Just then, the door swung open, and a woman entered. She was tall and sharp-featured, her brunette hair pulled back tightly. “I’m here to collect Luna Olivia’s belongings,” she announced, not even really looking at me.I felt my pulse quicken.“You can’t take anything until Elijah returns,” I state
Elijah listened as I spoke, nodding to himself. I prattled off every single name on the list, along with a distinctive feature of each person, without looking at the papers. When I was finished, I was out of breath and my tongue was dry.“Not bad. But this doesn’t mean you’ve passed the assessment,”
Elijah"I didn’t permit you to return here," I said coldly, my voice steady, though inside I was anything but. I had not expected her to come back now—if ever.Olivia’s smile was tight, revealing nothing of the turmoil I felt at her presence."I just want to talk."I glanced toward Agnes and Thea as
I instinctively tried to pull my hand back, but Elijah held my wrist firmly, his grip surprisingly gentle. A shiver ran through me as I felt his warm tongue lapping at the wound.The sharp pain gradually faded, replaced by a soothing warmth that spread through my finger, as if he were weaving some k
Elijah I submerged myself in the warm water, letting it envelop me like a comforting embrace. The heat seeped into my muscles, washing away the tension that had accumulated in my shoulders. Yet, my mind was far from at ease.The weight of responsibility hung heavily on me, particularly concerning O
I knew I had no choice but to complete the task Elijah had assigned me. Sitting in my new office, I combed through the list of individuals I was supposed to contact, trying to figure out the best way to handle the situation. Each name felt like a weight, knowing they wouldn’t take me seriously. I w
I stood frozen in Elijah’s study, completely stunned by his words. His calm, steady tone was so casual, yet the authority behind it felt like a punch to the gut. My mind raced, trying to process what he had just said.“What?” I blurted, unable to hide the confusion in my voice.How could he be so ca
And now, so did Elijah. I was impressed that he had taken the time to look at my paper and he’d even asked me about the research itself, and I’d pointed to some academic texts I had used for the research, which he’d pored over in preparation for this discussion as well.Elijah’s gaze sharpened, and
“Take that back,” I snarled.She lifted her chin. “Why should I? It’s the truth, you know. You lost your mind seven years ago because you can’t cope with the fact that—”I lost control before she could finish. Like lightning, my hands shot out, shoving Olivia hard in the chest. She stumbled back, he
AgnesI burst onto the runway, my chest heaving as I screamed her name.“Thea!!”The music cut off abruptly, leaving a hollow silence that swallowed the venue. The crowd stared at first, but then their murmurs began to ripple through the air, glancing at each other in confusion. The models up ahead
Needing a moment to myself, I slipped away, navigating through the crowded backstage area until I found a quiet corridor leading to the restrooms. Once inside, I braced my hands against the cool marble countertop, staring at my reflection in the mirror.My skin looked pale despite the blush on my ch
AgnesThe morning sun streamed through the tall windows, casting golden light across the polished marble floors of the fashion show venue. Lunas from various packs filled the space, each accompanied by a little girl—daughters, nieces, or younger sisters, all preparing for the mother-daughter showcas
Still, I knew it was only right to give Thea a say in the matter. Olivia wanted to walk with her in the fashion show, and I wasn’t going to make that decision for Thea. Elijah was on board as well, wanting to give her as much liberty as possible.One night, Elijah and I called Thea downstairs, and s
AgnesI sat at my desk a few days later, the late afternoon sun streaming through the office window, casting golden patches across the fabric swatches scattered in front of me. My fingers brushed over the silk I’d finally chosen for the gown—rather than black, I’d settled on a deep emerald green tha
“You’re back,” she said simply, holding out a glass of whiskey on the rocks.I took it, my fingers brushing hers. “Thanks.” I lifted the glass to my lips, the burn of the liquor steadying me. “You okay after all that?”She nodded, although her gaze flickered briefly to where Olivia had disappeared i
ElijahI strode out of the ballroom, my chest tight and my head spinning. The cool night air hit me like a slap to the face as I pushed through the hotel’s heavy glass doors, my polished shoes clicking against the pavement.I didn’t stop until I reached the outer wall, where I leaned heavily against
Olivia’s gaze flicked between Elijah and me, a muscle twitching alongside her mouth. She stared at us for a moment, and I knew then that she didn’t want to drink whatever was in that bottle.But then, nodding, she twisted the cap off the vial. “Of course,” she said airily.I watched, rapt, as she ra