Chapter 49

**Cassian & Theon**

Cassian found Theon in the eastern courtyard, toying with a blade, his posture rigid, distracted. Cassian’s approach was casual, as if they were merely acquaintances crossing paths.

“Theon,” Cassian greeted.

Theon’s eyes flicked up, guarded. “Cassian.”

They exchanged small talk, veiled jabs and pleasantries, before Cassian cut to the chase.

“Do you still care about her?” he asked.

Theon's jaw tensed. “Freya?”

Cassian nodded. “Because if you do, it’s time to prove it. Tell me what you know. All of it.”

Theon hesitated, but then something broke. Maybe it was guilt, or maybe it was love, twisted and forgotten.

“I once found him,” Theon whispered. “My father. In the cellar laboratory. He was working with something—some kind of serum. Dropping it into blood vials. Said it would make us stronger.”

Cassian’s brow furrowed. “Freya?”

“I don’t know. But she was always weaker after their ‘tea sessions.’ He always made her drink it in front of him. Never alone.”

Cassian’s hands curled into fists. “He drugged her?”

Theon nodded slowly. “I didn’t realize it then, but now... a lot of pieces are starting to fit together. Things I saw, things I ignored—they all make sense now. He always said she had *potential*, but she needed to be controlled. Once, he told me... the only good thing about her was her blood.”

Cassian’s rage was a storm barely contained. “Why didn’t you stop him?”

Theon’s voice cracked. “Like I said, at the time I didn’t see the threat... or maybe I just didn’t want to". He turned his eyes away and exhaled shakily. “That’s all I know.”

Cassian narrowed his eyes. “Would you show me the laboratory?”

Theon gave a hesitant nod. “Yes. I’ll take you there.”

**Dorian & Selene**

Selene arrived at the palace garden in a swirl of silk and perfume, her hair braided with blue ribbon, cheeks flushed with the assumption of romance. The servant had told her a prince awaited her.

Finally, the prince had noticed her she was genuinely happy.

“Oh,” she breathed, eyes wide. “Your Highness…”

He smiled, leaning against the marble archway, every inch the charming royal. Inside, he was screaming.

“I’ve been meaning to speak to you,” he purred. “You’ve been on my mind.”

Selene beamed, flattered beyond reason. “Really? I mean… I always thought you looked right through me.”

“On the contrary,” Dorian said, offering her his arm. “You shine, Selene. Like moonlight. I simply had to know more.”

They walked slowly, and Selene—giddy and naïve—spoke with a looseness only a fool could muster.

“I always thought Freya didn’t deserve your attention,” she began. “She was so… strange. And Father, well, he did his best. But she was wild. Ungrateful.”

Dorian kept his voice gentle. “I’ve heard rumors. That he was cruel to her.”

“Yes, he was, but she needed firm measures. That girl was wild, untamable. She had to be controlled. But as Father always said—at least her blood was useful. Isn’t she *awful*?”

Dorian’s jaw clenched. “Terrible.”

“She used to scream during the night, you know? Said he made her drink things. But I’m sure it was for her own good. He wanted to tame her. She had… urges. That blood of hers.”

She laughed, a cruel little sound. “I think Father hated her because she reminded him of her Mother. She had power he couldn’t control.”

Dorian’s stomach churned, but he smiled like she’d recited poetry. “Fascinating.”

Selene giggled, believing herself clever. “You know, I always hoped you'd see me. Now that she’s out of the picture... maybe you finally have.”

He took her hand, kissed it softly, and whispered, “You’ve shown me more than you know.”

She blushed, already spinning fantasies in her head.

But as he turned to leave, his face dropped the mask. His hand was shaking.

Her blood.

That was what this was about.

And he would find out exactly what they had done to her—no matter the cost.