Contract With The Alpha King by Brey Mitchylle

Chapter 61

Elise stared at her reflection in the mirror, her pale blue gown shimmering under the soft glow of the lights. The dress was stunning, and fitted perfectly to her frame, with delicate silver embroidery tracing intricate patterns across the bodice. The sleeves were sheer, light as air, and the gown flowed elegantly to the floor, the fabric catching the light with every movement. It brought out the icy blue in her eyes, making them even more striking than usual.

But despite her appearance, Elise didn't feel beautiful or excited. She felt restless. Her fingers twitched slightly as she instructed the maids to leave her alone. The moment they left, she crossed the room and poured herself a glass of wine from the bar counter. The deep red liquid swirled in the glass before she took a long sip, trying to calm the anxiety that gnawed at her.

The palace where they were staying was luxurious. Each guest was given their own suite. But the grandeur of it all only added to her tension. Each ticking moment leading up to the ball felt like an eternity, and the longer she waited, the heavier the weight on her shoulders grew.

Finally, after what felt like forever, Elise couldn't stand it any longer. She set her wine glass down, straightened her gown, and walked out of her room, heading toward her father's quarters.

She knocked lightly, and when she heard Thomas Rosenthal's voice beckoning her in, she pushed the door open.

Her father was standing in front of the mirror, adjusting his bow tie. The room smelled faintly of the cologne he always wore-sharp and commanding. His reflection caught her eye as he glanced at her through the mirror. "Are you ready?" Elise asked, her voice tight, barely masking her frustration.

Thomas lifted an eyebrow as he fixed the final details of his attire. "You shouldn't be afraid, Elise," he said smoothly, his tone calm and assured. "This is the first time we're attending such an event in a long while, but remember-we are still the Rosenthals. We command respect. We deserve it."

Elise snapped, her voice sharper than she intended. "I'm not worried about what other people think, Father." Why would her father even think that she's concerned about what other people think now?

He turned to face her, his eyes narrowing slightly, studying her with that same calculating look he always gave. There was a moment of silence. "Are you worried about Fiona?" he asked.

instead of backing down, Elise held his gaze, her lips pressed into a thin line. She hated how easily he could see through her, how

from her father, thinking she could do it without letting him know. "I didn't

place. Then she-she told me that

reaction. His frown deepened at her words, but he didn't immediately respond. Instead, he turned back toward the mirror, adjusting his jacket one last time.

felt her frustration build. She pressed her lips together, trying to gather her thoughts. Growing up, she had always felt resentment toward Fiona, her older sister, who seemed to do everything wrong in their family's eyes. Elise had spent years hating her, blaming her for the shame she had brought to their clan. But now, standing here, she couldn't shake the gnawing feeling that things

dead," Elise finally said, "Isn't there something else

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Chapter 61

a Rosenthal, your

in the silence between them. Lord Rosenthal downed the wine in one go, setting the empty glass down with a firm clink. He turned to face Elise, his expression unreadable. "It's already out of

flickering in her eyes. "What do you mean?" she asked,

her stomach.

any emotion. "The council knows. She's demonstrated that she can detect illnesses and

eyes widened, her mind racing. "That's not possible," she whispered, shaking her head. "We can diagnose illnesses and poisons, yes, but detecting them? That ability... that's not something she should have. Only you and I can detect them because we were blessed. Fiona wasn't. She didn't receive it. I'm the one meant for that gift in our generation. Perhaps the council got it