Chapter 103: The Beginning of the End

Astrid’s POV

As I watched Lysander walk away, all I could do was remain standing there, with no idea what I was supposed to do next. The only thing I was completely certain of was that it had been incredibly fortunate that Lysander had stopped when he did, because I certainly wouldn’t have been able to—not that time.

I felt cold, empty, and alone. Even so, I couldn’t help but feel deeply grateful to him for leaving me there.

I knew I had nothing left to do at that party, so I simply tried to calm myself and headed straight to my room.

I slipped through a narrow corridor beside the hall when suddenly I noticed a figure walking toward me. Given the number of people at the party, it could have been anyone. I chose to ignore it and continued on my way.

Unfortunately, things wouldn’t be as simple as I had hoped. Soon, I felt that figure grab my arm tightly, forcing me to stop.

—What do you think you’re—? —I was about to question his intentions when he shoved me against the wall and stepped in front of me.

—Be quiet —he ordered firmly from the shadows, placing a hand over my mouth to prevent me from screaming.

The truth was, his actions caught me so off guard that my first instinct was to resist and cry out. Unfortunately, he was far too strong for me to break free, and in the end, I was forced to stop struggling.

I did so with a deep sense of fear about what he wanted from me—what he intended to do.

When I finally focused, I realized it was Patrick.

Unfortunately, I didn’t know if that was a good thing—not after learning what he had helped my father do. I knew I couldn’t trust him.

Even so, regardless of what I felt, all I could do was raise my hands in surrender. He seemed to hesitate for a moment, but eventually released me slowly.

—I need you to help me with something —he said once he was sure I had calmed down and wouldn’t try anything.

He stepped back, fully freeing me.

It was true that I could have screamed right then, drawing the attention of the guards—and Lysander—and revealing that he was there. But I knew that would only harm me. Regardless of the fact that he was a fugitive, hunted for his loyalty to my father, the truth was that I had helped him in the past.

I was just as guilty of my father’s atrocities as he was. And I knew he wouldn’t hesitate to make that known to everyone if I gave him the chance.

Aware of that, I chose to remain silent and at least hear what he wanted.

—Help you with what? —I asked cautiously.

—I need you to help me see your father —he finally admitted, stepping closer again.

—We don’t have time to waste. I must speak with him before anyone notices my presence —he added, grabbing my arm and urging me forward, as if he were certain I would agree.

While it was true that I needed more of my medicine—and that he might be the only one who could obtain it—I wasn’t sure I could do it.

Even knowing that, in Lysander’s eyes, I would be guilty all the same when they were eventually caught.

The truth was, with the chaos of the party, there was a real chance I could lead him to the dungeon without anyone noticing. I trusted I could do it… and yet, I couldn’t.

—Walk faster —he urged, still holding onto that certainty that I would obey him.

He couldn’t have been more wrong.

—I won’t take you to my father. I won’t let you see him —I refused, stopping in my tracks.

—What did you say? —he asked, turning to face me with fury.

—I know what those notes contained now—the ones you tricked me into delivering. And I won’t allow you to try to harm Lysander again —I said, not caring how dangerous it might be.

—You would really go against your father’s wishes? Against his chance to regain not only his freedom, but the power that rightfully belongs to him? All for a cursed beast like Lysander? —he accused.

—He lost his freedom not because of me, but because of the atrocities he committed. They led him exactly to where he is now. And as for power… I would rather he never have it again—not if it means returning to the kind of horrors he was accustomed to —I admitted without hesitation.

—Are you truly refusing? He is your father. He needs you —he pressed, as if invoking that bond would make me change my mind.

It wouldn’t.

—I won’t do it —I repeated firmly.

—Then I suppose I’ll have to force you —he threatened, and I knew he meant it.

Even so, I refused to be intimidated. Giving in would only put Lysander at risk. He had already nearly died once because of me—I would not allow that to happen again.

—Go ahead. I invite you to try —I challenged him, with a confidence I didn’t even recognize in myself.

—Really? —he asked, taking a step closer.

—Of course. But keep in mind that we’re surrounded by wolves with sharper hearing than most. If I scream, they won’t hesitate to come. Are you really willing to take that risk? —I said, not knowing where I found the courage.

—You don’t fool me. We both know no one here cares about you in the slightest —he scoffed.

The worst part was… he was right.

—That may be true. But I’m sure they’ll care enough to come here to stop you —I replied, trusting that he wasn’t exactly well-liked either.

Fortunately, he soon realized I was serious and stepped back.

—I only hope you know what you’re doing. Because a war is about to break out… and you’re standing right in the middle of it. If you’re not careful, you’ll end up in a very bad place —he warned, more than just a simple threat. He sounded certain, as if foretelling my fate.

And the worst part of all…

Deep down, I knew it too.