CHAPTER 6
I drop onto my bed with a heavy sigh, sinking into the plush mattress as my eyes trace the intricate crown molding on the ceiling.
The evening shadows dance across the walls, matching the chaos in my mind as I wrestle with the impossible revelation that Prince Knox - my target - is my fated mate.
My fingers absently twist the silver pendant at my throat, a nervous habit I've never been able to break.
"You're acting like finding your mate is the end of the world," Aria's voice cuts through my thoughts, sharp with disbelief.
I mentally roll my eyes, frustration building in my chest at her willful ignorance. "In case you've forgotten, we're here on Jax's orders. Having Knox as a mate doesn't just complicate the mission - it could destroy everything."
"By the Moon's blood, not everything is about Jax!" Aria's voice rises with unmistakable anger. "Face it - you're freaking out about this fucking mission because you've got feelings for him. That's it. That's the only reason." The words hit like a physical blow.
"Hey!" I protest weakly, but the defense feels hollow even to me.
"Wake the fuck up!" Her voice trembles with fury.
"He sees you as nothing but his perfect little weapon.
He knows damn well how you feel about him, and he still treats you like some kid sister he needs to protect.
I won't let you throw away our chance at real happiness for someone who can't even see what's right in front of his face!
" The raw pain in her voice matches the ache in my chest - she only swears when she's truly pissed off at me.
I lie there in silence, the cool morning air ghosting across my skin as her words sink in.
The worst part isn't her anger - it's that deep down, past all my carefully constructed defenses, I know she's right.
The truth of it burns like acid in my throat, but I can't bring myself to admit it out loud.
Unbidden, my mind drags me back to that day in his office - watching him kiss Avery with such raw desperation, like a dying man, and she was his last breath of air.
My heart twists painfully in my chest at the memory.
Desperate to escape the ache, I reach for a different memory, one that once brought comfort but now feels bittersweet.
I jolt awake screaming, my fingers clawing at the sweat-soaked covers. The nightmare still has its claws in me, trapping me back in that blood-stained field where I watched everyone I loved die, the faceless monster forever hidden in shadow.
"Easy there, tiger." The familiar voice cuts through my terror, and I whip around to see Prince Jax standing in my doorway.
The firstborn son of the king, my savior.
Even now, my chest tightens with gratitude for how he took me in when I had nothing left but ashes and nightmares.
I've sworn to spend my life repaying that debt.
"You're safe now," he murmurs, his boots silent against the floor as he approaches my bed. "No one will hurt you here. I promise."
His presence doesn't surprise me anymore. Since bringing me to his manor, he's been here nearly every night the terrors come, keeping watch, waking me before the dreams can consume me completely, staying until sleep claims me again.
The depth of his kindness still leaves me breathless sometimes.
"Thank you," I manage, my throat raw from screaming. I try to push my sweat-dampened hair from my face, but Jax's fingers are already there, gentle despite their calluses.
"Nothing to thank me for, tiger." He tucks the wayward strand behind my ear, his touch impossibly tender. "You're mine to protect." His gray eyes hold mine, deep and ancient as a winter storm, full of secrets I long to understand.
A small smile tugs at my lips as he eases me back down. He pulls the covers up to my chin with careful hands, gesturing for me to sleep. I let my eyes drift closed, clinging to the memory of those storm-gray eyes, using them as an anchor to keep the nightmares at bay.
A sharp knock yanks me from the memory, and the Queen's distinctive scent has me bolting upright, stumbling toward the door. My cheeks burn with irrational guilt as if I've been caught in some act of betrayal, even as I greet her with what I hope is a steady voice.
A sharp knock yanks me from the memory, and the Queen's distinctive scent - roses and vanilla with an undercurrent of power - has me bolting upright, stumbling toward the door.
My cheeks burn with irrational guilt as if she can somehow sense my conflicted thoughts about her son.
I smooth down my wrinkled dress with trembling hands before opening the door.
"Hello, dear." Queen Grace's smile is gentle, her silver-threaded dark hair arranged elegantly around her face.
I force my lips into what I hope passes for a smile.
"I came to invite you to tonight's ball.
I know it's meant to celebrate Knox's return, and you might have.
.. reservations about him, but if things develop as they may in the future, tonight would be an excellent opportunity to familiarize yourself with your potential court and meet the noble families. "
"Oh." The word slips out before I can stop it, my mind racing with implications.
"What do you say?" Her green eyes - so like Knox's - sparkle with barely contained hope, and something in my chest aches at the sight.
"Sure, why not?" I manage a smile that feels more genuine than I expected, my mind already spinning with possibilities.
After all, what better way to help Jax than to position myself at the heart of Knox's inner circle?
Still, I can't quite silence the small voice, wondering if I'm lying to myself about my true motivations.