Chapter 33
Chapter 33
–Kaia–
The courtyard was quiet, and everyone was busy working.
The moment we step outside, I feel the tension vibrating off Theo like heat.
He opens his mouth; like he’s finally ready to talk.
“Kaia… I need to explain something,” he says, his voice low, rough.
My chest tightens. Because he looks… shaken.
Not angry, not annoyed – shaken.
I fold my arms, trying not to show how much that worries me.
“Then go ahead. Explain,” I say softly.
Theo steps closer.
Too close.
The kind of close that makes my breath hitch.
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“Something happened in the meeting,” he murmurs. “Something I didn’t agree to. Something that p>
Footsteps interrupt him.
Sharp. Fast. Purposeful.
Theo stiffens, jaw locking.
I already know who it is before she appears.
Elara.
She came out of the corner with a practiced smile, hair glossy, dress fitted like she walked out of a magazine.
And when her eyes land on Theo. On us, the sweetness in her expression curdles.
“Oh, I’ve been looking over for you,” she says, tilting her head. “I didn’t realize you were… occupied p>
Theo’s entire body goes rigid. His shoulders tense.
His voice drops, almost into a whisper. “Elara. Not now p>
She ignores him.
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Chapter 33
Her gaze sweeps over me slowly dismissive, eyes glinting with something sharp.
Then she says to Theo, too brightly.
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“You didn’t return to finish our conversation. I thought we should finalise things before Cara makes the public
announcement p>
The air leaves my lungs.
Announcement?
I look at Theo but he won’t meet my eyes.
Elara stepped closer to him, deliberately invading his space.
“You really should come back,” she murmurs. “There are… important decisions being made about us p>
My heart stutters.
Us.
Important decisions.
Theo’s jaw ticks as he steps back away from her, and toward me.
“Elara. Leave p>
She laughs lightly, like she’s humoring a child.
“Is this because of her p>
Her eyes flick to me again, unapologetically bold.
Theo’s voice is a warning growl. “Elara p>
She smiles. “I’ll wait in your office p>
Then she walks away, hips swaying, head held high.
The moment she disappears, silence drops heavy between us.
I force myself to breathe.
“So,” I say quietly, not trusting my voice not to shake. “Important decisions p>
Theo drags a hand through his hair, looking like he wants to rip the world apart.
“Kaia, it’s not what she made it sound like p>
“Then what is it p>
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Chapter 33
He hesitates one second too long.
Something inside me fractures.
I nod stiffly. “Right p>
I step back.
Theo reaches for me instantly. “Kaia p>
“Go,” I whisper. “Finish your conversation p>
His expression twists.
Hurt. Anger. Desperation. I can’t tell what he’s feeling.
“That’s not…. You don’t understand p>
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“Then explain it,” I snap, voice breaking before I can stop it. “Explain why a woman from your past thinks she can claim you every chance she gets”
I find myself on the verge of tears for no reason.
Theo’s breath catches.
But I shake my head, backing away.
“I’m not doing this right now p>
Then I turn and walk off, not trusting myself to stay if he says my name again.
“Fuck. Damn it p>
Behind me, I hear him curse under his breath.
And then silence.
–Theo–
When I walked in Elara is sitting on my seat, twirling.
Seeing her my patience wears thin.
I stand near my desk, arms crossed, heartbeat still uneven from Kaia walking away from me.
Elara steps forward, all soft perfume and flirty.
“You didn’t have to be so cold out there,” she says sweetly. “People will talk p>
“Good,” I snapped. “Maybe they’ll understand that whatever you think is happening here… isn’t p>
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Chapter 33
Her smile dims but doesn’t disappear. “Theo, I’m just trying to help. Cara thinks p>
I cut in sharply.
“Did you call her here p>
She blinks. “Wait. What p>
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“Cara,” I growled. “Did you summon her? Did you tell her anything? Hint anything? Suggest anything p>
Elara presses a hand to her chest, acting wounded. “Of course not p>
I stare at her face – the slight twitch near her eye, the too-fast blinking.
Lies.
“Elara,” I say slowly, dangerously, “my stepmother hasn’t set foot in this territory in months. She hasn’t called. She hasn’t written. She barely acknowledges me unless it benefits her p>
I take one step forward.
“And she suddenly shows up days after you arrive, talking about Luna positions and marriage arrangements p>
Her lips press into a chair close to her.
“It’s just coincidence,” she whispers.
“No,” I say. “It’s not p>
Elara looks away, but I don’t let her dodge.
“Tell me the truth p>
She lifts her chin defiantly. “Maybe she reached out to me. But that doesn’t mean I asked her to come p>
My jaw tightens so hard it hurts.
“So she just happened’ to travel across two territories to tell my entire council I need a Luna… right after you reappear and pretend we’re unfinished business p>
Elara’s eyes flash. “Pretend? We were more than that, Theo p>
“A long time ago,” I bit out. “Years before you betrayed my trust p>
Her mouth parts in offence, “I didn’t betray you-
“Don’t,” I growl. “Don’t rewrite the truth. You picked power over me then, and now you’re standing here trying to force a crown on your head like I owe you something p>
She steps closer, voice softening.
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Chapter 33
Dangerously calculated.
“I’ve always wanted what’s best for you p>
“No,” I say, stepping back. “You’ve always wanted what’s best for yourself p>
Her expression cracks just a little – but it’s enough.
I lean forward,my voice my rumbling with a low warning.
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“This is your only chance, Elara. Stay out of my personal decisions. Stop interfering with my family. And do not p>
My wolf rises, sharp and violent.
She stiffens. “You think I’m manipulating you? I’m trying to protect you. That stray girl you’re so taken with
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My growl cuts her off.
“Don’t say her name. Don’t ever refer to her like that again p>
For a moment, shock flickers across her face.
Then something colder settles behind her eyes.
“I hope you dont end up regret making enemies in your own house, Theo p>
I step closer, towering over her.
“And you’ll regret staying in mine if you pull another stunt like this p>
Elara swallows, breathing uneven. “Are you threatening me p>
“I’m warning you,” I say. “Be very careful p>
She flinches, then forces a smile.
“Fine,” she whispers. “But dont come crying to me when things dont go the way you planned it”
She turns and walks out, slamming the door behind her.
The moment she’s gone, I exhale shakily my fists still clenched.
And all I can think about …is Kaia.
The way she looked at me, almost seething.
The way she walked away.
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Chapter 33
The way it hurt. More than I can explain.
田
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Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.