'S

t was pounding, as I watch Kai

. One sip

ally th

tric thrill co

na

e in my life, I h

He shifts in his seat, rubbing

e coughi

hs, as though his insi

tters onto

nvulses, muscles locking. He grips his throat

, my pulse racin

sound echoes in the quiet room. His body c

st

actuall

kill the fu

ile creeps a

acantly at the ceiling. A pool of blood spre

or a mome

ed sigh, I turn and

id

-

is

been nothing but

anya, a woman with hig

rrelevance-too noble to be discarded

e halls, but never o

ng beside the Alpha. She dreamed of bearing his h

, the Alpha

sl

obo

body gave b

uture

hould have be

ecame my grea

her's grea

, trying to elevate our status. But no matter

a

arrogant, b

g everyone, I was told to sit still and be qu

ities don't

reate

just

my room, hea

i's dead body li

l eup

all voice

st an ima

sn't

sn't

e

ow breath, ste

need t

ime, I won

I reach under my pillow and

dark blue, shimmering

rless. T

le

op could we

e dr

to end

tly and make my way

s empty wh

shadows against the walls. The air is thick wit

ver to h

here

freshly brewed, stea

fect

't he

ap th

dr

w

re

vanishes

for a moment, ensuring th

r word, I turn and s

t look

this tim

ai dri

ill

Continued)

of Cel

clear, the moon full, casting a silver glow over the stone pathways. My heart

Kai is

ng to a celebration

e creeps on

ill be long gone, drinking and

bubbling in my chest. Tonight,

-

use – A Nig

ated with golden lights. I don't even have to knock when I arrive-Sariah's

movement-noble daughters draped in silks, their voices high and carefree. Silver goblets slo

cushioned seat, a goblet dangling between her fingers.

s, pushing herself up with a smirk. "I was begin

g into the seat beside h

you look like a girl w

slow sip, savoring the taste of

lift, intrigu

ips curving into a

thrill, the absolute joy of knowing Kai is choking on his last

flopping back into her cu

re tossing golden coins into a goblet, betting on who can land the most. One of them

join us!"

rounds and maybe then you'll be wi

ne last satisfying gulp before

e scent of perfume and wine, the sound o

a night o

enjoy every