Chapter 185 Chapter 185
Violet
He pressed a finger to my lips, silencing me. When he finally opened his eyes, they were blazing with intensity that made my breath catch all over again.
"Don't," he said firmly. "Don't apologize for my father's cruelty. And don't for one second think I regret what I did."
"But…"
"No buts." His finger moved from my lips to trace the line of my jaw. "I'd do it again. Over and over and over."
My throat tightened with emotion.
I wanted to tell him all about Lady Aurelia's deal, and the complications we were facing. I just wanted to lay everything out so there were no secrets between us.
"There’s something you need to know…" I started, but again he silenced me, this time with a soft kiss that was gentler than the others but no less affecting.
"I can't wait for this wedding to be over," he said against my lips. "I can't wait to leave this place and never come back."
The words echoed my exact thoughts from earlier, and I felt something loosen in my chest. He wanted to escape this toxic place just as much as I did.
"I want to go home," I admitted quietly. "Back to our city. Away from all of this."
"Then that's what we'll do." He pulled back slightly, his hands moving to fix my dress, adjusting the fabric with surprising care given how thoroughly he'd ruffled it moments before.
"After this circus of a wedding is over, we leave. Together."
"Together," I repeated, and it felt like a promise.
His fingers found mine, intertwining with gentle pressure. The simple touch felt more intimate somehow than the desperate kiss had been. A promise of connection that went beyond physical desire.
"I have a surprise waiting for you," he said, and there was something in his voice that made my stomach flutter. "There’s something I've been planning for weeks. But you'll have to wait to find out what it is."
"A surprise?" I couldn't help but smile, the first genuine smile I'd felt in hours. "What kind of surprise?"
"If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise." His thumb stroked across my knuckles, the touch sending sparks up my arm. "But I think you'll like it. I hope you'll like it."
There was something vulnerable in that last statement, something that suggested this surprise meant a lot to him.
"I'm sure I will," I said softly.
He smiled then, grinning from ear to ear and it transformed his entire face. I wasn’t sure what kind of potent medicine the healer had used but I couldn’t complain if he looked this happy and less burdened by the weight of his family's expectations and his father's cruelty.
I wasn’t going to break his heart, wasn’t going to do as his mother asked. I would rather take him faraway where Alaric wouldn’t bother reaching him.
"You should probably go," he said, though he made no move to release my hand. "Before I forget where we are and do significantly more than kiss you."
The heat in his gaze when he said it made my face burn all over again.
"Probably," I agreed, though I didn't want to move. I simply wanted to stay in this bubble where it was just us, where the complications and pain and impossible situations didn't exist.
But he was right. I needed to get back to the ballroom and away from him one last time.
Elijah seemed to sense my reluctance because he squeezed my hand once before finally, reluctantly, releasing it and stepping back.
The loss of his warmth was immediate and unwelcome.
"I'll see you at the ceremony," he said. "Try not to look too happy. People might get suspicious."
I laughed despite everything, the sound bubbling up unexpectedly.
"I'll do my best to look bored."
"Good." He reached out and gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear.
"And Violet? Whatever happens today, whatever drama unfolds or surprises emerge, just remember that we're leaving together after this. That's what matters, right?"
There was an undercurrent of fear and unease in his voice.
“Of course”
Did he expect something again?
“I’ll hold you to it”
But before I could ask, he pressed one more quick kiss to my lips and stepped away, heading back down the corridor in the opposite direction from the ballroom.
I stood there for a moment, trying to collect myself.
But I felt... good. In fact, this day felt like the last leg of a gruesome battle and there was only comfort and peace after it. The hollow feeling in my chest had been replaced by warmth, by hope, by the promise of leaving this place with Elijah by my side.
I found a small powder room nearby and did my best to repair the damage for a good thirty minutes.
I didn’t look as perfect as I had before, but passable.
Anyone looking closely would probably be able to tell something had happened, but from a distance I could pass for a well dressed maid of honor.
Good enough.
I made my way back to the ballroom entrance, my steps lighter than they'd been before. My heart still raced from Elijah's kiss as I looked around.
The ballroom was even fuller now, guests milling about and finding their seats. The band of musicians had started playing soft classical music already.
I spotted Madison and Veronica near the front, already in position in their bridesmaid dresses. They were whispering to each other, their eyes scanning the crowd, undoubtedly sharing juicy gossip.
Cassie stood slightly apart from them, her expression carefully neutral. When she saw me, though, something shifted in her face. Her eyes narrowed slightly, taking in my appearance, and a small smile tugged at the corner of her mouth.
I made my way over to her, trying to look casual and failing miserably.
"You got mauled by a bear?" Cassie asked innocently, though her eyes were dancing with amusement.
"Maybe," I replied, keeping my voice equally light.
Cassie's smile widened. "That bear clearly did wonders for your mood. You actually look happy for the first time today."
“Stop it already” I blushed.
"Ok fine..." Cassie's voice dropped lower, genuine concern replacing the teasing tone. "Is he really okay? I've been worried sick all morning."
"He seems okay," I said quietly. "Better than I expected, honestly. The healer must have done good work."
"Thank the Goddess." Cassie's relief was palpable.
Before I could respond, a hush fell over the ballroom. The music shifted to something more formal, more ceremonial. People rushed to their seats, the ambient chatter dying down to whispers.
It was starting.
Nicole's wedding was about to begin.
And I had no idea that in less than an hour, everything I thought I knew would be shattered.
Author's note: I hope you all love the next chapters ( evil laughter)