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.

steps, refusing to look back. My footsteps echoed down the hall like

of that cursed chamber with its suffocating air. Only then did I let

had to leave. Not for

For hers.

done something reckless. And he would have made her pay for

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

Selene would suffer.

protect her. Not when

But soon I would.

hands again, nails biting into my

~~~

Selene’s POV~

prince walked away, something in me

hold it in

tightly shattered. My body twisted hard in Lucian’s lap, trying to get free. I didn’t care if it hurt. I

and fast. My arms pushed against his chest, and my legs kicked against the couch. My heart felt like it had been torn in half. I couldn’t believe

front of the only person left who still remembered me. The only person who might have helped me. The only person I still wanted to believe

had

sobbed harder, my chest heaving. I hated him. I hated him so much

but my

didn’t say a word at first. He just stared at me like

Then suddenly, he snapped.

are you crying for?!" he shouted, his voice thundering

but

it?! Feeling disgusted that he got to watch another

fury. Each word

that much?" he growled. "That you’re crying like your heart is breaking? You didn’t even cry like this

froze, choking on

at me, breathing hard, and for a moment... his eyes changed. Like something

think this hurts? You think

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

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