I woke up on a couch in a room I didn't recognize. My shoulder throbbed with pain; it was bandaged, and I was in clean, dry clothes. There was a document on the table and a single pen."How are you feeling?" I looked over at Theodore standing in the doorway.I struggled to sit up and nodded. "I'm fi
Violet"What the hell?" I almost yelled, backpedaling and slamming the door shut.I stared at the door for a moment, trying to process what I had just seen. My pulse was pounding, and I could still hear the echoes of her cries in my head. The image of Theodore fucking some random woman wouldn't leav
"I wouldn't mind--"I pushed him off. "I'm sure you wouldn't, but I do. Keep your distance, Theodore. I know what kind of man you are, and I'm not interested."He laughed. "You think you have me all figured out already, Violet?"I gestured toward the stairs. "You've made it pretty clear."Something
VioletI fell silent, staring at Theodore. It was... romantic in a way, but also spoke to exactly how spoiled he'd grown up. He sounded younger than I'd ever thought the infamous Theodore Nightshade of being. He was only two years younger than me, but right now, he seemed more like a teenager and a
I frowned, meeting his gaze in the mirror.“It's perfect for you,” he said softly. "Do you like it?""I think it's more a matter of if you like it.""You're wearing it.""I've never really cared much about what I wore." I shrugged. "So long as it was neat and presentable."He hesitated. "... was tha
VioletThe tension in my body slowly ebbed away as I let him hold me. I wanted to relax, but I couldn't let myself forget that he was still an arrogant jerk."Thank you," I said, all the same."You're welcome," he said softly. "I meant what I said before. You're safe with me.""If I could believe th
"I think I'll take my chances.""... do you want me to adhere to that even then?"I swallowed. "Yes."He chuckled. "Don't ever change."I closed my eyes. "I appreciate you trying to tell me, to offer some insight, but I--""Don't want a bond from me?""From an indiscriminate playboy who hasn't found
VioletThe next morning, I woke up to less pain and at least fifty notifications on my phone. Some of them were from news outlets having mentioned me at the Gathering, but most of them were of me in Theodore's arms wearing that wedding dress as he carried me around Midnight.My face heated, embarras
Olivia’s smile returned, though it didn’t reach her eyes. “Yes, Shelter in particular seems to have sparked quite the debate. It’s rare to see something so… divisive. But that’s the beauty of the system, isn’t it? The law must be carefully considered before such changes are made.” She was careful
She took a step back, visibly rattled. Her hands trembled as she gripped the counter, trying to steady herself. “I…" "You can start with an apology." She set her jaw and turned to the door, but I heard it just as the door swung closed. "I'm sorry." "The offer stands," I said, loud enough f
Violet She didn’t even bother to hide her intention, her heels clicking purposefully against the marble as she approached the sink next to mine. “You know,” she began, her voice saccharine sweet, “you’re quite the bold one, stepping into a relationship so public with Theodore. You would think th
Victor cleared his throat before she could speak again. “We were just discussing your little project, Theodore,” Victor said, his tone carrying the weight of condescension. “Bold of you to push something so…radical.” “It’s not radical to give people a second chance,” Theodore replied. “Rogue
Violet Theodore stiffened beside me, his hands stilling over a delicate satin piece he’d been looking at. I turned toward the voice, instinctively stepping closer to him. A man stood in the center of a small crowd of reporters, his gestures animated as he spoke into their microphones. “He hi
I wanted to push for an answer, but I swallowed the urge. Elise had always been protective of me and her insights have always been on point. “I’ll be careful,” I promised. She smiled. “I don’t just mean your heart. I mean his, too.” My lips twitched at that, a bit of relief hit me hard and mad
Theodore It was odd to have this moment with Violet, after years of accepting that I didn’t really belong in this country, with anyone, of having walls and walls of secrets to have a gruff old man accept me as one of their own. I had so many questions, but I didn’t want to ruin the moment with the
“I… inherited a set. They’re first weapon I trained with.” My heart softened. I would bet that the dagger set was from his mother. I took note to look through the book catalog on magical dagger techniques for him. Master Remy grunted; his gaze intense. “Hmph. Loyalty. I hear that’s something the
Violet I laughed as he started to shake his finger at me. “You know I always had my doubts about you.” I grinned at him, embracing him tightly. “Hello, Master Remy. You know I’m always a little trouble, but never for you.” Master Remy shook his head, feigning exasperation as we pulled apar