Semua Bab Ruin Me, Alpha: Breaking The Enemy's Daughter: Bab 41 - Bab 50

LeahThe guards released me at the entrance to Luciana's private chambers, their grip finally loosening from my arms. I rubbed my wrists where their fingers had left red marks, my heart hammering as the ornate double doors swung open.This wasn't the dining room where she'd tried to have my wolf killed. This was somewhere far more intimate. More dangerous.The chamber was breathtaking in its cruelty—all white marble veined with gold, floor-to-ceiling windows that let in too much light, making everything feel exposed. A tea service sat on a low table between two velvet chairs, steam rising from a delicate porcelain pot.Luciana stood with her back to me, gazing out at the gardens below. She wore emerald silk that hugged her perfect figure, her honey-gold hair cascading down her back in waves that caught the sunlight.She looked like a queen. Untouchable. Powerful.Everything I wasn't anymore."Sit, dear." Her voice was honey-sweet as she turned, gesturing to one of the chairs. "We have

I stood there for a moment, swaying on my feet. Servants moved past, their eyes sliding over me with barely concealed pity or disgust. They'd heard everything. Luciana had made sure of that.Tears blurred my vision as I stumbled down the hallway. Every step felt like walking through water, my legs barely holding me up. The mark on my thigh burned, the bond pulsing with something I couldn't name.He'd been with Luciana. That same night. While I was locked in my cell, destroyed by what I'd witnessed, he was in his wife's bed.My hand flew to my mouth, bile rising. I barely made it to an alcove before the nausea hit, my stomach heaving even though there was nothing to bring up."Princess?" A servant's voice, concerned. "Are you—""Go away," I choked out.Footsteps retreated quickly.I forced myself upright, using the wall for support. I had to get to my room. Had to lock the door and fall apart in private, not here where everyone could see.The walk felt endless. Every turn of the corrido

LeahI didn't sleep after the nightmares that night. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Luciana's cruel smile or heard that ancient voice commanding me to look within. Or worse—the sound of that child crying in the dark woods, unreachable and desperate.When dawn broke, I was still sitting by the window, staring at nothing.A sharp knock interrupted my numbness."Princess, the King commands your presence in his study. Now."My stomach dropped. His study meant privacy. Privacy meant... what? More confrontation? More games?I forced myself to stand, my body aching from a night spent mostly on the floor. I changed into a simple dress—plain grey linen that felt like armor in its very ordinariness.The guards led me through the castle's morning bustle. Servants scattered at my approach, their whispers following like ghosts."Did you hear? The Queen caught her—""Shameless, really, spreading her legs for—""—marked by him but still trying to—"I kept my chin high, refusing to give them the s

LeahThe training yard was on the eastern side of the castle, a large open space where warriors practiced. I'd watched from my window sometimes, seen the men sparring with brutal efficiency.Today, the yard was empty except for Ares.He stood in the center, shirtless despite the morning chill, his scarred torso on full display. Muscles rippled as he moved through practice forms, each scar a testament to battles survived. In his hands, he held two wooden practice swords."You're late," he said without turning."I came as fast as I could." I crossed my arms, refusing to be intimidated. "What do you want?""Not fast enough." He tossed one of the swords at me. I caught it reflexively, the weight foreign in my hands. "Let's see what your father taught you.""What?""Fight me." He raised his sword, falling into a defensive stance. "Show me you're not completely useless."I laughed—sharp and bitter. "You want me to fight you? The great Rogue King wants to play warrior with his captive? What's

The caravan left at dawn.Six carriages in total—Ares's personal coach at the front, followed by Luciana's, then mine. The rest carried guards, supplies, and council members who'd been deemed essential for the summit.I stood in the courtyard, watching servants load the final trunks, my midnight blue dress packed carefully alongside plainer travel clothes. The early morning air was cold, mist rising from the ground in ghostly wisps that reminded me uncomfortably of my dreams.The crying child. The voice telling me to look within. What did it all mean?"Quite the production, isn't it?"I didn't turn at Julius's voice. "Shouldn't you be with the King?""I'm wherever I need to be." He moved closer, his voice dropping to barely above a whisper. "Did you think about what I said? About the ledger?""I'm still thinking." The lie came easily now. I had the ledger hidden in my cloak, ready to use if the opportunity arose. But Julius didn't need to know that."Think faster." His hand brushed my