MasukNear the far end of the garden, Tyler was kneeling beside a row of lavender bushes. A basket sat beside him, already half-filled with weeds he had carefully pulled from the soil.Unlike everyone else in the mansion, Tyler never seemed to be in a rush. There was something peaceful about him that Mira had always admired.She took a deep breath before walking towards him. Tyler sensed someone approaching before she even spoke.He looked over his shoulder and immediately smiled."Mira" he greeted. She managed a small smile."Morning."He dusted the soil from his hands before standing. His warm brown eyes studied her for only a second before concern settled over his features."You don't look like you've had a very restful night" he pointed out.Mira sighed."Was it that obvious?"Tyler chuckled softly."A little" he replied. He gestured towards a wooden bench beneath a large oak tree."Would you like to sit?"She nodded gratefully and the two of them walked over and sat beneath the shade
Becca remained frozen where she stood.The baby rested peacefully in her arms, blissfully unaware of the storm brewing around him. His tiny fingers curled around one of hers, his innocent eyes blinking up at her as though nothing in the world could possibly be wrong.Becca's heart tightened then she looked from the child to Eugene. She still couldn't believe what she had just heard."You can't be serious" she said.Eugene stood beside the bed, completely composed as he buttoned the sleeves of his black shirt."I am" he replied. "You actually took Kaelyn's baby and you're keeping him here?" She asked."Yes."Becca stared at him in disbelief."How can you say that so calmly?"Eugene looked at her without flinching."Because I'm not questioning my decision" he answered. She shook her head."No, this isn't right" she said.The baby let out a soft coo, drawing her attention for a brief moment before she looked back at Eugene."She must be terrified. Do you even realise what she's going t
Mira lay on her back, staring at the carved wooden ceiling above her bed as the events of the previous evening replayed in her mind for what felt like the hundredth time.She let out a frustrated groan before throwing one arm over her face."This is driving me insane. I should've found another way in" she said then squeezed her eyes shut."No, I probably would've been arrested" she corrected herself immediately.That thought earned a reluctant laugh.She sat up slowly, pulling the blankets away before swinging her legs over the side of the bed.The room was flooded with soft morning light, but unlike most mornings, she didn't appreciate the peaceful atmosphere.Her thoughts were far too noisy.She rose from the bed and wandered towards the window, pushing the curtains aside. Below, the mansion grounds were already bustling with activity.She rested her forehead against the cool glass."What were they talking about? Why did Desmond specifically ask for Jack? And why did Seraphina and A
A comforting warmth wrapped around Becca's body, making it impossible to remember the last time she had slept so deeply. Her body felt unusually relaxed, every aching muscle from the previous day soothed by what had been an uninterrupted night's sleep.A soft sigh escaped her lips as she remained half-asleep, unwilling to open her eyes just yet.The room was quiet and peaceful.The golden rays of the morning sun filtered through the curtains, painting the bedroom in a soft amber glow. Dust particles drifted lazily through the air, and somewhere outside the large windows, birds sang their cheerful morning songs.Becca slowly stretched beneath the blanket."Mmm..."She rubbed her face against something warm before freezing."Huh?"Her brows furrowed. That didn't feel like a pillow.Still keeping her eyes closed, she instinctively reached forward, her fingers brushing against something very firm, much like smooth skin then muscle.Her eyes flew open. She found herself staring directly at
The heavy iron door groaned as Jack stepped into the dungeon.The stale air wrapped around him instantly, carrying the familiar scent of damp stone, rust and mildew. Water dripped steadily somewhere in the darkness, the rhythmic sound echoing through the underground prison.Jack barely noticed any of it. His attention remained fixed on the man seated inside the cell.Unlike the last few times Jack had visited, Desmond wasn't pacing his cell or wearing his usual smug grin. Instead, he sat calmly on the edge of the narrow cot, his fingers loosely intertwined as though he'd been expecting Jack all along.The corners of his lips curved into a knowing smile."You came."Jack folded his arms across his chest."You gave me little choice" he replied. Desmond chuckled."I wasn't entirely certain you would" he said.Jack's emerald eyes narrowed."I almost didn't. You chose an interesting time to summon me. You called for me while Mira was standing beside me" he replied. Desmond merely smiled.
The moment Jack excused himself from the room after Desmond's unexpected request to see him, something about his expression unsettled her.There was just a feeling about it that had rubbed her the wrong way and she knew she wouldn't be true to herself if she didn't go out of her way to find out exactly what was happening. He had stopped thir conversation when it was obvious she still had more to say, he had spoken normally but there was still an edge to his tone.And even though he had insisted he wasn't hiding anything, there had been something... different, something hidden behind those calm emerald eyes.And she couldn't ignore it."Why would Desmond suddenly want to see Jack?" she wondered, slowing her footsteps as she tailed him through the castle corridors.The dungeon was the last place anyone willingly visited, especially after everything that had happened.Jack walked with purpose, his arms swaying gently as he descended one corridor after another.Mira stayed several metres
The hallways of the mansion carried sound in strange ways. Even when Kaelyn walked with her head down and her steps quiet, she could hear the faint hiss of whispers that silenced the moment she passed. She could hear the rustle of skirts when maids gathered in corners, their words clipped short bu
Mira’s arms ached slightly as she balanced the silver tray of Becca’s snacks. The fragrance drifted upward, soothing and delicate, but Mira herself was anything but calm. Because behind her, Max followed like a stormcloud. “Are you going to ignore me all the way up this hall?” Max’s voice was tigh
The air in the chamber hadn’t yet cleared of the storm that had just passed. Becca stood stiffly, her eyes darting across the room. On one side, Mira lingered near Jack. Though they stood close, there was a cautious space between them, a distance neither of them dared bridge yet, even if their l
The room was too quiet. Becca’s breath caught in her throat the moment the heavy oak door closed behind her, sealing her inside with him. The scent of cedarwood and iron filled the air—Alpha Eugene’s scent, commanding, masculine, suffocating. Her heart pounded against her ribs, fighting between i







