The Alpha King is unavailable 38

I raised my arm, preparing to bring the whip down across Olivia's already bruised back. The anticipation of her screams made my heart race with dark excitement.

(Olivia's POV)

I braced myself for the bite of the whip, my back already throbbing from the Discipline Rod. Through the haze of pain, I heard the door burst open with a thunderous bang.

"I'd like to see who dares touch my Olivial"

The voice that echoed through the Stone Ancestral Hall sent a wave of relief washing over me. Matriarch Evelyn Stone stood in the doorway, her diminutive frame somehow filling the entire space with her presence.

Fear rippled through the room like a tangible force.

Isabelle flinched violently, losing her grip on the whip. The leather tails recoiled, striking her own leg. She let out a piercing scream, dropping to the floor as blood seeped through her expensive pants.

Eleanor's face drained of color. "Mother," she stammered, 'you're back."

Isabelle whimpered from the floor, clutching her injured leg. "Grandmother!"

The servants trembled, bowing deeply. "Matriarch!"

But I only felt joy flooding through my veins. With a surge of strength, I scrambled to my feet and rushed toward Matriarch Evelyn,

"Grandmother!" I cried, tears of relief streaming down my face.

She opened her arms, enfolding me in a protective embrace. Her familiar scent- moonlight herbs. wisdom-surrounded me like a shield.

"My dear Olivia, are you alright?" she asked, her aged hands gently examining my face.

"I'm fine," I assured her, though my back screamed in protest. Tears welled in my eyes as a torrent of questions poured out. "Grandmother, when did you wake up? Why did you come back alone? Are you well?"

2

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as she patted my hand reassuringly

strongl❞

comforting balm, soothing the ache of betrayal

(Victoria's POV)

sat beside Emma's bed, watching her sleep peacefully. Her tears had dried on her

that tugged at

g faint

going perfectly

my thoughts. A servant

Stone requests your presence downstairs immediately," he said, his voice trembling slightly.

The old woman who had been stuck

shakily, smoothing my dress with trembling hands. "Is she...

eyes darting nervously. "Very much so, ma'am.

Evelyn had truly

ago-a truth I had meticulously buried- was now

gently woke Emma, whispering reassurances as I helped

confusion.

Evelyn?"

a smile. "A

face light up with joy at the sight of his

sank further

hung back, an unfamiliar

(Olivia's POV)

presence as Ethan approached. His face transformed with genuine joy as he

he said, his voice

patted his cheek lovingly, though her eyes held questions she wasn't yet asking. "My boy, you've grown

on Victoria, who clung to Ethan's side like a shadow. Without acknowledging her, Matriarch Evelyn turned pointedly away, tightening her

silent gesture spoke volumes. She knew I was suffering and was

anymore.

scanned the room, taking in Eleanor's stiff posture, Isabelle's bandaged leg, and the

EM

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