Chapter 39
Nyssa pov
I stared at myself in the mirror, taking in my reflection- my dark makeup and outfit consisting of a pair of jeans and a crop top. A small smile tugged at my lips as I nodded in satisfaction, pleased with how the makeup matched the edgy vibe of my clothes. I could already picture the disapproving look my father would give me the moment he saw what I was wearing.
I had worn it–just like in the past, knowing it would piss him off.
I remembered being thirteen, in the middle of my rebellious teenage phase. I’d started wearing black clothes mostly tight jeans, crop tops, or mini skirts that showed off my thighs because I wanted to be like the older girls. I hated how my father always treated me like a child.
So, every time I wore something like that, his mood would shift instantly. He’d scold me and then ignore me for days. Back then, I didn’t care. I was stubborn and childish, and it was always Calen and Benjamin who tried to play peacemakers, trying to mend the rift between us.
A chuckle escaped me at the memory of my father’s face turning bright red from frustration. That was exactly why I dressed like this today- to bring that memory back to life.
I popped my lips together and tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear, smiling at my reflection. It felt good to see a hint of the glow I used to have before I married Kieran, before the sickness, before the silence.
I placed the lipstick on the cabinet and gave myself one last look before stepping out of the room, whistling a soft melody as I strolled down the hallway.
“Good morning, my lady,” the maids greeted as I passed. I offered them a cheerful grin and a wave, but just a few steps later, I caught the hushed whispers trailing behind me.
“Why is she in such a good mood today? I heard the rejection ceremony is tomorrow, and the king hasn’t changed his mind.”
“Yes… and the Alpha is losing it over all this.”
Their voices were low, laced with disbelief, but I didn’t slow down. My smile lingered, even deepened slightly. Let them talk.
It was a beautiful day. Serene’s birthday. One last day to spend with the people I cared about, one last day to breathe, to feel, to exist freely.
I started skipping down the hall, light–hearted and carefree.
Nothing was going to ruin my mood today-
“Miss! Good morning, you seem to be in a good mood today!”
I froze, my smile vanishing, replaced by a scowl. I cursed under my breath, recognizing that voice.
Cassian.
He wasn’t the problem- not really. The problem was who I knew stood behind him. I’d caught his scent just before Cassian called my name.
“Perfect,” I hissed, fighting the urge to pretend I hadn’t heard and walk away. But I knew better than to do that.
“Huh? Didn’t she hear me?” Cassian asked, confused.
1/3
I slowly turned around, facing the group of men behind me.
Cassian, Drake, and Zayn- the pack doctor were all staring at me.
Cassian and Drake’s smiles faltered immediately, their eyes sweeping down my figure. I caught Cassian whispering a low “Oh my” under his breath.
Zayn, however, didn’t look surprised. His gaze was calm, steady, and he offered me a kind smile.
ས ཝ :
And then there was Darius.
He was unreadable as always. If he ever showed emotion, it was only that familiar trace of disdain he reserved for being his unwanted mate.
But this time… it felt different.
His eyes dipped to my exposed waist, and for the first time, I noticed the faintest tug of a frown at his lips.
It wasn’t disdain. Not quite.
It was something else entirely.
Anger?
As his gaze lifted to meet mine, I gulped, my mind flashing back to last night. The way he held me. The sharp sting of his fangs sinking into my neck. A shiver ran through me and warmth flushed my cheeks.
I quickly shook the memory away, lowering my head respectfully.
“Good morning, Your Majesty,” I said, my voice polite and formal.
As expected, he didn’t respond. But I didn’t let it bother me. Instead, I turned to the three men behind him and offered a small smile and a nod in greeting.
Cassian blinked, parting his lips to say something, but I averted my gaze before he could speak, pretending not to notice
him at all.
“If you’ll excuse me, I’ll take my leave first,” I murmured and turned sharply, not waiting for a reply. I walked away, not sparing a glance at anyone behind me.
Just great. My mood was officially ruined.
I sighed and made my way downstairs, already dreading the awkward tension that would settle over breakfast especially if the king decided to join us again.
But the moment I stepped into the dining area, I felt it- the weight of everyone’s attention snapping onto me like a trap.
I froze, lifting my gaze to find my father, Calen, and Benjamin already seated. Serene stood nearby but everyone of them had the same expressions on their faces.
Shock. Pure, unfiltered shock.
My eyes flickered to my father, seated at the head of the table. Slowly, I watched as his gaze trailed over me, his eyes widening until they looked like they might pop out of their sockets. Disbelief washed over his face- only for it to twist into rage a heartbeat later as his gaze shifted past me, likely spotting the king and his men behind me.
2/3
Chapter 39
His face turned a furious shade of red as he jabbed a trembling finger in my direction.
“Y–you!” he stammered.
1 smiled sweetly, lifting a hand in a casual wave.
“Good morning, Father,” I said cheerfully, my mood lifting up.
