Later that day, Ava navigated the town's vibrant market, her feet weaving through the crowded stalls as her mind wandered. The scent of freshly baked bread and ripe fruits enveloped her, mingling with the murmur of haggling vendors and laughter. The warm sunlight cast a golden glow, illuminating the cobblestone streets.Lila's melodious voice drifted through the din, a gentle breeze on a summer day. "Ava, dear! It's been ages since we last spoke." The sound wrapped around Ava like a soft blanket, familiar and comforting.Ava turned, her guard instinctively rising like a drawbridge. Her eyes scanned Lila's face, searching for hidden motives. Lila's bright smile and sparkling eyes seemed genuine, radiating warmth and sincerity."Ava, I've missed you," Lila said, opening her arms for an embrace. Her voice dripped with honey, sweet and soothing. Ava's tension eased slightly as Lila's warm hug enveloped her, releasing the subtle scent of lavender and vanilla."What brings you here, Lila?"
Over dinner, the soft clinking of crystal glassware and the gentle hum of conversation filled the air. They discussed trivial matters – fashion, literature, modeling, Denizens Pharmaceuticals and society – Lila's words flowing effortlessly, like a gentle brook, putting Ava at ease.The scent of roasted duck and steamed vegetables wafted through the room, mingling with the fragrance of Lila's perfume, a subtle blend of rose and vanilla. The candelabra's golden light danced across Lila's face, highlighting her refined features.Yet, beneath Lila's polished veneer, Ava sensed undercurrents, a subtle tension that made her skin prickle. As dinner concluded, Lila leaned in, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "Sebastian speaks highly of your work," Lila said, her eyes sparkling mischievously.Ava's wariness intensified, her senses on high alert. "What do you mean?" Ava asked, her voice cautious, her eyes narrowing.Lila's smile deepened, her eyes glinting with amusement. "I'm merely
Ava's dry smile reflected her satisfaction, her lips curling upward in a subtle, triumphant arc. Her eyes shone with a hint of victory, like polished onyx gleaming in the candelabra's golden light.With deliberate care, Ava discreetly opened a hidden pocket within her gown, the silk fabric rustling softly as she slipped her hand inside. The small vial of antidote gleamed in the candlelight, its crystal surface reflecting the flames' gentle dance."Lila's mistake," Ava whispered, her voice barely audible, a gentle breeze on a summer's day. She uncorked the vial with a deft twist, the stopper releasing a faint click.The scent of the antidote wafted up, a pungent, earthy aroma that filled Ava's nostrils. With a swift, decisive motion, Ava downed the contents, the liquid burning slightly as it slid down her throat.The taste was bitter, but Ava welcomed it, her senses revolting against the poison's lingering presence. She felt the antidote coursing through her veins, a cooling counterbal
The doorbell chimed, its melodic sound slicing through Lila's indulgent reverie. She smiled, anticipation sparkling in her eyes."Ah, Sebastian," Lila said, rising from her chair, her movements fluid and graceful. She took her wine glass.Sebastian burst into the room, his face etched with worry. "Lila, what's happening? You sounded frantic on the phone." His voice was laced with concern, his eyes scanning the room for Ava.Lila's expression transformed, her features contorting into a mask of distress. "Ava...she's ill. I think she's had too much wine." Lila's words dripped with false concern.Sebastian's gaze darted toward the east wing, his jaw clenched. "Where is she?" he demanded, striding toward the door.Lila intercepted him, her hand on his arm. "Wait, Sebastian. Let me explain." Her voice was husky, persuasive.Sebastian's eyes narrowed, his patience wearing thin. "What's going on, Lila?"Lila's smile faltered, her composure cracking. For an instant, Sebastian glimpsed somethi
Ava stepped forward, her heels clicking on the marble floor. She pocketed her triumph, a small, satisfied smile playing on her lips. The soft rustle of fabric accompanied her movement, her dress shimmering in the dim light.Another vial appeared in her hand, its crystal clarity reflecting the faint glow of the candelabra. The antidote within shimmered, its surface tension broken by tiny, shimmering bubbles.Ava approached Lila, her footsteps measured and deliberate. Sebastian's grip on Lila remained tight, his arms wrapped around her trembling form. Lila's ragged breathing filled the air, her chest heaving against Sebastian's chest."Hold her steady," Ava instructed, her voice low and authoritative. Her eyes locked onto Sebastian's, their dark depths gleaming with a hint of command.Sebastian nodded, bewildered, his eyes darting between Ava and Lila. His grip tightened, his fingers interlocking like a vice around Lila's frail form.Ava's gaze never wavered, her focus fixed on Lila's s
Lila's sobs intensified, her body convulsing in anguish. Tears streamed down her cheeks like rivulets of pain, dripping from her chin onto the floor. Her shoulders shook, her frame trembling like a leaf in an autumn storm. Each gasping breath ripped through her, a raw, animalistic cry.Sebastian's rejection crushed her, its weight pressing upon her chest like a physical force. Her heart felt shattered, splintered into a thousand jagged pieces. Lila's hands clenched into fists, her nails digging into her palms. Her face contorted, features twisted in a mask of suffering.Ava's calm presence seemed to amplify Lila's despair, a stark contrast to her own crumbling world. Sebastian's resolute stance, his eyes averted, fueled Lila's desperation.The room echoed with Lila's wails, a haunting refrain that seemed to shake the very foundations. Her pain hung in the air, a palpable, suffocating mist."Lila's voice trembled, a quivering leaf. "Ava...you...did this," she accused, her words laced w
Sebastian's voice boomed, alpha authority echoing through the room like thunder. The sound waves vibrated through the air, commanding attention."Lila, your actions warrant severe punishment," Sebastian declared, his tone firm and unyielding.Lila trembled, anticipation etched on her face like delicate pen and ink drawings. Her eyes widened, pupils dilating with fear. She knew exactly what she deserved, the death penalty at worst. Her action could have killed Ava, and she would not have hesitated. Her breath caught, a faint gasp escaping her lips. Her shoulders tensed, muscles coiling like a spring. She now saw how crazy she had been, obsessed as if possessed. She had seen handsome men abroad, fighting one another over her. But she could only compare them to Sebastian. The prince of Whales even showed interest in her while modeling at the palace for her thesis, but Lila was not moved by his wealth and influence. She had only wanted Sebastian. She shook her head at many opportune mate
Ava smiled, triumphant. The corners of her mouth curved upward, radiating confidence."The antidote's effectiveness is undeniable," Ava said, her voice clear and assured. Her words echoed through the room, filling the space with conviction.Sebastian's eyes opened wide, astonishment sparkling within them. His eyebrows arched, incredulity etched on his face. He still could not believe the trap that Lila set for Ava and how she managed to escape. “Tell me in details.”"I refused animal trials," Ava explained, her voice steady. "I couldn't bear their torments." Her words conjured images of lab-coated technicians, sterile equipment, and suffering creatures.Sebastian's expression shifted, empathy softening his features. His eyes clouded, imagining the unseen struggles. This wonderful fated mate of his had many hidden powers. He needed to confirm his supposition."You can hear animals?" Sebastian asked, his tone laced with wonder. His voice dropped to a whisper, as if sharing a sacred secr