---- I could almost feel it swirling around him, casting a ck veil of shadows.


    ss, what are you doing here sote...? I asked cautiously, bracing myself for any violent reaction.


    Who is she? His voice was a low growl, dripping with a dark resentment Id never heard from him before.


    ---- I sighed, removing my heavy cloak and draping it over her.


    When it settled on her shoulders, she went rigid.


    M-mistress...


    she whispered, her red, tear-filled brown eyes peeking from beneath longshes.


    My heart ached for her.


    as long as youre loyal and obedient, I wont treat you badly.


    Do you understand? I said coolly, but without speaking to her as if, she were just a piece of meat.


    She nodded, though not very convincingly.


    She probably didnt believe me.


    It didnt matter.


    I''d keep her as my personal maid or something like thatpretending to care while keeping her safe.


    At this rate, I was going to end up running a refuge, but I just couldnt turn a blind eye.


    Come on, I ordered, and as I turned to climb the grand staircase, Trealized someone was waiting at the top.


    Tlifted my gaze, knowing it was Ss, even with his body cloaked in the shadows of the night, the moon barely glimmering in the sky.


    Twas startled for a second by the seething hatred in his eye.


    But he wasnt looking at mehis gaze was locked on the new ve.


    The dark magic inside him was out of controlraging, suffocating, cold, andced with bloody, murderous intent.


    ---- She caressed my face like a loving mother, and for a second, our eyes locked.


    I didnt know if shed figured me outit seemed like she hadnt but either way, I didnt trust this cunning witch one bit.


    Take her with me and cover her up.


    I dont like everyone staring at my belongings, I ordered coldly to one of Morganas servants, and he dragged the crying girl out, finally freeing me from the worst dinner of my life.


    Just before I stepped out, I heard the cries of two babies and nced back to see Morgana approaching some nannies who were carrying two small bundles.


    She took them, one in each arm, and it was the first time Id seen her look at anything with even a hint of warmth.


    I''d forgotten Morgana had two heirs.


    After raping so many elementals and killing countless failed little ones, she''d finally produced her perfect twins.


    ad Leave her here.


    You can go, I dismissed Morganas ve as soon as we arrived at my inner courtyard.


    They''d barely thrown a sheer, translucent robe over the girl because thats what she was to me, just a girl.


    She shivered violently, her teeth chattering from the cold.