The villainess

versations. Her parents were surrounded by well-wishers, their faces flushed with satisfaction. Her sisters, especially Cecilia, basked in the attenti

xpanding with every forced smile and every congratulatory handshake. She needed air, a moment away from the suffoca

d to the gardens. The chill of the night air embraced her like an old friend as she pushed through the heavy glass do

es. Here, beneath the moon's pale light, sh

well, you know," a voice

he trunk of an old oak tree, half-hidden by the darkness. He looked at h

aid, lifting her chin. "

e, taking a slow, deliberate step t

r smile. "And where would I go? There's now

. "Smart girl." He reached out, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. The touch was gentle, but she could feel t

pounded in her chest. "I understand that I'm a pa

. He caught her chin between his fingers, tilting her head up. "You'

t not painful. "You may own me on paper," she said thro

t what you tell yourself to sleep at night?" His voice was a whisper, laced with some

er feet. His presence was overwhelming, a storm she couldn't escape.

s who bow and scrape at your feet," she said, her voic

ead across his lips. "I loo

rt pounding against her ribs. He hadn't lied-he did enjoy a challenge. But Caroline knew then that it wasn't

hatter. Not for hi

d shadows on the ground. She made her way to the edge of the garden, where a small stone bench sat beneath an ancient wil

d away, and a shuddering breath escaped her. She wasn't ready for this. She wasn't ready for him. How

a soft voice ask

, a look of concern on her face. The girl was small, with wide, brown eyes and a freck

, forcing a smile.

, if I may-" She glanced around nervously before l

mile faltere

ai Alexander. He's... not like the others. There are rumors

ne replied, her voice cold. "Bu

"Because I've seen it," she whispered. "I've seen what happ

ine, but she forced herself to

"He's taken women before. Servants, daughters of lesser nobles. They go to

as dangerous, had sensed it from the moment she met him. Bu

?" Caroline asked again, her

"Because you seem kind. And I don't

girl turned and fled back toward th

he walls were closing in around her, the weight of Kai's unseen chains growing heavier.

t victim. If he thought she

er what it took. And if he wanted a challen