---- Bingo.


    Thats exactly what I wantedthe chance to free that ve at one of her disgusting little secret parties.


    looked at him, full of suspicion.


    He was either way too observant and smart, or I''d been way too obvious.


    "Dont worry, dont distrust me.


    I know very well we all have ambitions.


    If you take down Lucrecia, your family will be the most powerful in witchcraft," he said So he thought I was doing this out of a thirst for power.


    "T dont know, Mr.


    d.


    Your family seems pretty tied up with the Silvers, and you''re just going to hand Lucrecia to me on a silver.


    tter?" "My parents are my parents.


    Im me," he shot back firmly.


    "Believe me, Ive got something very important to lose, so Ill keep my word.


    Ill give you the chance to scheme against Lucrecia Silver, and in return, all you have to do is say youre my fiancée and attend some social events with me.


    Thats it.


    Do we have a deal, Miss De Croix?" He extended his hand.


    Goddess, I was ying with fire.


    This was a dangerous gambleit could bea trap.


    I drilled him with my gaze.


    I didnt trust him.


    Something told me this man was hiding too much.


    ---- Why were the royal guards after him? Where was Selenia? What was with all the secrecy? "We have a deal, Mr.


    d.


    But if you betray me..." I won''t if you dont," he said, gripping my hand with strength and confidence.


    Td just sealed a risky deal, and I had no idea how it would end.


    Get dressed and leave through the west side of the forest surrounding the mansionits the safest route.


    I''ll send your coachman to your familys estateter.


    After that scene you made, you can be sure they''ll be waiting to ambush you." "Thanks," I nodded, grabbing some clothesjust a ck skirt that I slipped under the corset of my shredded dress.


    I stepped out onto the balcony and stood at the balustrade, my boots grazing the edge under the full moon that lit up the miles of gardens and forests.


    You know where to find me now, fiancé," I said mockingly.


    When my family hears about this, they''ll either dieughing or skin me alive.


    I jumped into the void, into the nights freedom, into the chill of the air, and transformed with magic into an owl soaring through the skies.


    I''d find a safe refuge in the deep forest and contact my family tonight.


    ---- My heart beat with both excitement and worry, consumed by my stormy emotions, unaware that I was already being hunted by a being far too powerful, even for me.