Contract With The Alpha King by Brey Mitchylle

"What is it that you have on them?" Elise asked the moment she sat down, her tone sharp and demanding.

Fiona responded by calmly setting her teacup down, her expression unreadable. She let out a soft sigh, as though Elise's question was of little consequence. Why was this woman so stupid? Fiona wondered inwardly. Seeing Fiona's indifference, Elise's frustration deepened. "Why do they want to see you?" she pressed.

"How would I know that?" Fiona replied, her tone light. "I haven't even spoken to them yet."

Elise pursed her lips, refusing to accept Fiona's nonchalant answer. It didn't make sense. Fiona must have something important, something that had drawn their attention so persistently. But what could it be?

Fiona had only recently awakened her ability, and while it was impressive, it wasn't unique. Elise herself could heal and with greater mastery, she was sure of it. She had spent years honing her abilities, studying the art of healing since her own awakening. By all accounts, she should outshine Fiona.

Yet, they still wanted to see her.

Was it because of the Prince? Elise wondered. Or did Fiona possess something she didn't? The only thing that Fiona has was... Elijah. Was this because of politics?

The thought gnawed at her, but Fiona offered no answers. Instead, she poured herself another cup of tea, her movements calm, as though Elise wasn't even there.

"Fiona!" Elise hissed. She clenched her fists tightly, her nails digging into her palms. She needed to know what Fiona had on them and she was going to find out what it was no matter the cost! "You'd better tell me what they want, or-"

"Or what, my dearest sister?" Fiona interrupted with a smirk, her eyes gleaming with amusement.

Elise froze, stunned by the mocking edge in Fiona's tone.

Fiona leaned back slightly, her smile widening. "What will you do, Elise? Are you going to lock me in a room again? Just like you did before? Or tell the omegas to put something on my food?"

"You"

widened theatrically as she raised a hand to cover her mouth, feigning shock. "Oh, how terrifying," she said, her voice dripping with mock fear. "How could you

but Fiona simply sipped her tea, savoring

breath, trying to calm herself. She knew that Fiona was only confident because the Prince was currently behind her. Without the Prince, she would

know there are poisons even you couldn't heal. This place is nothing but a quagmire, a trap. The more you stay here, the

answered. In the first place, she didn't

with that reaction?"

to think that I needed the Rosenthal Family," Fiona blinked as she made a deliberate pause.

Elise narrowed her eyes. Was it possible Fiona was faking it? No. Impossible, even her father wouldn't do something so stupid. But this is Fiona that they were talking about. Fiona is different. She had long lost

Almost immediately, the realization

eyes widened

clicked into place. She shot up

Fiona. "You... you were faking it," she said,

すべて

with incredulity. "The

made everyone believe. You

tilted her head slightly, her lips curling into a calm smile. She didn't deny it. Instead, she picked up her teacup, taking a slow, deliberate sip. The action only

Elise hissed, her hand trembling as she kept pointing at her. "A lowly, manipulative monster! How

her cup down

expression that bordered on amusement. "If that's what you think, Elise," she said. "Then perhaps you should take a

as her emotions spiraled. Without thinking, she lunged forward, her hand raised high. The sharp sound of the slap echoed through the room as her palm connected with Fiona's cheek. The force of the slap made Fiona's head tilt slightly to the side, but she