Chapter 122
Chapter 122
Third person POV
+25 Bonus
The night was beginning to wind down, but the palace hall still hummed with music and the soft murmur of conversation. All of the formalities were dealt with, and people were just enjoying the party now.
Ellie had taken refuge near one of the tall windows. Alaric and Cassian had kept her company for most of the night, but they needed to take advantage of the networking opportunity the party presented just as much as Nolan and Lance did.
Both of them were keeping an eye on her, but they had been dragged into a conversation with the luna of a nearby territory who had concerns about the uptick in rogue activity near the border.
The rumors about Ellie had spread enough that everyone in attendance had heard some version of the story. This resulted in people watching her, but most being too nervous to approach her. Not because they feared her, specifically, but because they knew everyone else was watching.
Ellie didn’t mind that at all. She enjoyed having a little space at an event like this. The past few months had been so eventful that it was nice to feel like she could catch her breath for a moment.
“Ellie p>
Her name, spoken in a smooth baritone, drew her from her thoughts. She turned to find Kieran standing a few feet away, a glass of dark wine in hand, his expression polished to courtly perfection.
His smile was warm and charming, but there was something unreadable lurking in his gaze. Something intense that put her on edge immediately.
He saw the slight change in her posture and recognized her unease. It made him smile just a bit wider.
“Kieran,” she said cautiously, inclining her head. “Enjoying the evening p>
“As much as one can, when most of the room is more interested in gossip than policy.” He stepped closer, lowering his voice. “And at the center of all that gossip, we find you p>
Ellie resisted the urge to shift uncomfortably. “So I’ve noticed p>
“They’re calling you the messenger of the goddess.” His words were careful, probing. “Do you believe it p>
She hesitated, fingers brushing the fabric of her gown. “I believe… I had a vision. But that doesn’t mean I’m anyone’s messenger. The goddess has never spoken to me, not directly. People are seeing what they want to see p>
“Can you blame them?” he asked softly. “We’re living in uncertain times. The idea of the goddess sending direct messages to us is comforting p>
“I suppose so,” she said reluctantly.
“Have there been more incidents?” His gaze sharpened. “More visions, more signs p>
Ellie bit her lip before answering, unwilling to lie outright. “Dreams. Strange ones. Fragments of faces I don’t recognize, voices calling from far away. But I think they’re just memories resurfacing, nothing divine. I’ve been trying to piece together my past for a long time. It makes sense that things would come back now p>
Kieran tilted his head, studying her with unnerving focus. “You dismiss them too quickly. Dreams, visions, signs –it’s all the same in the eyes of the people. Whether you believe it or not, they already do p>
She crossed her arms, suddenly irritated. “And what if they’re wrong? What if I’m just me, and not some chosen
1/3
Спорне 122
figure p>
+25 Bonus
“Then you’ll disappoint them,” Kieran said simply. “And disappointment can be dangerous p>
Ellie fell silent, staring out at the gardens beyond the window. The truth in his words was undeniable, though she hated admitting it.
Kieran took a small sip of his wine before leaning closer, lowering his voice so only she could hear. “The messenger of the goddess would be the most influential woman in the kingdom. Revered. But also envied, hunted, and vulnerable. She would need someone strong at her side to guard her, to help her navigate the politics and the dangers. Someone who can keep her safe when others would use her as a pawn p>
The weight of his gaze pressed against her, and for a moment, Ellie felt her pulse quicken.
“And I suppose,” she said lightly, masking her unease with humor, “you’re volunteering for the role p>
His smile curved, slow and deliberate. “I could think of worse fates than being tied to the goddess’s chosen messenger. Politically, it would be… advantageous. Personally, it would be pleasant p>
She arched a brow. “Pleasant p>
“You’re beautiful, Ellie. Intelligent. Strong-willed. The kind of luna any alpha would be fortunate to stand beside.” His tone was soft, but there was steel beneath it-a deliberate contrast to Nolan’s usual bluntness. ” Together, we would be unstoppable p>
Ellie’s heart stuttered. He was serious.
“I’m married,” she pointed out firmly. Her arms crossed defensively over her chest.
“Yes, but we both know you wish you weren’t,” Kieran said simply.
Ellie narrowed her eyes at his words. He was referencing her plan to run away last year, the one she had confided in him in the hopes that he would help her escape. It raised her hackles and put her even more on edge.
“Things change,” she said.
“This didn’t,” he countered easily.
“So what, you’re suggesting a political marriage to you p>
Kieran didn’t deny it. “Why not? The people already admire you. They would admire you more if you were allied with a man they trust. It would ensure your safety and secure my bid for the crown. Everyone wins p>
She let out a short, incredulous laugh. “You make it sound so simple p>
“It is simple,” he said smoothly. “Power is about perception. With you at my side, I gain legitimacy. With me at yours, you gain protection. Together, we gain control.” Ellie shook her head, though a small part of her against her will-considered his words. “You don’t know me well enough to say something like that p>
“I know enough.” His eyes lingered on her face, as though ‘searching for cracks in her defenses. “I know Nolan doesn’t deserve you. I know you’re stronger than anyone gives you credit for. And I know you’ve been hurt, pushed aside, used. I wouldn’t do that to you p>
Her chest tightened. It was too much, too fast, and yet his words landed with disarming precision, brushing against wounds she tried to keep hidden.
2/3
Chapter 122
+25 Bonus
“What you’re offering is no different. You’d be using me, too, for the influence. To take advantage of these ridiculous rumors p>
“But at least I’m honest about my intentions. Besides that, I’m not lying about my interest in you. Surely you feel it too. There’s a spark between us, chemistry. It’s the reason we’re drawn together each time one of these little events is held,” Kieran said, leaning just a little bit closer.
“You should be careful,” she said finally, forcing a smile she didn’t feel. “Flattery might work on some, but I’m not so easily swayed p>
“Not flattery,” Kieran said, setting his glass aside. His voice dropped to a low murmur, intimate despite the crowded hall. “Truth. Think about it, Ellie. Think about what it would mean for you-for both of us p>
Before she could respond, someone called his name from across the room. He gave her a slow bow, eyes never leaving hers, and then slipped back into the crowd with effortless grace.
Ellie stood rooted to the spot, her pulse still racing, her mind a tangle of disbelief and unease.
Kieran was dangerous. She knew it. Nolan had warned her. And yet p>
His words lingered, stubborn as shadows.
A political marriage.
And the terrifying thing was, it almost made sense.
Comments
曲
Support