Chapter 40: Chapter 40: The Moment Before the Storm

I had to look away for a moment, just to breathe.

It was suffocating any rational thought. But still I couldn’t tear my eyes from her completely; the sight of her, so broken and silent in his lap, twisted something deep in my chest I couldn’t name.

Lucian knew it too. That’s why he kept talking. That’s why he smirked like he was winning something.

And maybe he was.

He was pushing my limit, testing how far I would go before I would snap at his face.

He wanted me to lose control. To lash out. To prove that Selene still held power over me. Because if I did... if I so much as looked like I cared, Lucian would turn it on her. That was the kind of man he was. A snake who didn’t bite until he knew where your weakness lived.

And Selene? She was mine.

Or at least, she had been. Before all this.

I inhaled slowly and forced my jaw to unclench. My fingers had curled into fists behind my back. I released them one by one, letting my voice smooth into the cold courtesy I’d mastered over the years at court.

"My apologies for the interruption," I said, my tone even, perfectly measured. "I merely came to ensure everything was progressing well before the coronation. It seems I’ve intruded on a... personal moment."

Lucian’s grin widened like a man who thought he’d won a game.

"Not at all, Your Highness. You’re welcome any time. Selene doesn’t mind sharing the spotlight."

I didn’t rise to the bait.

Instead, I stepped back with careful grace and gave a shallow nod toward the door.

"Please let the others know I’ll be returning to the main estate. I suddenly remembered an urgent matter I must attend to before tomorrow’s event."

Lucian raised a brow, amused. "So soon?"

I met his gaze directly. "Yes. I think I’ve seen enough for now."

His eyes glittered. But I didn’t stay long enough to hear his reply.

to look back. My footsteps echoed down the hall like drumbeats against the stone, every one of them carrying the weight of

the wing—out of that cursed chamber with its suffocating air. Only then

to leave. Not for

For hers.

if I stayed a moment longer, I might have done something reckless. And he would have made

her in ways worse than what he’d already done. And if I gave him one... if I lost

Selene would suffer.

I couldn’t protect her. Not when they have full control

But soon I would.

hands again,

~~~

Selene’s POV~

prince walked away, something in

couldn’t hold it

Lucian’s lap, trying to get free. I didn’t care if it hurt. I didn’t care if I

arms pushed against his chest, and my legs kicked against the couch.

only person who might have helped me. The

Lucian had

I hated

off me!" I cried, but my voice was

didn’t move. He didn’t say a word at first. He just stared at me like he couldn’t believe what he

Then suddenly, he snapped.

shouted, his voice thundering in

flinched, but he

this? Is that it?! Feeling disgusted that he

with fury. Each

you’re crying like your heart is breaking?

choking on a

hard, and for a moment...

think this hurts?

His eyes burned as he looked down at me—still crying,

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