Cassa's POVI stared at my reflection in the mirror, a smile playing on my lips as my eyes sparkled with anticipation. I was wearing a pale green blouse, paired with black jeans, and my hair was elegantly styled in a chignon.As I looked at myself, I couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity. This was the kind of clothing I preferred, the kind I didn't get to wear when I was at his house. I had requested these clothes two days ago, ensuring that it wouldn't raise any suspicions from my grandfather. I had always refrained from wearing dresses or skirts, never owning one unless it was required. Even as a child, the exception was when my mother would dress me up in beautiful outfits. But as I turned fifteen, my taste changed.My grandparents had always indulged me, giving me whatever I liked. I was spoiled in many ways, but that wasn't the reason I couldn't make myself independent. I admitted that I didn't feel close to them, despite their overwhelming love. There were things I disli
Cassa's POV"Seriously?" I raised my voice slightly, my hand clutching the handle of my bag tightly at my side."I'm not kidding," Julius replied, grinning, sitting in the library chair with a closed book in his hand. I stood in front of him, my frustration evident."You agreed to the deal. Why do you want to know why I look sad, troubled, or mischievous? Come on, what are you trying to get into?" I teased, trying to sound reasonable.Julius glanced at the historical book he had brought from the bookstore before we came to the library. I followed his gaze, my eyes landing on the cover—a woman's back facing the viewer, surrounded by soldiers. I scanned the bookshelves, realizing that most of the books were fiction, possibly historical ones.He raised his eyes to meet mine, the smile still lingering on his face. "I'm curious, that's all. You've helped me greatly on behalf of my cousin, and maybe I can help you with whatever it is."Help me with it? I stared at him for a few seconds, sig
Cassa's POVIt was a fine day, yet my heart felt heavy. I was glad it was Wednesday, a day when I could rest and sleep all day, but I ended up staring at the ceiling, lost in my thoughts.I shouldn't have let my mind wander, but it felt like a bomb had exploded inside my head. Promises I needed to break, reasons I had to find.A knock on my door interrupted my drowning thoughts."We need to talk," his baritone voice said.I didn't feel like talking that day, and the previous day had been exhausting with my behavior. I was fine. With a heavy, dramatic sigh, I mustered up the energy to get off my bed and looked at myself in the mirror, combing my hair and tying it up in a ponytail.Opening the door, I forced a smile onto my lips. "What do we need to talk about?" My eyes scanned his outfit for the day, a gray suit and tie, as if he had just come from and returned to work.Then I remembered the trial of his cousin."How did it go?" I asked, noticing the unreadiness in his expression. "Did
Cassa's POVThe ache stabbing through my side jolted me awake, and I groaned, my hand instinctively seeking the source of the pain. Every movement sent searing waves of agony rippling through me, and a feverish heat consumed my body.Struggling to open my eyes, I squinted at the unfamiliar room. Where was I? My head pounded as if a hammer relentlessly hammered against it. Closing my eyes again, the memory of the red-eyed wolf and its silver fur streak flashed in my mind. Had they taken me?My brows furrowed, remembering that the mayor in town had saved me before the ravising werwolf killed me.But where was I?Forcing my eyes open once more, I took in the gray walls, the glass window draped with lilac curtains, and the expensive-looking furniture filling the space. The soothing scent of lavender hung in the air, calming me as I lay upon a plush mattress covered by a soft purple comforter.Gritting my teeth, I pushed myself upright, the pain in my side a constant reminder of my predica
Cassa's POVThree weeks had passed, and I was slowly recovering. In just three days, I'd be able to walk without these damn crutches. Sabrina had been incredibly attentive, constantly by my side, offering words of encouragement even when I couldn't see the light at the end of the tunnel. But despite her efforts, the monotony of being confined to this room was driving me insane. Staring out of the window, unable to move freely, it felt like a prison.I had met Doctor Adam, expecting some old geezer, but to my surprise, he was a good-looking man just a few years older than me. Every week, he'd visit, checking up on my progress and occasionally mentioning my grandfather, Daniel Sullivan. Apparently, my grandfather was one of the investors of the hospital where Adam worked, and Doctor Adam couldn't sing his praises enough. Not that I cared much; I barely knew my grandparents, having left their strict household to pursue my dreams in Los Angeles after secondary."How are you feeling, Ali?"
Cassa's POVJulius's gaze shifted to me momentarily before returning to Astallia. "None of your business, or Catharine's. Tell my sister she'll regret what she's done.""Catharine won't be intimidated, just like her brother. But she did pay me handsomely for the chokehold you gave me. I almost died," she snarled."Lucky for you, I didn't kill you. Now leave, and tell Catharine to bring Sabrina here. I'll deal with her soon enough.”"You didn't change, Julius. So rude.” And with those words, she vanished into a cloud of purple smoke.I gasped, blinking rapidly in disbelief. Was that real? How did she just disappear like that?Julius simply glanced at me before striding away, his footsteps echoing with a solemn promise. I was left standing there, bewildered and without answers, trying to make sense of what had just transpired.I gathered my courage and hurried out of the room, calling after Mr. Montalvo as I walked down the hallway. He was about to turn when I caught up to him."Can I go
Cassa's POVMy eyes narrowed as I scanned the list of tasks I was expected to perform. They were duties I had never imagined myself doing, akin to that of a servant, or worse, a prisoner serving her captor! I fought the urge to crumple the paper in my hand, my nails digging into my palm as I suppressed my frustration.The Mayor had departed for town, leaving two men to guard me. At the bottom of the smooth, finely printed paper, it stated that the rules would take effect once I was fully recovered. Bitterness welled up inside me, and I let out an exaggerated sigh.Pushing myself up from the divan, I approached the stairs but hesitated. An idea struck me—I would explore the house to familiarize myself with my surroundings.It was already noon when I had entered the room, my legs aching from the walk. The house was sprawling, second only to a mansion, and I nearly lost my way if not for Carter, one of the guards, accompanying me. I carried a paper bag delivered by the Mayor's driver ten
"I don't think you understand, this isn't fair," I reasoned, my voice tinged with frustration. "What about my freedom? Why should it be stripped away from me? Just because Montalvo and Sullivan are close doesn't justify taking away my freedom. Saving me shouldn't mean locking me up in here." I gestured with my hands, gesturing at the room around us as if it were the cage I spoke of. His brows furrowed, eyes narrowing as he bore into me. "That's life, Cassa. We make sacrifices for our actions." "A sacrifice? You've turned me into a servant in this house. I wouldn't complain if I still had my freedom. I'll accept the consequences of my actions, but I won't surrender my freedom!" I exclaimed, my fists clenched tightly, trembling with anger. I refused to agree to his terms. Julius let out a sarcastic laugh, which only served to irritate me further. "Your life is paid for with your freedom, Cassa," he emphasized each word, sending a shiver down my spine as he spoke my name. "You can't d