Semua Bab FOREVER YOURS TO KEEP: Bab 11 - Bab 20

Avery's POVThe scent of lavender did little to alleviate the throbbing in my head. Sunlight cut through the thick curtains like a ruthless parody of peace. A vivid memory of last night's events, including the public humiliation, the flood of emotions, the desperate, inebriated kiss, the burning heat of my lips on Sebastian's lips, and the icy aftermath, was brought back to me by the strange room. Recalling Sebastian's refusal to mark me, my hand automatically moved to the nape of my neck. The lack of the mate bond was a sharp contrast to the fate that others had accepted.There was a faint knock, and the door squeaked open."Good morning, my lady," Flora said softly as she entered with a silver tray in her hand. The air was filled with the reassuring aroma of ginger and a hint of bitterness.She went on, "I brought you hangover soup," and placed the tray on the bedside table. She spoke softly, as she always did when she was trying to hide her anxiety. "You got drunk last night."I

Avery's POVI watched through the crack in the broken window, holding my breath in my chest.Claire lay nestled in the man's arms, their intimacy contrasting sharply with the chilling conversation that was unfolding."What about Sebastian?" The man's voice, sharp and suspicious, broke through the silence.Claire drew back, her composure betraying a hint of unease. "He is fine, but suspicious. Maintaining his distance."The man's cold laugh sent shivers down my spine. "He has some suspicions." Claire's lips tightened. "He monitors everyone, including his guards. I could not get into his study because everything is locked. And he will not leave me alone."My heart pounded. What was she implying? The man shifted his gaze, which was intense. "And what I asked you to get?"My mind raced: is it a letter? A key? A weapon? Claire's frustration was palpable. "I don't have it. He is overly cautious. I saw him slip a letter into his coat." A letter? Why is it so important? The man sighed h

Avery's PovAvery's pov Mustering a bravado I didn't feel, I said, "She can't. I was disguised, kept my distance, and the darkness was my ally. Claire has no proof, not yet."Flora didn’t look convinced. “Still… this is dangerous.”I took both their hands. “I’m fine. Trust me. Claire can’t do anything. But I need you to keep calm.”The fear in their eyes lingered, but they nodded reluctantly.“Go prepare my bath,” I said gently. “I need to wash off last night.”They bowed slightly and disappeared into the adjoining chamber.As the warm water filled the tub, steam rose into the air. My muscles ached, and my mind raced. Claire’s paranoia was proof enough she knew someone had seen her. But she had no face to attach to the shadow. No name.I stepped into the bath and let the water ease some of the tension from my body.Afterward, Flora had laid out a soft lilac gown trimmed with silver embroidery. She helped me into it while Eliha carefully combed my hair, braiding the front strands an

Chapter 18 Avery's POV The air in the wardrobe was thick and suffocating, laden with the cloying sweetness of Claire's perfume and the musty odor of aged velvet. My legs cramped, causing a dull ache against my thighs. The rough edge of a beaded gown pressed against my cheek, the tiny beads sinking into my skin like tiny teeth. A strand of silk snagged the corner of my mouth, causing a tickling burn on my lips. I pushed myself deeper between her clothes, barely breathing. She moved slowly through the room and then stopped. A beat of silence. Then her voice was low and irritated. "Why is my key on the table?" I swallowed hard. No. "Marina!" she yelled. A second later, I heard her maid enter hurriedly. "Yes, my lady?" "Why is my door not locked? And how on Earth is my key lying here like a forgotten spoon?" Claire's tone was sharp enough to cut through bone. "I..I’m sure I locked it, my lady. I swear I…” Slap! The strike rang out so loudly that I flinched ins

Sebastian's PovWarmth.That was the first thing I noticed as I awoke. I felt a soft, unfamiliar warmth against my chest, and my arms were loosely wrapped around someone.My eyes opened slowly as the light dimmed through the curtains. I blinked away the sleep haze, my head pounding slightly, though the fever appeared to have subsided.Then I lowered my gaze.Avery.Her soft black hair was spread across my chest, and one hand rested gently against her cheek as she slept soundly. Her lips were barely parted, and her eyelashes brushed against her skin like delicate feathers. A gasp escaped my lips.I carefully shifted, moving one arm beneath her and lifting her just enough to rest her head on my lap. She did not move, instead mumbling something incoherent before sighing and curling closer.A foolish grin appeared on my face. I, Prince Sebastian of the Starlit Pack, found myself smiling like an infatuated boy.My hand moved to her hair before I could stop it, stroking the silken strands