Chapter 13 Lila +15 Bonus Damon's grip lingered for a moment longer than necessary , his fingers a vice around my waist . I could feel the strength behind them , the restraint he was forcing upon himself . " I " I have a curfew , " I said , forcing my voice to remain steady . " If I'm late , I'll be scrubbing toilets for a week . " Damon's jaw tightened , but his hold loosened . " Curfew , " he repeated , almost like the word was foreign to him . I nodded , feeling the heat of his hand even as he slowly withdrew it . I took a step back , putting space between us , even though the warmth of his touch still lingered on my skin like a brand . Damon exhaled sharply , his gaze narrowing . " Go , then . " I didn't hesitate . I turned and ran , not daring to look back . The night air was cool against my flushed skin , but it did little to soothe the chaos raging inside me . My legs carried me swiftly through the palace grounds , my heart pounding with every step . Why does he affect me like this ? I wasn't supposed to feel anything for him . Damon Sinclair was a Tyrant that I needed to stay away from . He was the King I had sworn to deceive to save my mother . Then why does my body react like this ? I shoved the thought aside as I reached the entrance to the residence . As soon as I stepped inside , a sharp voice cut through the air . " Where have you been ? " The housekeeper , an older woman with a severe expression , stormed toward me , her hands clenched at her sides . Her eyes roamed over me suspiciously , her nose wrinkling like she'd caught the scent of something foul . " I stepped out for fresh air , " I said , keeping my tone neutral . " I missed my mother . " The housekeeper's frown deepened , but before she could respond , another voice slithered into the conversation . " Fresh air ? " Vanessa crossed her arms , her lips curling in amusement . " Or were you sneaking around in the forbidden parts of the palace ? " I turned to her , already exhausted by the mere sight of her smug face . " Why would I do that ? " I asked dryly Vanessa tilted her head , her dark eyes gleaming " Oh , I don't know … maybe because you've always been a troublemaker ? " She Chapter 1 smiled , saccharine and sharp . " Weren't you expelled from noble school for bullying your classmates . " This was a trap . And I didn't want to walk into it . +15 Bonus I could deny it outright , but that would mean claiming innocence for something Elena might have actually done and outing myself as … myself . I could argue back , but that would mean taking responsibility for whatever past sins Elena had committed , which was a step too far for me . So instead , I went for the truth , my truth . " And what have you been doing these past few days if not bullying me ? " I countered , my voice as smooth as silk . Vanessa blinked , momentarily caught off guard . " You admit it ? " I shrugged . " I admit that you clearly enjoy throwing your weight around when it comes to me . Should I start listing everything you've done ? " Vanessa hesitated , her expression flickering with doubt , maybe . Her fingers twitched , as if debating whether to claw at me or keep playing this game . Interesting . She wasn't just trying to provoke me . She was testing me . If she had been so sure that Elena was guilty , she wouldn't have reacted like that . Maybe Elena wasn't expelled for bullying at all . Vanessa's gaze lingered on me , assessing , searching for cracks in my armor . Then , she scoffed . " You've changed , " she muttered . " Though you're still as annoying as ever . " I smirked . " Likewise . " I brushed past her before she could say another word , my heart pounding just a little harder than before . That had been too close . And if I wasn't careful , I'd be exposed before I even had a chance to escape . And my mother would be the one punished if I failed . " There will be a ball tomorrow night , " Helen declared after gathering us all in the parlor . " All the selected candidates will have the opportunity to dance with His Majesty . You will be tested on your social etiquette and grace . " The news sent the ladies into a frenzy . Excitement buzzed through the air as they whispered about dresses , dances , and the chance to impress Damon 1 , on the other hand , had absolutely no interest . That evening , I feigned illness , claiming I needed to rest . It was the perfect excuse to avoid an entire night of forced smiles and political games At least , that had been my plan . But just as the ball began , a sharp voice cut through my mind . +15 Bonus Elena . It was Helen . I expect you in the ballroom within the next fifteen minutes . I groaned internally . I'm sick . You can be sick while dancing . I cursed under my breath as she cut the link . With no choice , I pulled on the plainest dress I could find ; one that would ensure I blended into the literal background . Then , I hurried toward the ballroom , my mind already working on an escape route . The palace was a labyrinth of towering columns and endless hallways , and in my rush , I knew I had made a wrong turn . I didn't recognize the décor and the air turned heavier , scented with aged parchment and something faintly floral . I slowed my steps , suddenly aware of how eerily silent it was . " You're lost . " An amused voice rumbled from behind me . I whirled around to face a tall male , his broad frame casting a long shadow in the dim corridor . He was handsome , dangerously so . His features were sharp , regal , with piercing blue eyes that flickered with curiosity . His tailored black suit emphasized his powerful build , and he filled it with confidence . He looked like an Alpha My body tensed . His scent hit me a second later : dark and electric like lightning over the stormy sea . " You don't belong here , " he continued , tilting his head slightly as he studied me . " Not in this part of the palace . " 1 straightened my shoulders , keeping my expression neutral . " I took a wrong turn . " The armured gaze lingered on my face , his brows drawing together slightly . his scrutiny . He clearly found me lacking . lave such a big reaction to my face ? " I asked , my voice edged with irritation . answer right away . Instead , he stepped closer , his eyes flickering with something unreadable . " You don't know ? " he The way he said it sent a chill down my spine . I forced a laugh . " Should I ? " The man studied me for another long moment before his lips curved into a slow , knowing smile . " Interesting , " he murmured . And then , before I could react , he reached out . His fingers brushed against my chin , tilting my face slightly . The touch was featherlight , but it sent a jolt through me , my wolf stirring in agitation . " Don't touch me , " I snapped . I pulled back instinctively , my heart hammering . Choptor C The man chuckled , unfazed . " I see what the fuss is about . " His gaze lingered , as if I were a puzzle missing just one piece . A puzzle he intended to solve .