Chapter 30

Emily’s POV

My jaw dropped. The royal residence, as in the place where Nathan lived.

My heart sank painfully. “ No. ”

Meredyth blinked. “ No? ”

“ I can’t stay here. ”

“ Why not? ”

“ Because Nathan won’t like it. ”

Meredyth smiled gently, reaching over to squeeze my hand. “ Oh, Emily. That is the last thing you need to worry

bout. ”

Before I could argue, Liam opened his door and stepped out. He walked around to my side, opened the door for

ne, and waited as Meredyth and I got out.

“ Well, make yourselves at home, ” he said with a grin. “ I’m heading out. ”

He climbed back into the front seat and pulled the door shut. A second later, the SUV drove off, leaving us by the

ntrance.

On the steps near the front door, two guards stood waiting. My legs felt weak, and my ankle protested right away. One of the guards stepped forward to carry me, but I quickly shook my head.

“ I can walk. ”

Meredyth’s brow lifted. “ Can you? ”

I took one step, and a sharp ache shot up my leg. I froze. Meredyth and the guard said nothing, and I hated both

of them a little for being right.

“ I can walk slowly, ” I corrected.

Meredyth smiled. “ Of course. ”

She slipped an arm around me, supporting most of my weight without making me feel helpless.

The guards opened the double doors. As soon as I stepped inside, I stopped in my tracks, stunned by how massive It was. The entrance hall was huge and bright, with two wide staircases curving up on both sides to meet at a balcony above. A crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, catching the light and scattering it across the polished marble floors. The air smelled faintly of cedar, fresh linen, and something warm I couldn’t name. It didn’t feel like the cold luxury I expected. It felt lived – in and safe.

“ This way, ” Meredyth said.

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enough to warm ten people. To the right was a white kitchen with a huge dining area attached. It looked like the kind of kitchen where people actually gathered. Not just servants, but family.

On the other side of the house were private offices. Meredyth pointed toward a hallway. “ That wing belongs to Garrett and Nathan. However, you can go to the library – it’s right at the end of the hall. ”

Two guards stood at the entrance. I nodded quickly. “ Translation: do not disturb them. Understood. ”

As we walked down the corridor, Meredyth opened a smaller door. “ I’ll tell you a secret – this is one of my favorite

laces. ”

I stepped inside and instantly fell in love too. It was a small library, not grand or intimidating, but cozy. Bookshelves lined every wall, and a soft armchair sat beside a tall window overlooking the garden, with a cream

lanket folded over the back. There was even a small table for tea.

My fingers brushed the spine of one book. “ You can come here whenever you like, ” Meredyth said.

I looked at her. “ Really? ”

Really. ”

Something in my chest warmed. No one had ever said that to me before, not in a way that made me feel like I elonged somewhere.

Meredyth gently touched my arm. “ Come. You need to rest. “,

We went upstairs slowly. Every step made my ribs ache, but I refused to complain. Finally, we stopped in front of bedroom, and Meredyth opened the door.

I stepped inside and froze. The room was beautiful, draped in soft white curtains that stirred like ghosts in the entle breeze, and centered by a massive bed covered in layers of pale, inviting blankets. Fresh lilies sat on the olished wood table, their sweet, heavy scent clinging to the air. Beyond the French doors, a balcony opened up to sweeping view of the deep, emerald forest and the jagged, sun – drenched peaks of the distant mountains.

It was too much. The perfection of it all didn’t belong to me; it was just too clean, too quiet, and utterly

verwhelming – way too much.

“ This will be your room, ” Meredyth said.

I turned to her. “ Mine? ”

‘ Yes. ”

I glanced around again. “ This is bigger than the room I shared with Poppy. ”

Meredyth smiled softly. “ Then it will be a good change. ”

I didn’t know what to say. A young maid brought tea, medicine, and clean clothes, and Meredyth helped me get into bed, fussing over the pillows like I was something precious. My throat tightened.

“ Rest, ” she said.

5:25 pm

“ I don’t want to cause trouble: “ –

“ You’re not. ”

“ But Nathan- ”

“ Emily. ” Her voice was gentle but firm enough to stop me. “ Nathan is the reason you’re here. ”

I blinked, completely caught off guard. “ What? ”

Meredyth’s smile softened. “ He insisted. ”

I couldn’t move. Nathan? Had Nathan brought me here? No, that didn’t make sense. He avoided me, pushed me way, and looked at me like I confused him. Sometimes it seemed like he hated that I existed. And yet …

“ You look beautiful. ” The memory rushed back so suddenly that my cheeks warmed. Maybe he hadn’t meant it, or naybe he had only been polite, but Nathan didn’t seem like the kind of man who said things just to be polite.

Meredyth tucked the blanket around me. “ Try not to think too much and get some rest. ”

That was impossible, but I nodded anyway. She left a few minutes later, promising to return soon.

The room became quiet. Too quiet. I looked toward the balcony doors, watching the forest shift in the evening vind beyond the glass. I let myself remember the wolf run. The wind in my fur. Freedom.

But with it, another memory also came. A light – haired wolf slammed into my side, and the cliff disappeared

eneath my paws..

My fingers tightened around the blanket. I hadn’t slipped. I hadn’t fallen by accident. Someone had pushed me.

A soft knock sounded at the door. I flinched.

The door opened before I could answer, and Stella stood in the doorway.

My blood went cold.

She smiled slowly, cruelly. “ Well, ” she said, looking around the room. “ Looks like little Emily finally found a way

nto Nathan’s house. ”

Stella stepped inside and closed the door behind her. “ And now, we need to talk. ”

Next Chapter Chapter 31

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Olivia Harris is an emerging author celebrated for her captivating romantic and steamy novels. With a talent for crafting deep emotional connections and fiery chemistry between her characters, Olivia’s stories offer readers an escape into worlds filled with passion, intrigue, and heart-stopping drama.