Chapter 76\u00a0<\/p>\n
Selene\u00a0<\/p>\n
Lucas stepped forward, falling into place beside me. Behind us, Evelyn shot him a glare. I could practically feel the words she wanted to spit at him, but with the palace walls all around us, she wisely swallowed them and kept walking behind us.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Lucas waited for a moment before speaking, voice low with amusement. \u201cI knew werewolves were liars, but I didn\u2019t expect to see one lie so well that even I almost believed it, despite knowing you were lying.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I shrugged. \u201cThanks for the compliment.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
He clicked his tongue. \u201cI wasn\u2019t complimenting you.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cMm. Sure.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
We walked a few more steps before he continued, his tone drifting into that careless drawl of his.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd beside that, why don\u2019t you want to be that man\u2019s mate? From what I\u2019ve gathered, those people are the royal family. If you become their son\u2019s mate, you could rule the pack and eat whatever you want.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Of course. The food part was the selling point for him.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re right. There are many perks to becoming Adrian\u2019s mate. I could be the Luna of the Mooncrest pack and have someone as perfect as Adrian at my side. But those things would lead to my death.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
He stopped walking, but I didn\u2019t wait for him. I kept moving. After a second, Lucas hurried to catch up, falling in step beside me again.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIs this family related to your deaths in your past lives?\u201d he asked.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYou could say that. That\u2019s why I have to do everything I can to avoid getting involved with the royal family. At least for now until I am strong enough to take revenge on everyone who had a hand in what happened to me.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy waste time?\u201d He shrugged. \u201cYou have me. I can burn the whole pack if you want.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I shot him a look. \u201cLike I said, you\u2019d be giving them an easy death.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cTch.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd stop threatening to burn down things.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
He rolled his eyes but didn\u2019t argue.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I was about to say something else when a maid stepped abruptly in front of me, blocking my path. \u201cGood morning, lady Selene. Do you have time? Princess Avery would like to invite you to her courtyard.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The maid stood in front of me, head bowed so low I could barely see her face, but I could feel the nervousness radiating off her. She waited for my response with stiff shoulders, probably terrified that I would turn her away the way I used to do, back when I was too foolish to know who was truly on my side.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Princess Avery. Adrian\u2019s younger sister. The only one in the royal family I didn\u2019t dislike. I never treasured the way she deserved.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Out of everyone in the palace, she was the only one who had defended me without asking for anything in return. Even when I treated her with coldness, even when I ignored her invitations, even when Sienna whispered her lies into my ears and\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 76\u00a0<\/p>\n
35 youn\u00a0<\/p>\n
convinced me that Avery disliked me, she still stood by me. During moments when the rest of the court laughed, Avery was the only one who stepped forward with her chin high, shielding me even when I acted like a fool.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I didn\u2019t want to stay in the palace longer than necessary. But for Avery, I could tolerate it.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The maid swallowed nervously when I didn\u2019t answer immediately, as if afraid I might snap at her.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cLady Selene,\u201d she said softly. \u201cyou don\u2019t need to worry. Princess Avery only wishes to spend time with you. I promise she isn\u2019t planning anything-\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI know that,\u201d I cut in.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Her head jerked up slightly, surprised.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI was thinking about something else. Let\u2019s go. I don\u2019t want to keep her waiting.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
She looked shocked. She clearly hadn\u2019t expected me to agree so easily. I didn\u2019t blame her. Princess Avery had invited me countless times in the past, and every single time, I ignored her, because Sienna always said I shouldn\u2019t go. And like the naive idiot I was, I listened.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Every time Sienna stopped me from going, she herself left the temple moments later, heading straight to the palace to see the princess, all while pretending she was protecting me. She probably spent those visits feeding Avery lies about me. And still, Avery invited me again and again, as if she believed in some version of me I had never bothered to be.\u00a0<\/p>\n
How foolish I once was.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cO-okay,\u201d the maid finally managed, bowing quickly. \u201cPlease follow me, my lady. I will take you to her immediately.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I nodded and took a step forward, but paused, glancing back over my shoulder.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cCan I ask for a favor before I go?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The maid straightened immediately. \u201cOf course, my lady. Whatever you need.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cMy guard and maid are hungry. Please serve them proper meals.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The maid blinked for a moment, processing the request, then nodded. \u201cYes, my lady. I will make sure they are properly fed.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
She turned to the second maid beside her. \u201cTake them to the kitchen. Tell the cooks to serve them whatever they request.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The other maid bowed deeply and gestured for Lucas and Evelyn to follow.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Evelyn immediately stepped forward, shaking her head. \u201cMy lady, I\u2019m fine. I don\u2019t need food. I should follow you instead\u2014\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I cut her off with a small shake of my head. \u201cNo. I can go on my own. And besides\u2014\u201d I folded my arms and tilted my chin toward Lucas. \u201cI\u2019m giving you a task. Make sure you watch him. Don\u2019t allow him to cause any trouble.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Lucas scoffed behind me. \u201cCause trouble? Me? I am always on my best behavior.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I didn\u2019t even try to hide my eye roll. \u201cYes. That sentence alone is exactly why someone needs to supervise you.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Evelyn straightened like a soldier receiving her orders.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cUnderstood, my lady. I will make sure to carry out your command. Don\u2019t worry, I will watch him like a hawk.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cGood.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Lucas\u2019s mouth opened, clearly ready to defend his honour, but Evelyn simply placed a firm hand between his shoulders and pushed him toward the hallway.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 76\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cLet\u2019s go eat,\u201d she told him in a tone that suggested she was prepared to drag him by the car if needed.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Lucas let himself be herded away, muttering dramatically under his breath about \u201ctiny werewolf hands\u201d and \u201cbeing treated like a criminal,\u201d but he didn\u2019t resist.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Their voices faded behind me as I finally turned to follow the maid.\u00a0<\/p>\n
It didn\u2019t take long before we reached Princess Avery\u2019s courtyard, and the moment I stepped through the archway, I instantly knew I had entered her territory. Unlike my simple courtyard, Avery\u2019s courtyard looked expensive. Everything sparkled, golden lanterns hanging from the eaves, polished marble floors that shimmered, delicate ornaments that glittered even in the shade.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Avery always did love beautiful, and shiny things.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The maid stopped in front of a tall set of double doors and knocked gently before calling out.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cPrincess, it\u2019s me. Lady Selene is\u2014\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Before she could even finish, a distressed voice came from the other side of the door.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cShe didn\u2019t come with you, right?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The maid stiffened. I almost laughed.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Before she could answer, Avery\u2019s frantic voice continued, filled with frustration.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cShe is so frustrating! This is the third time she\u2019s rejected my invitation. I don\u2019t understand! Does she hate being near me that much? We were so close when we were kids, why is she avoiding me now?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The maid swallowed nervously and looked at me, silently asking if she should interrupt. I only shook my head slightly, a small smile tugging at my lips as I listened.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Avery wasn\u2019t finished.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cHonestly, Molly, I really don\u2019t know what to do anymore. What do you think I should do to make her talk to me? Should I use my princess authority and order her to come? No\u2026 no, that sounds too forceful. Maybe I should ask some guards to kidnap her and bring her here nicely. I just want to see her. I miss her beautiful face.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cDid I tell you at the coming-of-age ceremony she smiled at me? I almost collapsed right there. But maybe she wasn\u2019t smiling at me. Maybe she was smiling at someone behind me. Oh gods, what if I imagined it?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
When the maid still didn\u2019t respond, Avery paused.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cMolly? Why aren\u2019t you answering me? Is something wrong?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The maid finally managed to stutter, \u201cP-princess Avery, Lady Selene is-\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
She didn\u2019t finish because the door swung open.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Princess Avery appeared in the doorway with her hair slightly tousled, eyes bright with emotion, and when she lifted her gaze and saw me standing there, she froze completely.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Her eyes went wide. Her mouth dropped open. She looked like someone slapped her out of reality.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She took one tiny step backward.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cM-Molly,\u201d she whispered, staring straight at me, \u201cI think I\u2019m hallucinating. I\u2019ve been thinking about Selene too much. I\u2019m starting to see her everywhere.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Molly coughed loudly, stepping aside.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cPrincess Avery\u2026 that is Lady Selene.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Avery gasped so sharply I thought she might faint.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cW-what. That\u2019s Selene?!\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I bowed my head politely and said, \u201cHello, Princess Avery. It\u2019s nice to meet you.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Avery blinked. \u201cOh gods, that\u2019s her voice. It\u2019s really her.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
36 Vouche\u00a0<\/p>\n
Editorial Board: Our editorial team works behind the scenes to refine each chapter, maintain consistency, and deliver the best reading experience.<\/p>\n
Hope Is Not Optional \u2014 Manuel Flores 76 Chapter 76\u00a0 Selene\u00a0 Lucas stepped forward, falling into place beside me. Behind […]<\/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":[82],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-27870","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-the-ruthless-tycoons-obsession-novel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27870","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=27870"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27870\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27870"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27870"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27870"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}