Chapter 17 Chapter 17
Lysandra shook her head, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. — Not really. I wanted to tell you something else. — She paused, as if choosing her words carefully. — I’ve been with Rael. I think you know that.
Selene felt a tightness in her chest, but tried not to let it show. — Yes, I know — she replied, her voice strained.
— But I don’t have feelings for him — Lysandra continued, her eyes fixed on Selene’s. — It was just a momentary attraction. He’s interesting, different… but nothing more.
Selene frowned, trying to understand where Lysandra was going with this conversation. — Why are you telling me this?
— Because I see that, to you, he’s not just that — Lysandra said, with a sincerity that surprised Selene. — You love him, don’t you?
Selene felt her throat close, but she nodded slowly. — I think so — she admitted in a whisper. — But that doesn’t matter. My father will never accept this.
Lysandra took a deep breath. — I know he won’t. Victor would never allow something like that. And if he realizes you’re really involved with Rael, he’ll do something about it.
Selene shivered at those words. — Do you think he would hurt Rael? — she asked, fear rising in her voice.
— Yes — Lysandra said bluntly. — And it wouldn’t be a small thing. Victor is ruthless when it comes to maintaining control. And Rael is closing in on Cedric’s pack. If anything happens, it could trigger a war between the vampires and the wolves.
Selene was silent, processing what Lysandra was saying. The idea of war was terrifying, but the thought of Rael being hurt or worse terrified her even more.
— So, what do you suggest I do? — Selene finally asked, feeling lost.
Lysandra looked at her with an understanding expression. — If you love him, Selene, you should try, but carefully. You need to be discreet. For now, keep this a secret. And know that if Rael is truly with Cedric, he will have protection. Cedric is a powerful alpha, and that might dissuade Victor from acting immediately.
Selene nodded, though a part of her wanted to scream and fight the idea of hiding their relationship. But she knew Lysandra was right. Victor wouldn’t be easily dissuaded, and any reckless move could put Rael in danger.
— Thank you, Lysandra — Selene said, her voice thick with emotion. — I didn’t expect you to come and support me.
Lysandra smiled slightly. — I know I’ve always been a proponent of the rules and the clan, but I also know what it’s like to want something that seems impossible. And in a way, I admire you for daring to defy Victor’s orders.
Selene let out a nervous laugh. — It’s scarier than it looks.
— I can imagine — Lysandra replied. — But if anyone can do it, it’s you. — She stood, walking toward the door. — Just be careful, okay? And… good luck.
Selene watched Lysandra leave the room, feeling strangely strengthened by the conversation. Despite everything, knowing her cousin was by her side, even if only discreetly, gave her a glimmer of hope. She knew she was walking a tightrope, but the love she felt for Rael was something she couldn’t simply ignore or erase.
The darkness of the night seemed more intense than ever, and Selene knew difficult days lay ahead. But at the same time, a flame burned within her — fueled by passion and the desire to fight for what she believed to be true. She would do whatever it took to protect Rael and, at the same time, protect herself and her love. Even if it meant facing her own family and everything she knew.