Chapter 12 Damon Elena's tear - streaked face twisted something in my chest . It was a faint , almost imperceptible discomfort , but it was there . I ignored it , clenching my jaw as I reminded myself why . She only looked like her . That was all . Natalie's face haunted my memories , and for a moment , as the light glowed against Elena's damp cheeks , I almost felt myself slip . But I wasn't that weak . I knew better . Zane's voice broke through my thoughts . She seems more resilient than Natalie , he mused as we observed Elena with an impassive gaze . Maybe she's putting on a show , trying to get our attention . I countered . I exhaled sharply , turning my focus back to the girl in front of me . Elena stood stiffly , her hands clasped as if unsure whether to defend herself or feign indifference . Zane continued , ignoring my thoughts . I want to know more about her . Ronan mentioned that the other girls have been mocking her . Maybe she's crying because she wasn't chosen . Was that it ? The sting of rejection ? I hadn't considered that . I studied her carefully for some sort of clue . " Don't cry , " I told her , my voice low and steady . Elena flinched at the words , as if surprised by them . She blinked a few times before quickly wiping away the dampness on her cheeks . " I just miss my mother a little , " she murmured . That was … not what I expected . She was definitely hiding something , but I couldn't figure out why she was too embarrassed to admit she was hurt not to be chosen . I narrowed my eyes slightly . " You don't need to pretend to be strong , " I said , testing her . Elena straightened , her expression smoothing over with a practiced ease . " I'm used to it , " she replied , her voice quiet but unwavering . " I don't get hurt easily . " A lie wrapped in truth . I had met enough warriors , survivors , and leaders to recognize the ones who had built their armor from necessity rather than choice . Elena wasn't weak , but she wasn't untouched by pain , either . No one was " No one is unaffected by pain , " I countered , watching her closely . Then , almost casually , I asked , " Have you ever heard of Natalie ? " Elena's brows furrowed slightly , confusion flickering across her face . Chapter 12 There it was . +15 Bonus I studied her reaction , looking for the slightest sign of recognition , of deception , but there was none . She genuinely didn't know . Zane's voice echoed in my mind . She's innocent . She got caught up in this. I wasn't sure whether that made things better or worse . Elena exhaled slowly , dropping her gaze to the floor . " Since I got here , I've already been punished by tending the garden and then wiping floors all night . " Her tone was even , neither resentful nor seeking sympathy . " I'm realistic and I never expect things that aren't mine to expect . I'll do my best to protect the precious things I have . " I frowned . Punished ? I hadn't given that order . Zane scoffed , clearly unimpressed . The palace rules aren't as clear as they should be, he muttered . We need to make time to clean things up around here . I barely heard him . Elena , standing before me with quiet dignity , stirred a long dead something in my chest . I wasn't sure I wanted to name it . For now , I'd watch . Observe . And wait . Lila Damon's gaze bore into me , but I didn't flinch . I had already decided : if I wanted out of this , I needed to make him angry enough to toss me aside himself . So , I met his stare with calm defiance . " Like becoming the Luna , " I said , my voice steady . The words hung between us like a blade , sharp and cold . But I didn't stop there . If I had any chance of escaping , I had to make my stance clear . " I don't want to be chosen by you . " ( 1 A flicker of shock crossed his face with a touch of annoyance . His lips parted slightly before pressing back into a thin line . For the first time since I'd met him , he looked caught off guard . Damon's eyes darkened , a storm brewing behind them . " Do you know how many women covet that position ? " His voice was quiet but laced with restrained power , like a beast waiting to be unleashed . I nodded , keeping my expression neutral . " Even if everyone wants it , can't I have a different opinion ? " A slow exhale left him , measured and controlled . " And what exactly is your opinion , Elena ? " My fake name rolled off his tongue with something dangerously close to curiosity . Before I could answer , Ruby's voice cut into my mind . The curfew is approaching . If we don't get back in time , we'll be scrubbing toilets for a week I bit back a groan . Any punishment that doesn't get me expelled isn't worth it , I responded . Chapter +15 Bonus Damon was still watching me , waiting for an answer . His sheer presence filled the space between us , pressing down on me like an unseen force . I wasn't sure if it was his aura as a King or something more primalthat made my skin tingle and my heartbeat . stutter . I shoved the feeling away . " It's time for me to go , " I said , my voice firmer now . " Goodbye , Your Highness . " I turned to leave , hoping , praying , that would be the end of it . If dismissing the King didn't get me kicked out , I wasn't sure what would . But I had barely taken a step before a strong hand closed around my waist . A startled breath escaped me as I was pulled back , my body colliding with a wall of solid muscle . Damon's grip was firm , possessive , and far too warm . A shiver ran down my spine at the sudden proximity . " Goodbye ? " His voice was low , almost amused , but there was an unmistakable edge to it . " Is this your way of playing hard to get ? " I inhaled sharply , refusing to acknowledge the heat of his palm against my waist . My hands pressed lightly against his chest , bracing myself , but I didn't push away . Not yet . " I don't play games , " I murmured , tilting my chin up to meet his eyes . A slow smirk curled at the edge of his lips , but it didn't reach his eyes . " Then you're going to cause a lot of trouble for yourself , little wolf . " My heart hammered in my chest , a mix of nerves and desire . Damon was intense - every inch of him exuded dominance and command , as if he was born to be obeyed . But I wouldn't obey . I couldn't " I've been in trouble my whole life , " I said softly , my voice steady despite the war raging inside me . His grip tightened , just for a second , and his thumb brushed against the fabric of my dress . The small , seemingly accidental touch sent a ripple of awareness through me , my wolf shifting restlessly beneath my skin . No. No , no , no . I didn't want this . I didn't want to feel anything for him . He was clearly messing with me , Damon studied me , as if searching for beneath my defiance . His eyes flicked down to my lips for the briefest moment before snapping back up . 1 swallowed hard , ignoring the heat creeping up my neck " Let me go , " I said , keeping my voice even .