Chapter 33
Lirael
Morning came too fast. I'd barely slept, my mind spinning through scenarios until I landed on a plan so reckless it might actually work—or get me killed.
If Sebastian wants proof that Lirael and Moonlit Fish are different people, I'll give it to him.
Simple concept, nightmare execution: be in two places at once. Make everyone believe Lirael never left the greenhouse while Moonlit Fish showed up at the facility. His trap would eat itself.
I just need the servants to think I'm still here.
When breakfast arrived, carried by a girl whose hands shook setting down the tray, I saw my opening. Isabella's punishment had everyone terrified—perfect for me.
I grabbed an armful of snacks off the tray, fumbling with them like a kid hoarding candy. Dropped a water bottle, huffed in frustration. Then kicked off my slippers and tossed them at her feet, pointing hard at the door.
Get out. Leave me alone.
Relief flooded her face. "Of course, miss. We'll leave you to rest."
The door clicked shut. I counted to sixty, heart hammering, then moved.
Fuck you, Sebastian. Fuck your tests and your games.
The plants stirred as I approached, responding to the communion I'd spent all night rebuilding despite the collar. The old oak stretched a branch toward me and I pressed my palm against its bark, tears pricking my eyes.
"Thank you," I whispered. "I won't forget this."
Then I was through the vent, pulse screaming in my ears.
One last time. Then I'm done being anyone's pet.
---
The garage smelled like oil and concrete. My hands shook as I changed into the clothes I'd stashed—jeans, jacket, cap. Every sound made me freeze.
Faster. Come on.
The Holo-Skin chip was already calibrated: plain face, forgettable features. I pressed it to my neck, watched my reflection melt into someone else.
Not Lirael. Not Moonlit Fish. Nobody.
Security barely glanced at my fake badge. Outside, sunlight hit me and I almost forgot everything—the clock ticking down, the impossible task ahead. I sucked in free air like it was wine.
I looked up at the sky, squinting against the brightness, and felt something fierce twist in my chest. Before I go play Moonlit Fish, I need to prepare.
The city sprawled before me, full of places to hide, to transform, to become someone else entirely. I had work to do.
I smiled, sharp and wild. "Time to get ready for my debut."
---
Sebastian
The airport VIP lounge was too bright. I stood at the windows watching jets taxi across the tarmac, the antique watch heavy in my pocket—her collar's key, proof of ownership.
She's still in the greenhouse. Marcus confirmed twenty minutes ago.
And yet.
Her racing pulse last night. The way she'd frozen at the mention of the facility. That jasmine scent on her skin. Everything pointed to something my rational mind rejected but my instincts screamed was true.
She's planning something.
Marcus appeared. "The convoy's ready, sir. Dr. Vance is... insistent about identifying the thief."
"I'm sure he is." I adjusted my cufflinks. "And our guest?"
"Ethan just texted. Moonlit Fish confirmed—arriving within the hour."
Moment of truth.
I'd arranged this meeting to force her hand. If Lirael was really just the scared creature in my greenhouse, then Moonlit Fish would be someone else entirely. But if they were the same...
The thought sent dark pleasure through my chest. Then she's more valuable than I imagined. And far more dangerous.
"Full escort," I told Marcus. "Seven vehicles. Onyx Guard in formation. I want everyone to understand who's welcoming Miss Fish."
His eyebrows rose. "Sir, that's usually—"
"I know." I smiled. "Do it anyway."
---
By the time Ethan arrived, nervous and fidgeting, I'd positioned myself perfectly: leaning against the lead car, cigar between my fingers. The Onyx Guard formed lines on either side, liquid silver weapons gleaming.
Ethan stopped short. "Sebastian, this is... quite the reception."
"I believe in good impressions." I let smoke curl between us. "Tell me about this Moonlit Fish. Three years working together online?"
"Right. She's brilliant. Her investment strategies made us both fortunes. Predicted the lunar protein surge six months early."
"And yet you know nothing about her." I watched his face carefully. "No personal details. Just a screen name and bank account."
"She values privacy." Defensive now, protective. Interesting. "That's not unusual in our business."
"No," I agreed softly. "But it makes one wonder what she's hiding."
I took another drag from my cigar, studying Ethan's reactions. He was genuinely fond of this woman—whoever she was. That kind of loyalty was rare in the investment world.
"You said you've worked with her for three years," I continued, blowing smoke toward the tarmac. "But last time—the masquerade ball—that was only your second meeting in person, wasn't it?"
Ethan nodded eagerly. "Yes, exactly. She keeps everything strictly professional. No personal information. I only know she's an investment genius."
Marcus's expression didn't change, but I saw understanding flicker in his eyes. "Yes, sir."
Before I could probe Ethan further, a flash of color caught my attention—a pink sports car taking the corner far too fast, tires squealing as it executed a perfect drift and came to a stop directly in front of our convoy.
Show-off.
The door opened.
She stepped out wearing a fitted blue cocktail dress that showed off long, pale legs—legs I'd recognize anywhere—and a figure that made Ethan's jaw literally drop. Her face was hidden behind an ornate silver mask, dark hair falling over bare shoulders.
But it was how she moved that caught me. Despite the high heels, there was something predatory in her gait, a fluid grace that reminded me of—
Her. My little moon, pretending to be someone else.
"Moonlit Fish!" Ethan rushed forward, nearly tripping. "Welcome to Ark City. I'm so glad you could make it."
She tilted her head, and even through the mask I felt the weight of her gaze as it swept over the scene: the armored cars, the Onyx Guard, me. When our eyes met, something electric passed between us, recognition that made my wolf practically howl.
I know you. And you know I know you.
But the collar's tracker still showed her in the greenhouse. The technology had never failed before. Which meant either the tracker was wrong, or—
Or she's found a way to fool it. Clever girl.