Out of the chaos around me, as the presenter moves to the next person to present their speech, the queen's gaze haunts me the most.I shouldn't have told her about the vibrator, our relationship, or anything between Adrian and me because then...she wouldn't look at me as if I were the most pitiful being on earth.I mean, so what if I came from a place I have never before? So what if my flesh is still twitching, and all I feel is dirty and guilty for not feeling bad for the girl who just collapsed while giving her speech—a speech she might have spent an entire week preparing for all I know? So what if I have this gnawing feeling that her collapse was staged—even though a speech like that would mean the world to any graduating student?That doesn’t make me pitiful.Without a word, I turn away from the commotion and head to the washrooms.The dress is heavy to lift, especially with one hand as the other pulls the still vibrating device out of me.It slides easily, delightfully grazing th

**Trigger warning: Drug abuse and Violence.**'What are you proud of, princess?'Again, Beta Leon's words play in my mind as I admire the sleek comfort of the Alpha’s car.My own, is in mother’s name, and I am uncertain as to whether she would let me return with it, so rather than risk it, I took the Alpha’s.Did he, like his Beta, have a car he saved up for? I know he is fond of the blue one; hence I took the SUV, but what did it mean to him?Was it like the tattoos up his arm? Did it hold a meaning so tender that he couldn’t tell ‘a Clive’?A sigh escapes my lips before more floods my mind.‘Call me Adrian when Elaine or anyone else is around.’Why would he say that? He has never permitted me to call him Adrian, even in my past life. Is it because he sees Elaine as a woman and wants to deter her by having us seem close?Why would he want to seem close to me though…guilt for the gala, or sex?It shouldn’t be sex; we are done in that sector, and plus, wouldn’t it feel better with his

The wounds on my body are fully sealed; I am not bleeding anymore. The bruises have vanished, but the scars will remain for a day or two.The only problem is my hand.Fixing the dislocation was easy, but that's not saying much for the broken bone.I slide down the tub filled with warm water and open my eyes from beneath.The ceiling seems to move with the ripples of the water, almost as if it were not real; hell, I would give anything for this to be a nightmare I haven’t woken up from.The longer I hold my breath beneath the water, the more my lungs burn.But I like the burn because, like this, I feel as if I can turn off the world.As if I were in control and in just a second, I could disappear.In the woods...I didn't want to die.Was it a survival instinct? Because I don't mind it so much now...What about in the future? When I leave Ketria, will I still feel this way?No, I’ll have Elle.The thought brings me to the surface of the water. The air rushing to my lungs chokes me.Elle

His eyes lower to my lips, no doubt perplexed by the smile that I cannot seem to keep at bay.It could be my imagination, but his face draws closer to mine, and his grip on my neck lessens, not that it matters; I am already certain his hand will leave a bruise that will again keep me indoors for longer than I wish."Mua..aas."The instant I pry the name from my constricted throat, his grip opens. If it were not for the door’s support, I would have crumbled to the ground.A series of coughs escapes my lips as oxygen rushes into my airway.He doesn't apologise. He doesn't even feign concern; merely waits for my coughing to subside and then tilts my chin to meet his face.He wants to issue a warning, I can tell.I despise how his height permits him to look down on me with ease; it's even worse that the coughing has wet my eyes.I must look pathetic in his gaze."Did you like that...me calling you Muaas as she does. Or do you hate it from my lips because I am not below the age of eighteen

"I don't need pink roses in the gardens that face my room."I utter loudly as I step outside, my heavy breath condensing in the air’s cold.I should have grabbed a coat, but the sun’s rays shone too deceitfully for that to cross my mind."And good morning to you too, Princess."Beta Leon utters as he shuts the door to his truck after pulling out a few documents.Despite the shuddering breath that leaves me, he seems fine, dressed only in a plain grey t-shirt that rests straining against his muscles and some old brown pants."Couldn’t you find something better to wear?"Ah shit...I didn't mean to say that out loud."For gardening?"He asks, genuine confusion creasing his brows."You ask that as if you plan on doing the digging alone.""Not alone, but I do plan on doing some digging.""Why? Don't you have other responsibilities to tend to as a Beta, as opposed to playing gardener?"A smile creeps up his face."My word, Princess, it's almost as if you are trying to figure me out.""You v