Chapter 44 Escape
Chapter 44 Escape
Nova tried to avoid Rune after that, but it was nearly impossible under the same roof. She was determined not to let the mate bond win.
She couldn’t keep letting her guard down around him. She didn’t want to give him a weakness to exploit. Lately, she had been enjoying his touch far too much, so much that it was becoming alarming. It was as if his wrongdoings no longer mattered.
Rune, however, didn’t take the hint. He stuck close to her, using Lucien’s presence as an excuse. Neither of them brought up the almost-kiss.
Three days passed.
Nova’s training continued with Rune. Lucien always tagged along despite Rune’s open displeasure. Aside from a few sharp retorts, Lucien seemed unbothered by the insults. He would find a corner to perch in, watching the waterfall and pool or observing them train, then walk back to the house.
By now, Nova had grown used to him. She’d even come to like him. He seemed the most relaxed of anyone she’d met so far. With him like this, it was hard to believe he was the vampire king — apart from his elegant bearing, of course.
Today, while Rune was in his study handling pack matters, she stepped outside for fresh air and found Lucien already sitting in the garden.
“Can I join you?” She gestured to the chair beside him.
He smiled. “It’s your house.”
Nova took the seat gratefully. “It’s Rune’s house.”
“He’s your husband. What is his is yours,” Lucien said simply. He studied her for a moment. “How are you holding up?”
Nova sighed. No one had asked about her feelings in days. “As best as I can.”
“You shouldn’t bottle everything up. I know we were quite ruthless, dumping our world and plans on you like this. But I hope you understand where we are coming from.”
She did. That was why she felt so torn. All this time, she had thought supernaturals were the monsters, but humans were becoming more monstrous than them. Kidnapping people for experiments, regardless of the results, was just inhumane. She understood now that they had feelings too.
“I do,” she admitted. “But I still don’t think waging war against humanity is the best answer. There are too many innocent people out there. Why should they suffer for the sins of a few?”
Lucien was quiet for a long moment. His gaze drew distant. “Indeed. I agree.” His voice was soft. “But the world isn’t fair, especially to the innocent. Innocent people suffer every day.”
Nova sighed. “Nothing I say will convince you otherwise, will it?”
“It’s already set in stone.”
“I won’t give up.”
“Good luck,” he murmured.
They says in comfortable silence, basking in the sunlight. Then Nova asked a question that had been nagging at her for a while.
“That day at the hotel. Why were you so kind to me? It was like you knew me.” She paused. “Was it because I look like Veronica?”
Lucien’s eyes found hers. For a moment, something flickered in his gaze, too quick to read. Then he answered, “You could say that. There was a sense of familiarity. I couldn’t resist.”
“Do you think I’ll destroy the supernaturals like she did? Everyone seems to. I think Rune does too.” She hesitated. “What did the witch sisters say again? That I’m the hinge upon which the war turns?”
Lucien considered her carefully before responding. “I don’t believe in coincidences. I think there’s a reason you’re here at this critical time, but I don’t believe it’s to destroy us.” He shook his head. “You’re nothing like Veronica. But I do know you’re an important factor in this war.”
Nova let out a humorless laugh. “Too bad Rine doesn’t want me involved.”
“The Alpha shouldn’t get a say in how you live your life.”
“But I can’t do anything from here.” She gestured vaguely at the estate around them.
“Then leave.” His voice was matter-of-fact. “I’m fighting for freedom. I don’t believe in trapping anyone to serve our cause. If you want to help, it should be of your own volition.”
Nova chuckled dryly. “That’s easy to say, but look around. There’s nowhere to go.”
Lucien was quiet for a long moment. When he spoke, his voice was low.
“What if I helped you get out of here?”
She straightened in her chair. “What?”
He nodded.
“How?” She asked.
Lucien’s expression remained steady. “I’m the vampire king. I can do whatever I want.” He leaned back in his chair, studying her. “You want to discover yourself. You want to uncover the truth. You want to find where you truly stand.” A pause. “Come with me. Let your heart lead you.”
Nova searched his face, looking for any sign that he was joking. His featured were devoid of amusement — completely serious.
She didn’t know whether to feel relieved or terrified. She’d been looking for a way out since the day she arrived, and now one had presented itself. So why did she feel so reluctant?
“Rune won’t allow it,” she said quietly.
“Obviously.” Lucien waved a hand dismissively. “But who cares? It’s your choice.”
“He would hunt us down.”
Lucien’s lips curved into a faint smile. “I know.” His voice softened. “But maybe by then, you’ll have found what you’re looking for.”
His words settled deep in her chest. He leaned in slightly, eyes fixed on hers.
“What do you say?”