Ella POVAlexander and I entered the room slowly. It was a small room witha single table and several chairs around it. It looked like it was probably a break room for the employees of the warehouse at some point.I could see the discoloration on the wall where a refrigerator had once been and there
I was too. It was true, that most would think her story was impossible, but given what I knew about David, I wouldn’t put anything past him. It seemed obvious to me that he was capable of betraying the kingdom.He only ever cared about himself, after all.“Their plan was to help David win the electi
Ella POVThe car was completely silent as Alexander, Dr. McIntyre, and I made the short drive to the king’s home.It was beyond awkward. I wished more than anything that I didn’t have to be involved in this, but I knew that I couldn’t back out now. I needed to know that this was really coming to a c
“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that,” the king murmured. His gaze shifted to Alexander. “And do you believe her?”“I do,” Alexander agreed without hesitation. “Combined with the information our investigations have uncovered, it’s impossible to explain it all away.”The king nodded once. Then, rising
Ella POVAlexander looked at me expectantly, his question hanging heavily in the air between us. Panic raced through me as I tried to think of a way to respond that would defuse the situation, but nothing came to me.I laughed uneasily. “I’m supposed to be the one asking the questions,” I said. “Bef
The whole purpose of my second chance was to stop David from taking over, to prevent the pain and destruction he would bring. And I had done that.If the cost of that victory was my freedom, I could accept it.And, if by some miracle he believed me, then Alexander would know he had my full trust. I
Ella POVI clasped my hands between my knees as I sat on the couch, looking at Alexander. What I was about to do was probably very stupid, but I had made up my mind to do it.Alexander looked at me expectantly. I had his full attention, so there was no reason to hesitate any further."I don't know w
Ella POVAlexander was looking at me curiously. I wasn’t sure how I could explain to him what happened in the original election race. Honestly, my memories of that were spotty.I wondered if the more time that passed in this timeline, the more I forgot from the first. It would make some sense. It wa
Alexander POVMy heart was in my throat as I stared at Lexie. Even from several feet away, I could see the way she was shaking, her small body trembling with barely contained fear.Her wide blue eyes darted between the towering figures in the room, desperate for a safe place to land. But there was n
Alexander POVI checked my watch for what felt like the hundredth time. It was almost noon, and I had hoped to meet Sabrina and Lexie an hour ago. The plan had been simple: a shopping trip to get everything they would need for their big move to the Rowandwood pack.Lexie was excited about starting s
She trembled—barely noticeable, but I could feel it, see the way her body stiffened. Diana wasn’t one to show fear, but it was there now. Her eyes widened, though she tried to hide it behind a mask of defiance.She opened her mouth to speak, but her words faltered as she seemed to reconsider. Her ha
Ella POVIt took a while for August to calm down enough to leave. He wouldn’t give me any more information than he already had, but it did seem like he felt a little better now that he wasn’t the only one aware of the gravity of the situation.I was still standing in the doorway where I had spoken t
“I can’t,” he said weakly, his voice choked by tears.“Why?” I asked, frustrated.He looked away from me and I realized that I already knew the answer to that question. “Alexander is keeping something from me,” I said softly.He nodded, but couldn’t seem to meet my eyes.I could only imagine how har
Ella POVAugust paced across the living room, his brows drawn together in frustration. The tension in the room was thick.He and Alexander had a huge fight just a short while ago. I wasn’t in the room when it happened, but I could hear them shouting. I couldn’t make out any of the words, but it was
“I–” Sabrina looked at Lexie and sighed softly. “I’m very grateful. We’d be happy to stay with you until we’re able to find a safe place of our own.”My father smiled brightly. “Wonderful. We’ll be very happy to have you.”Overwhelmed with gratitude, I reached for his hand. “Dad…thank you. I didn’t
Ella POVThe warm glow of the restaurant’s chandeliers cast a golden hue over the elegantly set tables.I sat beside Alexander, my fingers absentmindedly tracing the edge of my wine glass as I watched Lexie beam with pure delight. The little girl twirled in her chair, the soft pink dress Alexander h
Alexander’s gaze softened as he considered the offer. “That… might actually be the best solution.” He reached across the table, taking my hand in his. “I can’t tell you how much it means to me that you’re thinking about her like this.”I squeezed his hand. “She’s important to you. That makes her imp