Chapter 61\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u2013Elara\u2013\u00a0<\/p>\n
I got back to my room, ready to rest for a bit.\u00a0<\/p>\n
:\u00a0<\/p>\n
But I heard footsteps approaching my door, and I didn\u2019t need to guess who it was.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I could tell who it was before I saw the person.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Dad-he walked with his steps measured, deliberate.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cElara,\u201d he said, walking in. \u201cWhat is wrong with you?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat? Have I done anything wrong?\u201d I asked.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He said. \u201cYou need to stop trying to ruin the alliance.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
63\u00a0<\/p>\n
55 vouchers\u00a0<\/p>\n
I didn\u2019t bother looking at him. \u201cWhy? What\u2019s wrong Father? Afraid someone will finally challenge you?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYou have no idea what\u2019ve done so far\u201d His eyes flicked toward me, hard and unreadable. \u201cIf you defy the council, if you resist\u2026 You will be responsible. For more than just yourself. For lives you can\u2019t even imagine.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I lifted my chin, a smirk tugging at my lips. \u201cResponsible? Since when have I cared about rules that weren\u2019t mine?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
He took a step closer, and the air between us thickened.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThis isn\u2019t about you, Elara. It\u2019s about the pack. There are things\u2026 things I cannot tell you, but they depend on your compliance.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I froze for a moment, letting the words sink in.\u00a0<\/p>\n
My amusement faltered slightly. \u201cYou\u2019re scared, Father. Scared, I\u2019ll do what you can\u2019t control.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
He exhaled slowly, calm but dangerous. \u201cFear has nothing to do with it. The pack\u2026 its stability\u2026 hinges on decisions made long before you were involved. One wrong move, and it will all unravel. You need to understand that, even if I can\u2019t explain it fully.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I studied him, hiding the prickling unease inside. \u201cSo, I obey, or the pack suffers. How noble of you.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
He met my gaze, unflinching. \u201cI\u2019m telling you this because I care, Elara. Not for your sake but for theirs. Remember that.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy do I have to sacrifice what I want to please everyone?\u201d I asked.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cElara,\u201d Father says, \u201cI\u2019ve always done everything that makes you happy. This time, I can\u2019t help you because you brought this upon yourself\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cHow is wanting better for myself so wrong, Father?\u201d I asked. \u201cAny other girl in my position would have done\u00a0<\/p>\n
18:35 Tue, Jan 20\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 61\u00a0<\/p>\n
the same\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
::.\u00a0<\/p>\n
63\u00a0<\/p>\n
55 vouchers\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, they would have done the same\u201d Father replied, and my heart rejoiced. \u201cBut, they would have remained where they were not returning to fight for something they had already lost\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you saying I shouldn\u2019t have returned, Father?\u201d I asked, feeling hurt.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, Elara. You went away with someone you wanted, you shouldn\u2019t have returned\u201d he replied.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYou should be on my side, father\u201d I protested my anger rising.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI have always been on your side,\u201d he replied.\u201dThis time, think of everyone else not yourself. For once\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I swallowed, pretending not to shiver. \u201cNoted, Father. But don\u2019t assume I won\u2019t play my own game.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Father didn\u2019t say anything. He turned and left.\u00a0<\/p>\n
No matter what, I won\u2019t let them interfere in my plans.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I\u2019m not backing down until I get what I want and I don\u2019t care who gets hurt.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I took a deep breath.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter who stays by my side, I won\u2019t back down. Even if I have to do the unthinkable\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I made up my mind and walked out of my chambers in search of Lucien.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He\u2019s the only one apart from Cara, who has the same goal as me.\u00a0<\/p>\n
We should team up. To defeat Theo and Kaia.\u00a0<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a win-win situation.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I found Lucien exactly where I expected him to be.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Loitering in the east hallway like a bored prince with nothing meaningful to do.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The moment he saw me, his expression twisted with amusement.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He didn\u2019t even let me reach him before he spoke.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you\u2019re here to cry again,\u201d he said, \u201cI don\u2019t have the patience.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Typical. Lucien always struck first.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Acting like he was something when all he was was a bored prince with no powers.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I steadied my breathing, lifting my chin. \u201cRelax. I\u2019m not here to argue.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
He laughed under his breath. \u201cYou? Not arguing? That\u2019ll be the day.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
18:35 Tue, Jan 20\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 61\u00a0<\/p>\n
I kept my steps slow, controlled. I refused to let him see how badly my insides were burning.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI came to offer you a deal.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
That got his attention. His brows lifted. \u201cA deal? From you? This should be good.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t flatter yourself,\u201d I snapped. \u201cI need something. And you need something too.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
His smirk faded into something more calculating. \u201cGo on.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
This was the part I hated-the part that tasted like swallowing glass.\u00a0<\/p>\n
63\u00a0<\/p>\n
)\u00a0<\/p>\n
55 vouchers\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not asking you to reject me,\u201d I said. \u201cI know the engagement stands. You\u2019ve made that painfully clear.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
He shrugged. \u201cBecause I\u2019m not doing you any favours.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not asking for favours.\u201d I met his gaze. \u201cYou think I want to be tied to you forever? You\u2019re delusional.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
His eyes narrowed. \u201cThen what do you want?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I stepped closer, keeping my voice low. \u201cTheo\u2019s little outcast is becoming a problem. And Theo\u2026 he\u2019s slipping further from me every day. You want power. I want Theo. Our goals align more than you realise.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Lucien laughed, quiet and cruel. \u201cYou want Theo? Sweetheart, he chose someone else. Someone without a powerless wolf. That\u2019s what really burns you, isn\u2019t it?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
A stab cut through my chest, but I held still. \u201cThis isn\u2019t about jealousy.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cEverything you do is about jealousy.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I ignored that. I had to. \u201cI know you, Lucien. You\u2019ve always wanted the throne. Theo becoming Alpha instead of you, his weak heart and all, it kills you.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
He didn\u2019t deny it.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Good.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I guess we both have something on each other. We are heading somewhere.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cListen,\u201d I said. \u201cTheo\u2019s pack is watching him closely. Any mistake, any sign of instability\u2026 they\u2019ll doubt him. You could use that to your advantage. I can help you.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
He blinked, surprised. \u201cHelp me?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYes. You want the throne? Fine. I can help you look like the more stable heir. The more reliable heir. And while the council focuses on you\u2026 I\u2019ll get Kaia out of the way.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Lucien\u2019s smirk reappeared, wider this time. \u201cSo that\u2019s the truth. Remove the girl, get the Alpha.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t need commentary,\u201d I said sharply. \u201cJust cooperation.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
18:35 Tue, Jan 20\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 61\u00a0<\/p>\n
:\u00a0<\/p>\n
63\u00a0<\/p>\n
55 vouchers\u00a0<\/p>\n
He pushed off the railing and stepped into my space, eyes glittering with something dark and hungry. \u201cAnd what do I get in return?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAn alliance,\u201d I said. \u201cTemporary strategy and mutual benefits. You support me, I support you. And neither of us ends up with the future we don\u2019t want.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Lucien studied me for a long moment. Too long.\u00a0<\/p>\n
My pulse thudded in my throat.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Finally, he said, \u201cYou and I have hated each other since we were children.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cNot hate,\u201d I murmured. \u201cCompetition.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Lucien\u2019s smile deepened. \u201cThat\u2019s adorable, coming from the girl who always came second.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Anger flared hot in my chest. \u201cDo you accept it or not?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
He moved past me, brushing my shoulder with calculated disdain.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll think about it,\u201d he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I grabbed his wrist. \u201cLucien-\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
He turned back, smirking. \u201cDon\u2019t worry. If I decide to help you, you\u2019ll know. And if I decide not to\u2026 you\u2019ll definitely know.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
He walked away without another word.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I stood alone in the hallway, my fists trembling with vein-shaking fury.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I could feel the vibration under my skin.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I hated him. But I hate that I needed him even more.\u00a0<\/p>\n
And that was the most infuriating part of all.\u00a0<\/p>\n
AD\u00a0<\/p>\n
Comment\u00a0<\/p>\n
Send gift\u00a0<\/p>\n
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella\u2019s storytelling style is immersive and addictive\u2014perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Shadows Follow Lonely Minds \u2014 Christopher Harris 61 Chapter 61\u00a0 \u2013Elara\u2013\u00a0 I got back to my room, ready to rest […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[80],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-27306","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-the-nightshade-heir-novel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27306","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27306"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27306\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27306"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27306"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27306"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}