything but happy to see me here.“Nice to see you too,” I said.“No. Seriously.” She stepped further into the room. “What the hell are you doing in my living room? You're homeless now?”“Technically,” her friend said quietly, “it’s my living room.”“Not helping, Selene.”I sighed, standing up and taking a step towards her. “Aritzea, we need to talk.”“I said no!”I flinched slightly.I knew she was angry. That much was obvious.But I also knew anger wasn’t the only thing running through her veins.I had seen her face that day at the council. That look—hurt and betrayed and desperate not to show either—was carved into my memory like a scar.And truthfully? I was angry too. And hurt. And if I was being honest, I hadn’t known how to deal with it.Her brother’s words had sliced deeper than I’d ever admit out loud. He’d stood there, so sure of himself, painting us as dysfunctional and uncooperative. And for a moment, it seemed like those sentiments had c

Last Updated : 2025-10-05

Chapter 33.1

Aritzea’s POVSoon enough, Lucian and I were sitting in front of my little desk, going through my information and comparing it with what he had. His files were far more extensive than what I had but I’d snagged details he’d overlooked.“I’ve been there a couple of times,” I said, fingers flying over my keyboard. “Took pictures. A few videos too.”The recordings popped up on my screen. I hit play, and Lucian leaned in closer to see. Too close. My shoulders tensed automatically but then, I forced myself to relax.I kept my gaze fixed on the screen where the footage showed the dim-lit auction, the camera lingering on a bidder. Like every other person at the auction, her face was covered in a mask. She raised her tag to bid and I froze the video.“Watch her hand.” I murmured, slowing the playback.She raised the tag, then switched it around. Once. Twice. Lucian’s brows drew together as I continued. “I caught a few others doing the same thing. And every time, one of them ended up being th

Last Updated : 2025-10-06

Chapter 33.2

Aritzea’s POV The car slowed to a stop outside an old stone building hidden between trees. Its windows were shuttered; only a faint line of light spilled through the cracks. Lucian got out first, then circled around to open my door. He bowed slightly. “Milady,” he murmured, voice teasing but soft. I shot him a glare, pretending like I hadn't been affected. “Focus, Lucian.” “I'm quite focused, Aritzea.” Why did he say my name like that? I ignored the flutter in my chest as I stepped out. Both of us were dressed in sleek black, out masks covering everything but our eyes. Inside, the air felt heavy, humming with whispers and money. The bidders sat in neat rows, their faces hidden behind masks of silver, gold, and black. We slid into two empty seats near the middle. Lucian leaned

Last Updated : 2025-10-07

Chapter 34.1

Aritzea’s POVBy the next week, everything was set.My bags were packed, disguises sorted, fake IDs printed. The rest of the dull logistics were handled by Armand—who is practically a miracle worker in a suit.We’d be leaving for the small town tomorrow. Staying there for a while to dig deeper, track down the hunters, and figure out what the hell they were really doing. Within the past week, they've gone completely silent.But still, I didn't think this was the end of it. It was probably a plan, a clever tactic to cause us to drop our defenses. And Lucian and I had to try to find them before they hit again.Since I would be gone for quite some time, I knew disappearing without a word would worry my siblings. So, like a semi-decent person, I texted them. [Going on a trip. A month or so. Don’t worry about me.]Laura replied first. [Be safe, okay?]Thorne didn't reply. Or rather he couldn't since I immediately blocked his number again after I sent the message. At least he'd know. I didn

Last Updated : 2025-10-08