Page 8 of Of Shadow and Moon

The creatures came quickly. I ran, tripped, fell, and got back up, over and over again. My small body was no match for the forest's terrors. I scraped by, hiding in hollows, climbing trees, using every ounce of cunning and strength I had. When I finally stumbled back into Alexander's office, bloodied and near death, he merely nodded and said, “Good. Go shower, you smell.”

The carriage pulls to a stop outside The Citadel. Alexander disembarks first, and I follow, my mind a whirl of emotions. Inside, the familiar halls feel colder, more foreboding.

Before I veer left and Alexander takes the right, his hand shoots out, gripping my arm in a vice-like hold. His coldeyes lock onto mine as he leans in, his voice a low, dangerous growl. “Don’t fuck this up, Selestina. You’re already on thin ice. I’ll be in touch soon with your next instructions.”

Before I can respond, he leans closer, his lips brushing my cheek in a calculated move that lingers far longer than necessary. The gesture isn’t affectionate, it’s a claim. When he finally pulls back, his lips twist into a smirk that makes my skin crawl.

I nod sharply, swallowing the retort bubbling at the back of my throat, and turn to leave. His grip tightens, yanking me back just enough to keep me in his orbit.

“And one last thing,” he says, his grin stretching into something wicked, something feral. “Remember who you belong to. You. Are. Fucking.Mine.Don’t forget your place, Selestina.”

The words hang heavy in the air as he lifts my hand, pressing a kiss to my knuckles. My jaw clenches, the effort to keep my anger in check almost unbearable.

“Yes, sir,” I seethe, forcing the words out through gritted teeth.

His grin widens, his pupils dilating as though my barely concealed fury but complete obedience is exactly what he wanted. “Good girl,” he murmurs, his tone dripping with smug satisfaction. “You’re dismissed.”

He releases me, backing up slowly. Alexander gives a sharp but subtle nod before walking off. Whistling with no care in the world. I spin on my heel and walk away, my fists clenched at my sides.

The worst part? He’s right. He does own me. But that doesn’t stop me from wanting to shove his smug grin straight up his ass.Hijo de puta.

I walk to my room, each step heavy with the weight ofthe impending journey. I need to pack. Clothes, weapons, supplies—everything I will need to survive the forest again. I’ll have to buy some new supplies and food before I leave, but nothing will be open until tomorrow, which is fine. My hands move mechanically, shoving items into my bag, my mind still replaying everything that has happened in the last 24 hours.

As I zip up my bag, I glance at the sky. Daybreak is hours away, but the idea of waiting here any longer is unbearable. The walls seem to close in on me, suffocating. I sling the bag over my shoulder and leave my room, moving silently through the corridors.

As I approach the back door, my gaze snags on Diego. His eyes widen slightly as they dart to my satchel, lingering there for a moment before slowly meeting mine. There’s something in his expression, a fleeting look I can’t quite place—maybe longing, maybe regret. Before I can try to figure out what is going on, he turns sharply and walks the opposite direction.

I release a breath I hadn’t even realized I was holding. He knows. The weight of that realization settles heavily over me. He knows exactly what I’m doing. That I’m leaving early, slipping away before anyone else notices. I mean, I knew it, but now it’s just confirmed. Why does he cover for me? I shake my head because whatever.

Fuck him and his need to be a lap boy for el cabrón.

I mean, Alexander.

The night air is cool and crisp as I step outside, the city shrouded in a peaceful silence. There is a tavern in the outer city. Somewhere that I am hoping is so beneath Alexander, he would never suspect I frequent. It is a familiar place, a refuge of sorts. All kingdoms have some sort of version of it.

The walk isn’t too long, and I get there within an hour.

The tavern’s door creaks as I push it open. The scent of ale and roasted meat fills the air with the low hum of conversation. I scan the room, my eyes settling on a table in the corner. I don’t make one step inside when my boot hits a piece of broken wood floor and I fly towards the ground.

Strong hands grip me around the waist, halting my fall.

I look up and I swear my brain is short-circuiting. Before me standsthemost beautiful man I have ever seen in my life. His long black curly hair cascades over his shoulders with dark tanned skin. Ice-blue eyes gaze down at me with a mischievous smirk playing on his lips.

Do I speak? Do I keep standing here pretending that my jaw isn’t on the floor?

“Careful there.” His voice is smooth and velvety, sending a shiver down my spine. “Wouldn't want you to hurt yourself.” He wears a smirk that is absolutely fatal. And oh boy am I in trouble.

His hands linger on my waist longer than they should, and it takes everything in me not to squirm under his touch. His hands are warm and keep me steady. I straighten up, brushing off imaginary dust to give myself something to do. “Thanks,” I murmur, though my voice comes out sharper than intended. A flush creeps up my neck and spreads to my cheeks, and I hate the way it betrays me.

“I’m glad I was here to catch you,” he replies smoothly, his tone teasing. He takes a step back, but not before his gaze sweeps over me. His eyes linger in a way that’s far too knowing. His lips curve into a slow, lazy smile. “I’m Rafael,” he says, extending a hand.

I glance at it, arching a brow. “Gabriella,” I lie easily, slipping my hand into his. His grip is firm but still warm, and the way his thumb brushes the back of my hand feels way too good. My instincts scream at me to pull away, but Idon’t. I hold his gaze instead, daring him to drop the charm.

“Let me buy you a drink,” he says, his voice dripping with confidence. It’s a bit infuriating, and yet I’m far too intrigued by it.

I tilt my head and smile. “He saves me and he’s a gentleman?” Thank fuck, this night is turning out just how I wanted it to.

His smile widens, charm oozing out of him. “Hey. What can I say? I am full of surprises.”

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