Chapter 25 It's not what you think

Chapter 25 It's not what you think


Scarlette’s POV

My eyes remained on his for a little too long, like I was forcing myself not to believe those sweet words that had just fallen from his mouth.

I can’t be falling for the words of a traitor.

The thought hit me so hard, causing me to pull away from him instantly.

I could see the confusion in his eyes, but I couldn't dare to stand there for even a second more.

I hurried towards the hallways quickly, my heels echoing against the floor as I moved. My pulse was still uneven, and my chest was tight in a way I didn’t like.

I hate the fact that I keep reacting to him, his touch, his voice.

I couldn't stop remembering the feeling of his breath, which had been too close to my skin. I couldn't help but stop myself from remembering the softness of his voice. And then the concern in his eyes felt too real to be fake.

No.

I shook my head slightly as if it could help me erase those thoughts.

This was exactly how people got manipulated.

Azrael sure as hell knows how to play his cards well.

I pushed the restroom door open and stepped inside. I let out a heavy breath, my hand on my chest that felt a little too heavy to carry itself.

My hand gripped the sink in front of me as I looked up at my reflection. She stared back at me; she looked a little too composed for what was actually going on.

I splashed water on my face time and time again.

'Get a grip, Lani.' I kept chanting those words to myself like a mantra.

The knock on the door made my eyes snap towards the door really fast. I composed myself quickly, keeping my face down to avoid being caught looking like shit.

The door opened behind me.

I didn’t turn immediately. I assumed it was someone else from the gala. Someone who was actually pressed and needed to use the restroom urgently.

But then his voice followed. “What’s up with you?”

My shoulders became stiff instantly.

I looked up slowly through the mirror.

Azrael stood near the entrance, his expression was serious now, the usual calm gone.

My free hand grabbed the dagger strap to my leg, underneath my dress, as I prepared myself for the worst.

“You’ve been talking and acting strange this evening,” he continued, stepping closer to me. “What’s going on?”

I dried my hands slowly before turning to face him fully.

“Drop the act already,” I said, my tone cool. “I know everything.”

He frowned, still putting up that silly little act that annoyed the hell out of me. “You know everything about what?”

“About the threats. The letters. What are you up to? Why didn't you want me to come, and why do you keep trying to distract me from whatever little game you're trying to play?"

“What the heck, Lani? You still believe I was behind those letters?"

"Honestly... I'm as confused as you are. I looked everywhere I could, but I haven't gotten the culprit yet. I have someone I'm suspecting, and I know I should have told you about it, but I had not confirmed it yet. I'm just as clueless as you are. Why can’t you just trust me?”

Trust.

The word almost made me burst into laughter.

Before I could respond, I heard footsteps rush toward us.

Kael appeared at the doorway, his expression twisted the moment he saw Azrael standing close to me.

He stepped forward, positioning himself slightly between us.

“Man, stay within your limit,” Kael said firmly, blocking Azrael from getting any closer to me.

Azrael’s eyes narrowed instantly, his gaze furious. “And who are you to tell me my limit?” he shot back.

“You’re nothing but a Beta obsessed with his Alpha,” Azrael continued, his voice careless and painfully sharp, “And that's why you can't bear to see her with any other man.”

The words hit me like a slap.

Kael’s jaw tightened, and so did his fist.

Before I could react, Kael's fist moved. The punch landed straight on Azrael’s face, causing me to gasp.

Azrael staggered back half a step, then immediately he threw his fist at Kael, too.

His fist landed on Kael's lips, causing his lips to burst open with blood dripping from them.

Kael’s head snapped slightly to the side.

“Enough!” I stepped between them quickly, pushing both of them apart.

“What’s wrong with both of you?” I snapped, my voice low but firm.

Both of them were breathing hard, eyes still locked on each other like wolves ready to tear each other apart.

From the hallway, Brenda’s voice entered the restroom. “Azrael?” she called softly with worry in her tone.

He glanced toward the door.

“Yes, leave!” Kael shot back harshly.

I shot him a look. “Shush… let’s go.”

I grabbed Kael’s arm and pulled him away before the situation exploded more than it already had.

We walked quickly down the corridor until we reached one of the empty guest rooms. I pushed the door open and led him inside.

My eyes scanned around the room before I led him to the bed.

“Sit,” I ordered.

“I’m fine,” he muttered, already trying to move past me.

“Sit.” This time, I made sure my voice left no room for disobedience.

He sighed and sat at the edge of the bed, his face looking like that of a grumbling little child.

Blood dropped from the corner of his lip. Not much, but enough to annoy me.

I went down on one knee in front of him as I opened my small purse. I pulled out a folded towel and dabbed his lips gently.

He flinched.

“I told you, I can handle it,” he said quietly. His hand was holding mine, restricting me from continuing.

“It’ll heal,” he added. “There's no need for all of this."

Of course, he was right. Yet I ignored him and continued cleaning the blood.

I could hear how fast his heart was beating.

"You seem really angry," I spoke softly, my eyes fixed on his.

His throat bobbed, and he shifted again, moving his head slightly away.

“Honestly, your majesty… I can handle it.”

I paused, narrowing my eyes slightly.

“Now you’re the one flinching at my touch,” I said.

He stilled instantly, like I had struck something within him.

For a moment, he didn’t say anything. I watched the way his gaze dropped to the floor.

“It’s not what you think…” he finally murmured.

For a moment, I didn't give a reply, causing silence to envelope the room.

Then I leaned back slightly and gave a small smile.

“I’m just kidding,” I said with a smile.

His head snapped up at my words.

“You know I don’t see you that way,” I started. “And I know you’ll never see me that way either.”

For some awkward reasons, I was staring directly into his eyes when I said those words.

And I saw something.

Something flickered in his eyes, but it was too fast for me to read.