Contractually Yours, Alpha by Giftemmy

Chapter Two Hundred and Twenty Six

The soldiers let us in without issue-they'd seen us arrive with the 'High Regent.' I kept my scarf on, and so did Alexander. Despite everything, I couldn't help but marvel at how he made everything look good.

"We'll have to split up," I told him. That had been the plan-he'd go find Cynthia, and I'd go for Aliyah. Daemon had detailed exactly where her room was, so I didn't think would be hard to find.

"We don't have to split. We could find the Empress together, then the girl," Alexander said.

I knew he was worried about me, but we both understood it wasn't a practical decision. By the time we captured the Empress, the alarm-or whatever system they used here-would've alerted everyone in the castle, and the Chosen would be heavily guarded against the intruders: us.

"We'd get caught easily if we stayed together," I told him, then paused when I noticed him watching me. "I'll be fine."

"Be careful," he said, and I nodded.

"You too."

"I'll find you. Go."

off, tracing the path through the castle. I'd been here before-while I hadn't had the chance to explore the entire place, it wasn't unfamiliar. I moved past guards, keeping my head down, though I could still feel their stares burning into me. I just hoped I didn't look too suspicious-and that I was doing a decent job of blending in. I stopped in front of the room where Aliya should be, and a part of me knew she

Something about her felt familiar. I didn't think she was Aliyah-I'd seen Aliyah before, though only briefly, through the curtains of a carriage. Daemon had described her though, and this girl didn't

you by any means know

trailed off when the girl turned

same one who'd been turned into

"Amanda?"

still in shock. I hadn't realized she was armed until the dagger flew at me. I dodged it at the last second,

me.

could only mean one

to hurt you. You

lunged at me without warning. I dodged again. Her next blow was fast and strong; I blocked it, but I hadn't expected the kick that followed. She hit my

to fight her. She was just

a kick to my ribs, but before she could strike again, I grabbed her legs and dragged her down beside me. Climbing over her, I wrapped my hands around her neck, holding her still. She

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Two Hundred and Twenty