---- 256.


    BACK HOME NARRATOR "Tt looks like he''s in love with Sigrid." "Even worse, Alessandrewe have a walking time bomb.


    What will happen when she leaves for her world?" They stared at each other in silence.


    The answer was obvious.


    "For now, though, Sigrid has control over him, and we need more strong allies on our side.


    I think the smartest move is to use him, keep him close.


    That man must despise Lucrecia with every fiber of his being." Alessandre calcted his next move, and Renata did the same.


    If Alessandre presented Lucrecia Silvers head to the Queenif he became the hero who defeated the witches, controlled the vampires, and swore loyalty to the crownthen they might ept him as the next King and Renatas husband.


    We cant dy our ns.


    Sigrid could leave at any moment.


    I dont even know if she''ll find the way..." "Love," Alessandre interrupted, the decision already made in his mind.


    "Lucrecia invited me to one of her private parties in a few days." "Disgusting," Renata grimaced in distaste.


    "Exactly.


    But its our opportunity.


    Ill take Sigrid and herpanion.


    Its all or nothing.


    You need toe too, undercover.


    ---- We''ll set a trap for her when her guard is down." "And your father? He could send reinforcements and side with Lucrecia..." "No, Renata.


    Leave my father to me.


    Ill handle him." His gaze left no room for argument.


    Renata sighed and pressed a loving kiss along his jawline.


    she knew the sacrifice her mate was makingfor her.


    Alessandres father was not a good man.


    But he was still his father.


    And now, he had to choose.


    "You wont regret it.


    I promise you won''t.


    We''ll always be together.


    She whispered, straddling him, pushing him down onto the bed.


    Piece by piece, she shed her clothing, and Alessandre watched, entrancedjust like the first time he had ever possessed her.


    Desire zed between them I know, my love.


    I know we''ll always be together." oe SILAS I remained still, gazing at the dark horizon, waiting just waiting for her decision.


    I didnt know what had happened, but I never should have spoken that name.


    ---- I regretted it more than anything.


    The moment I said it, I felt the tension coil in her body, rigid in my arms.


    I tried to fix it, but it was already toote.


    Her eyes...


    when she turned to look at me...


    something had changed between us.


    I could feel it.


    She has never told me about her past.


    What is she doing inside that witchs body? Where is her real one? But one thing is clearSigrid doesnt belong here.


    She has so many secrets.


    And I dont want to ask, because I fear the answers.


    Now, more than ever.


    I can feel itthat the truth will separate us.


    So Id rather live in this illusion.


    My magic calls out to hers, reaching for her essence, trying to entwine with it.


    But now...


    she puts up a barrier between us.


    What did I do? What did 1 do so wrong for you to suddenly reject me? T know.


    I know what you''re doing right now.


    I know youre holding a dagger at my back, a deadly de hovering inches from my spine.


    And I just wait, staring into the distance.


    Ill do whatever you want.


    It will be as you wish.


    Because if you leave meif you walk away from my sideI dont want to live anyway.


    So do what you must.


    I will never me you.