CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & EIGHTY TWO
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CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & EIGHTY TWO
Talia’s POV
Michael’s demeanor changed almost immediately after Nn spoke.
His shoulders eased and his expression smoothing as if he had simply flipped a switch. It was unsettling how quickly he adapted. Michael had always been unpredictable, but this change was disturbing.
“War would serve no one,” Michael said after a brief pause. His voice was calmer now, almost appeasing. “Shadoww has already suffered enough instability.”
Nn did not respond. He watched Michael carefully. I could tell through our bond that he too was suspicious of Michael’s mood change.
Michael turned his attention back to me. “Princess Talia, my earlier reaction was… impulsive. I apologize for it.”
I kept myself from rolling my eyes. He meant every word. Michael was only doing damage control because he had not expected
Nn to be here.
“If Shadoww is to avoid unnecessary bloodshed,” Michael continued, “then a proper transition must be handled with order and transparency. I will arrange for a full assembly tomorrow.”
My surprise must have shown on my face because he quickly added, “At that assembly, I will exin the situation and formally transfer leadership of Shadoww to you, under the Alpha King’s authority.”.
This was too easy.
I had expected resistance, but Michael was barely putting up a fight. We needed to be careful moving forward.
“I agree,” I said carefully. “A full assembly is appropriate.”
Michael nodded and said, “Then it is settled. Until tomorrow, you and your party will be treated as honored guests.”
Michael turned and gestured to one of the omegas standing nearby. “Prepare quarters for Princess Talia and Alpha Nn and their guests. Ensure their needs are met.”
As omegas moved into action, Michael took a step back. His gaze lingered on Nn a moment longer before he turned away. Only once he was gone did I release the tension in my body.
The omegas guided us to our rooms. Everything looked the same as I remembered, and yet it felt entirely different now. This ce was no longer Jason and I’s domain. Michael had quickly changed the decorations to suit his taste, but all of that would change. Soon, it would be mine.
Our quarters were spacious and well-appointed, just like I had designed them to be when I was Luna. Dinner arrived before we could even get a moment to dpress. Trays were set on the table and the omegas retreated immediately.
Marco immediately went into action as he searched for any hidden cameras or microphones. Henry assisted with the search,
Before anyone could sit, I spoke. “I want guards stationed outside Jason’s cell at all times. No one approaches him without my authorization.”
One of the guards bowed and left immediately to carry out the order.
I turned to Henry. “You’ll dine with us,”
Henry hesitated only a fraction of a second before nodding. “Yes, Princess.”
We took our seats. The food was untouched for a moment as I gathered my thoughts.
“Starting tomorrow,” I said, meeting Henry’s eyes, “you answer only to me.”
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & EIGHTY TWO
+25 Bonus
Henry did not look surprised. He straightened slightly in his chair. “Understood. I will follow yourmands.”
Nn leaned back, watching the exchange with quiet approval. Marco remained rxed but alert, his attention flicking asionally toward the door as if he expected trouble to walk in at any moment.
“Before we eat, we need to make sure it’s not poisoned,” De said. “Since you know Michael is good for that kind of thing.” “He wouldn’t dare,” Henry said.
“Yes, he would,” I responded. “If he thought he could get away with it.”
De took out a small bag filled with what looked like white powder and said, “Leslie gave me this. She said all I need to do is sprinkle the herb on the food. If it turned a different color, it would mean the food was poisoned.” She sprinkled it on the food and in our drinks. Thankfully, the powder did not change colors.
“I am d he wasn’t foolish enough to try to poison us,” Marco added.
As we began to eat, Nn spoke. “Michael’spliance came too quickly.”
Henry paused mid-bite and said, “You’re not wrong. It was unnerving how fast he switched his tone.”
“Men like him rarely surrender power without attempting something,” Nn continued.
I set my fork down. “What are you thinking?”
“During tomorrow’s assembly, he’s going to retaliate,” Nn replied. “I don’t know what he ns on doing, but there will be a fight. Henry, do note to the assembly unless we contact you first. Stay with the guards near Jason until you receive direct orders.”
Henry nodded. “Understood.”
I felt tense. I expected a battle when I got here, not this passive aggressive version of Michael. Creeping unease had curled into my stomach.
De noticed it immediately.
She reached across the table and squeezed my hand. “Tomorrow will settle everything,” she said softly. “Once the transfer is done, Shadoww will be yours, and you’ll be able to move on and start the new chapter of your life in Bloodmoon.”
I forced a small smile. “I hope you’re right.”
De nced toward Nn and Marco. Both appeared calm, almost unbothered. They looked confident as if no matter how things turned out tomorrow, they would be able to handle it.
Nn smiled and said, “Look at them. They would never let anything happen to us.”
Marco chuckled quietly. “You’re not wrong.”
By the time we were done eating, I felt more rxed. I listened to Marco and De talk about what they nned on. It allowed me to ignore what we would have to deal with tomorrow if only for a little while,
Eventually, De pushed back her chair and stood. “We should rest. Big day tomorrow.”
She grabbed Marco’s hand and tugged him toward the door. As she passed Nn, she winked exaggeratedly. “You two should do the same.”
My face flushed instantly as the implication sank in-I and Nn would be sharing a room tonight.