CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE
+25 Bonus
CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE
Talia’s POV
The moment I stepped into my room, I locked the door behind me and leaned against it, trying to breathe. My skin was still crawling from the encounter in the rose garden. Nn’s eyes, his voice, the restrained force behind his words put me on edge.
He was dangerous. No matter how calm he tried to appear, the truth was in his eyes with every re. There was no warmth, no kindness in him.
I crossed the room to the bed and sat on the edge. My hands were trembling slightly, so I began rubbing them. No,
I couldn’t afford to be afraid. Nn was just messing with my head. I wouldn’t let him get to me.
I reached for my phone and froze. Over a dozen missed calls, mostly from one person: Jason.
I rolled my eyes. Here he came again?
He had sent multiple messages like crazy. Each more agitated than thest. I hated to admit that I found some satisfaction in his distress. However, the most recent message wiped the smile off my face.
Talia, it’s urgent. Meet me at the Breeze Café in Fangvale, please.
Why? What could he possibly have to say after he already screamed at me through the phone days ago?
“Talia?” De’s voice came from the hallway after a light knock. “Everything okay?”
I opened the door, and she stepped inside, already eyeing my phone with suspicion. “What’s wrong?”
“It’s Jason,” I admitted. “He wants to meet at a café in Fangvale. He said it’s urgent.”
De’s expression darkened instantly. “You’re not actually considering it, are you? You said it yourself that you’re done with him.”
“I am. But if meeting him onest time means he’ll leave me alone for good, then it’s worth it.”
She crossed her arms. “Fine. I’ming with you.”
The café in Fangvale was cozy but quiet. It sat nestled between two shops, and despite the peaceful ambiance, the moment I walked in, I already knew this was going to be a waste of time.
Jason was already there. He was leaning back like he had nothing to worry about. Jason smiled at me when he saw me, but his smile quickly turned into a frown when he saw De walk in behind me.
“So much for this meeting being urgent,” De muttered. “He looks like he’s having an enjoyable brunch with his whore.”
Viki sat beside Jason. Her hands were folded over her small bump. She smiled as well, but her eyes were full of fury.
“Talia,” Jason greeted, standing like nothing had happened between us. “Thanks foring.”
I said nothing as I sat across from them. De sat down next to me.
“I was hoping to speak with you alone,” Jason said.
“If Viki can stay, I can stay too,” De snapped.
CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE
+25 Bonus
I could tell Jason wanted to argue with De. I red at him. If he said one disrespectful word to De, I would leave. Jason took a calming breath before sitting down.
“I’ll get to the point,” Jason said smoothly. “My father’s back.”
I frowned. “And?”
“He’s ordered that you return to Shadoww immediately.”
“And why would he want that?” I asked. I remembered how his father hated me. He told me I was a disgrace to his bloodline, so why would he want me toe back?
Jason exchanged a nce with Viki before answering. “You’ve dyed Viki’s Luna ceremony long enough.”
The absurdity of his request almost made meugh.
“So that’s it?” I asked. “That’s your urgent message? You want me to publicly admit she’s Luna or what?”
Viki offered a soft, practiced smile. “Please Talia. We thought you’d want to do the right thing.”
“The right thing?” De scoffed. “You mean fix your and Shadoww’s public image by making it seem like Talia is okay with you being a homewrecker? Are you insane?”
Jason’s gaze hardened. “I’m giving you onest chance, Talia. If you don’te back willingly, you’ll regret staying here. You’ll die in Silverfang.”
My eyes narrowed as I leaned forward. “This is Silverfang territory, Jason. If you threaten me again, I’ll ask Prince Solon to send soldiers to lock both of you up to reflect. Don’t forget whosend you’re standing on.”
Jason’s jaw clenched and he opened his mouth to speak, but Viki interrupted. “Please forgive him. He just… misses you,” she said, cing a gentle hand on his.
Deughed outright. “Miss Talia? Don’t be ridiculous. He’s just doing this, so Daddy doesn’t get mad at him again. He doesn’t care about anyone but himself.”
I stood. “This conversation is over.”
“Talia, please don’t go,” Jason said, standing up. “I don’t want this to escte.”
“And it won’t. You have your Luna. You need to leave me alone now, Jason.”
“You’re making a mistake,” Jason warned. “You’re about to set things in motion that you won’t be able to walk away from.”
“Are you threatening me again, Jason?” I asked, my anger building.
“No, I…”
I turned, walking out with De beside me, refusing to hear anything else he had to say.
Jason called out, “Don’t regret this!”