Chapter 30
Kane's POV
After Julian left the meeting room, Stella emerged from behind the curtain.
"Julian's intelligence should be reliable," she said. "Based on information gathered from various sources, the Blood River Pack is preparing to launch a major war."
Victoria frowned. "That can't be right, can it? Now that they've lost their fire element, they still dare to start a war? Isn't that suicide?"
Stella sneered. "Quite the opposite. A pack that's lost its elemental power can only mask its weakness through constant warfare and chaos. Once they settle into peace, the surrounding packs will eventually notice something's wrong. But this is precisely our opportunity..."
"Very astute, Lady Stella," I said.
She turned to me. "The Thorn Chain is continuously draining the fire element from that little Omega's wolf spirit. Before long, my Dark Flame will become powerful enough to rival the five primordial elements. When that happens, Julian's ice element will be nothing to fear!"
"It's obvious that Ella is trying to escape through Princess Fiona," I said.
"Such a transparent scheme—as if we'd let her slip away," Stella scoffed.
Victoria clung to Stella's arm, acting coquettish. "Mother, I don't like that slave. She's always looking at Kane with those eyes."
Stella's gaze moved between Victoria and me, her lips curling into a knowing smile. "My dear, men always have their inexplicable obsessions. But don't worry—" She patted Victoria's hand. "Once I've drained the elemental power from her body, we'll just kill her."
My expression darkened. Kill Ella?
I could sacrifice her for revenge, use her, even hurt her—but she couldn't die.
Absolutely not.
At that moment, the shadow witch Uma materialized from our shadows.
"Report," Uma said. "Julian is probing that Omega's consciousness realm."
Stella's face changed. "Kane, get over there now! Don't let Julian ruin our plans!"
Without another word, I rushed toward the servants' quarters.
Princess Fiona was pacing outside the door, her eyes evasive when she saw me.
"Where is Julian?" I demanded.
"Brother Kane, don't—" Fiona tried to stop me, but I ignored her and pushed the door open.
The scene before me made my blood freeze.
Julian and Ella were lying on the bed, him positioned over her in an unmistakably intimate pose.
My Ella—her eyes were closed, her chest rising and falling, her whole body looking as if...
"Brother," I said through gritted teeth, "how desperate are you that you'd fuck my servant in the maids' quarters?"
——
Ella's POV
In my dazed state, I vaguely sensed arguing voices outside, the sounds muffled as if underwater.
When I struggled to open my eyes, the first thing I saw was Julian's face. He was right above me, his profile impossibly perfect in the dim light. I could feel his chest against mine, that warmth and weight making me momentarily disoriented.
Honestly, I was a bit starstruck in that moment.
But that distraction was quickly shattered by an enraged shout.
"Get the fuck off her!"
Kane burst in, looking ready to kill. He grabbed my wrist and yanked me out from under Julian with such force that pain shot through my arm.
"The East Wing has plenty of maids for you to enjoy," Kane snarled at Julian, "but you just have to fuck someone else's, don't you?"
Julian sat up unhurriedly, adjusting his collar with that infuriatingly calm smile. "She tastes quite good. No wonder my brother is so reluctant to let her go."
That comment was like a match to kindling—Kane's face flushed red, his entire body trembling.
"Enough!" Fiona suddenly rushed in, positioning herself between Kane and me. "Brother Kane, I can't stand by and watch you abuse Ella like this! I'm taking her with me!"
"This is none of your business, Fiona!" Kane said coldly.
"How is it not my business?" Fiona's face reddened. "You already have Victoria! Why are you restricting Ella's freedom? You know Brother Julian likes Ella! Why are you trying to keep them apart?"
At those words, my entire body went rigid. My cheeks burned, and I wanted to find a hole to crawl into.
What did she mean by "keep them apart"? Julian and I had no such relationship!
This princess really had a gift for shocking statements!
Just then, the temperature in the room suddenly spiked, and an oppressive presence filled the space.
Stella entered, her face arranged in a respectful smile as she nodded slightly to Fiona and Julian. "Your Highness, Crown Prince, forgive my bluntness, but you cannot take this girl."
Julian looked up at her, his tone bland yet edged with danger. "Lady Stella, power that doesn't belong to you—the more you borrow, the worse the backlash. You should understand that better than I do."
Stella's smile froze for an instant before her voice took on a colder edge. "You worry too much, Your Highness. This slave once saved Kane's life in Blood River territory. Naturally, we must take good care of her. After all—" She paused. "Repaying kindness is the Vane family motto."
Julian's tone turned sardonic. "I've never seen anyone keep their savior as a slave. Is this how the Vane family repays debts?"
The atmosphere instantly became charged with tension.
Stella turned to Fiona, her voice softening. "Your Highness is kind-hearted—a blessing to all of Silver Moon. However, this slave is of lowly status and hardly worthy of your attention. Moreover—" She glanced at Victoria's slightly rounded belly. "My daughter has just conceived, and the household affairs are demanding. We simply cannot spare these servants. I hope Your Highness and the Crown Prince will understand."
Julian stood, his gaze sweeping between Kane and me before settling on Stella's face.
"In that case, I won't intrude further." He looked at Fiona. "Let's go."
"But—" Fiona started to protest, but Julian silenced her with a look.
I watched them turn and leave, despair welling up inside me.
Only Kane, Victoria, Stella, and I remained in the room.
I knew that this time, no one could save me.