Contract With The Alpha King by Brey Mitchylle

Chapter 60

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Fiona folded her arms as she stood in the garden, staring at Elise, who was clearly hesitating to speak. "Why did you want to see me, Elise?" Fiona asked, without hiding the irritation in her voice. "I'm not offering you tea, so spit it out." She didn't want to see Elise, but Kariana thought Elise's presence would attract attention from other werewolves walking in and out of the infirmary,

"I didn't come here to argue," Elise said, her voice flat, uninterested as usual.

Fiona let out a sigh. She was tempted to roll her eyes but refrained. "Then why are you here?" she asked. "Surely, you didn't come because you missed me?"

Elise scoffed, her lips curling in disdain. "Miss you? Don't flatter yourself, Fiona. If anything, life's been a lot better since you left. At least now I don't have to clean up after your messes."

She wanted to argue and ask her about these "messes" she was talking about. Was being different considered a mess? Fiona was tempted to start another fight with her sister, but she didn't. Instead, she just stared at Elise, waiting for her to say more, to tell her what she really wanted to say.

Elise shifted slightly, her eyes scanning the garden as if avoiding Fiona's gaze. "So, do you like it here?" she asked abruptly.

Fiona found the question strange, her brows knitting together in confusion. "Yes," she answered slowly. "I do. Why?"

Elise didn't answer immediately, her lips pressing into a thin line as she seemed to gather her thoughts. Seeing this, Fiona crossed her arms, her patience wearing thin. "Elise, what do you really want? Just say it. You might not know this, but I am working in the palace. I need to go back to work soon."

After a beat, Elise finally looked up. "Do you know why there's no other Rosenthal outside the clan?"

Fiona stared at her sister. "Isn't it because our dear clan leader-Father-kills anyone who dares leave?" she answered before she could properly process her thoughts.

Elise's eyes widened, and for the first time, her usual mask of indifference slipped. "What?" she stuttered, clearly caught off guard.

Fiona chuckled darkly, watching her sister's reaction with grim satisfaction. "Are you really surprised, my dearest sister?" she asked. "Surprised that I know about Father's plan to kill me? His eldest child?"

Elise didn't respond immediately, her mouth opening slightly before closing again as if searching for words. Her silence was all the confirmation Fiona needed.

"I know," Fiona said simply, shaking her head. "I've known for a while. It's no secret to me that Father would rather see me dead than out in the world, living my own life." Her eyes flicked up to meet Elise's, daring her to deny it.

her voice seemed quieter than before. "I didn't want to

an eyebrow, genuinely

before she could press for more, Elise turned on her heel, walking away swiftly without another word. Fiona stood

than answers, but worrying about it now would get her nowhere. Surely, her father wouldn't attempt to do anything drastic in the

sister's sudden warning wouldn't solve itself in an

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Chapter 60

turned away and started back toward

would keep her mind occupied. At least that

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she forced herself to focus on the patients and tasks at hand. By the time her shift ended-earlier than usual, thankfully-Fiona felt mentally drained but relieved to be done for the day. She made her way to Elijah's palace, determined to prepare for the ball tomorrow and

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than she'd ever seen before-were lined up from the door,

aside, Regor appeared in front of her, bowing

a

blurted out, glancing around nervously at the servants, who seemed to be

Elijah's voice echoed from the staircase. "It's only fitting, Fiona," he said with a

this?" she asked, motioning to the rows of servants. Didn't

by her confusion. "They're here to prepare you for the ball

me?" Fiona frowned, crossing her arms. "The ball isn't until tomorrow. Why start

a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You'll

clearly unimpressed. "You enjoy keeping me

softening. He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice just enough for her to

she said, though her tone was far from enthusiastic. "I'll

"I'll take full responsibility,"

respond, the head maid stepped forward and gestured toward a side hall. "Mistress Fiona," she said with a respectful bow. "If you're ready, we can begin your

what Elijah meant by "preparations," but as she entered

descended on her. They moved quickly, efficiently, without a word, ushering her