From Slave To Queen (Athena and Michael) novel Chapter 136

Chapter 136

It’s been three days

ethe attack, and although everything has returned to normal and the castle doesn’t appear to have suffered any damage, there’s a sour feeling in my gut. Ever since I heard Elara’s voice in my head. I knew something had changed. No wonder all my attempts to enter Ciro’s villa have been intercepted time and time again. Every time. I receive the same response

“The lord will extend an invitation when the time comes”

Maybe he expects me to grow tired of walking the road to his villa, but I won’t. I know, deep in my chest, that something has shifted, something isn’t right. Now, sitting behind my desk with my fingers intertwined beneath my chin, I close my eyes and try to extend my power. It’s madness—| could slip ime anyone’s mind–but I recognize the tightly sealed obsidian gates of Elara’s mind. My power brushes the surface, gently, like a lover and taps a few times. No answer.

“Casian“”

Ank’s soft voice pulls me from my attempt to slip into Elara’s mind. I open my eyes and find her sitting atop the candle was resting on my desk. Her eyes look at me with a touch of concern.

Have you seen anything?” I ask

She shakes her head

“Only her, asleep?

She sighs.

“They often snuff the candle. I haven’t been able to see anything else.”

intense our connection is. No matter

matter what he tries, she called to me. I

The idiot Ciro may think he can hide her from me, but he has no idea how intense our know now, more than ever, that it wasn’t my imagination.

“Let me know if anything changes–if you manage to see more, if she opens her eyes and doesn’t seem lost.”

She nods and gives me once again a look that’s halfway between worry and compassion,

Ank lifts her legs and slowly melts into the flame, leaving me once again alone with my thoughts and my efforts to slip into the mind of the linte wildcat. I don’t know how long I persist, only that by the time I give up. I’m exhausted. I haven’t even realized that someone has entered and left a pitcher for me. Reluctantly, I pour myself a glass, bring it to my lips, and drink the contents without even tasting it. It doesn’t matter–it’s not the

Another day passes in which my failed attempts are joined by the search for Ragna. Drystan and I lock ourselves up for hours reviewing maps, both old and current, trying to figure out where they might have fled. The Wastelands aren’t an option—they know it’s the first place we’d check. Unless… there’s more there than we think. That’s why we consuli ancient maps, looking for hidden paths, caves, or anything my men may have missed. I receive reports constantly, extend my gift every day to gather news, and each time the outcome is the same: there’s no trace of the shifters or hagna

A knock on the door makes us both look up from the maps.

“Come in

One of the young guards stationed at the outer gates enters the room holding a wrinkled envelope between his fingers. He lowers his head as he enters and raises his gaze when I gesture for him to speak immediately.

This arrived for you, sir.”

He steps forward and hands me the envelope.

“As per your instructions, I came the moment news from Ciro arrived”

I don’t bother checking the sender’s signature. I tear the envelope open and pull out what at first glance appears to be an invitation. My eyes scan the words, and I feel an undescribable mix of emotions. It’s an invitation to a ball. If I had any remaining doubts before, they are now completely gone. I quickly grab a sheet of paper and a quill to scribble my acceptance.

“Send it unmedutely“.

dat

I pour hot wax and seal it with one of my rings. The young guard vanishes as soon as I hand it to him. The door closes and Drystan looks me directly in the eyes, raising an eyebrow.

“Do you plan to explain what’s going on!”

Chapter 136

I pinch the bridge of my nose

“Cire is hosting a pony at his villa”

pause

before adding:

“Tomorrow night.”

“A bit suckden for him, don’t you think?”

“Without a doubu”

I let our

out a deep breath.

“That only confirms my suspicions. We both know him well, and if my assumptions are right and Elara has awakened, his ego won’t be able to rexist rubbing it in my face. He’ll want to parade her on his arm, provoke my rage”

“That’s exactly why you can’t give him what he wants!”

His face darkens

Still, I don’t want you to get your hopes up yet. It could be any one of his reckless parties. You know full well to go long without indulging his impulsex.”

“I can’t promise anything”

his frivolous nature doesn’t allow him

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