Chapter 2
(Lily’s POV)
Shame burned through me, and I couldn’t bear it any longer.
The way Zion spoke about me as if I didn’t matter to him..
My chest tightened and my vision blurred. In an instant, I scrambled to my feet and broke into a run.
I wanted to be far away from it all, Zion, Celeste, the other students. I wanted to be far from the pain others inflicted on me.
I rushed through the school doors, not looking back as 1 stumbled into the school’s courtyard. My steps felt heavy, as I dragged myself over to the Old Oak tree at the far end of the compound. I dropped to the floor and buried my face between my knees as the tears began to roll down hot and
I hated this, feeling weak and helpless. It wasn’t enough that Zion, who had once been a big part of my life, now regarded me as a stranger, but he had to share his indifference for me with everyone else.
Memories raced through me as I cried.
Flashes of the past, my 16th birthday with Zion.
It might come as a surprise to those who never knew me, but I once lived in the palace with Zion.
Back then, I thought I was a Princess; the adopted daughter of King Eros and Queen Eden. They treated me like their own, and Zion and Zelda were my whole world, especially Zion. I had a crush on him since I was little, but I knew it was wrong. He was my brother, even if not by blood, so I buried that feeling deep in my heart, thinking it would fade. But it never did. I was content with my life, grateful for the love of Zion, Zelda, and our parents. I never imagined that everything would change one day… but it did and still, I couldn’t stop loving Zion more than a brother.
It was at the 16th birthday party that I shifted for the first time, that the whole truth came crashing down on me like a bucket of ice.
It was the day I knew of my biological father.
1
the daughter of the most hated Villain, a bloodthirsty monster who had killed the innocents in the past.
King Pison.
Bile rose in my throat at that
at that thought.
Zion’s parents had simply adopted and raised me as their own after the death of my parents. I had been living a lie all along.
The truth was hidden from me up until that moment when I became a monster to them.
The Elders wanted me killed, but Aunt Lamia, the woman I now live with on the outskirts of town, came to my aid. She took me away from the palace.
That day, I cried desperately, begging my parents to hold on to me if they believed I was still their daughter.
But they didn
The school bel drew me out of my thoughts. I sniffed and wiped my face with the sleeves of my shirt, trying to appear presentable.
went back into the school, and fch a surge of relief when I realized that I was no longer a topic of interest
eryone, especially the girls, were occupied with discussions about Zion’s birthday ball later in the night, and their voices high pitched “I heard
and Queens arranged it so he can find his mate,” one girl whispered.
of us turned out to be his mater” another giggled. “Do you think he would reject Geleste?”
jurat down and for
is, she is the luckiest girl alive” Another und
| focused on my dotés, pretending I wasn’t Intening
The rest of the day passed quickly, and soon I was back home. I raised a brow in surprise when I met Auni Lamia waiting for me outside with a
11:13 AM C
Chapter 2
She opened her arms and hugged me fondly before she stepped back, holding out an envelope.
“For you.” She said.
My heart skipped to a stop when 1 saw the royal seal on it.
I hesitated a bit before I took it. I read the words boldly written on it.
1
An invitation to the Prince’s birthday ball.
“There will be a ball in respect to Zion’s birthday in the palace today. Will you be attending?” She asked.
I hesitated, thinking about my response. Fear snaked through me. A part of me wanted to go for the ball, while another part of me was scared that L would ruin everything if I went, and the last thing I wanted was to give everyone more reasons to hate me.
“Yes” I finally said
Aunt Lamia smiled, and a few hours later I stood before my mirror, unable to recognize my own reflection.
“You look beautiful.” I heard her compliment me.
“Thank you.” I smiled, my eyes pricked with unshed tears.
I felt like Cinderella.
Aunt Lamia had taken the job of dolling me up too seriously. She outdid herself.
The gown I wore was a soft silly gown with a champagne gold color that did justice to my hazel eyes. My hair was colled into tender coils that she styled over one side of my shoulders.
And by the time I was finally done, a ride was waiting for me.
It was a black limousine that gleamed even though the sun was starting to set.
I stepped in, and by the time we arrived at the palace, I took a moment to stand in awe, gazing at the magnificent structure and beautiful people.
The interior was bener. Expensive chandeliers hung from the rooftop, and the decor gave the place a unique ambience. I looked around again, my eyes searching and finally it settled on the King and Queen seated really on their thrones. On one side, Zelda sat, looking uninterested and yet beautiful in her blue gown.
They looked perfect, but the picture wasn’t complete. Zion was missing from it
The Queen kept looking at the entrance, almost as if she was waiting for someone. I bowed my head quickly and blended with the crowd when her eyes flicked over to where I stood
Just then, a sudden hush fell over the crowd. I looked up when the announcer stepped forward and announced in a loud voice.
“His Royal Highness, Prince Zion”
All eyes reted to the staircase and breaths ceased as Zion stepped out.
He was breathtaking.
A black at that was tailored perfectly to fit his athletic frame. And a confidence that oozed royalty gave him an ethereal jook
I was hooked, like everyone else
in admiration. I suddenly went a little lightheaded as an intoxicating scent hit nie.
rolled my eyes as I noticed some of the girl around me faint in a Kavera and Varlich bowied
My eyes facked over to Zion, and over the growing crowd, my gare met his. Our eyes locked for a moment. It felt like the world around us faded to
Mair
I shook violently My
The couldn’t be
My breath craved
11:13 AM c d
Chapter 2
My face paled in horror and I took a step back, turning sharply. I was too fast. With a loud crash, I stumbled into a waiter, and sent an entire tray of drinks to the floor.
People gasped
In shame. I balled my gown in my fist and ran out of the room
I didn’t wait, I couldn’t
It was more than just the drinks.
I was Zion’s mate!
I had no idea how long I was running for, but soon I made it deep into the forest very close to the palace. Suddenly, I heard a low growl before I was roughly snatched from behind, and came face to face with Zion who pulled my body against his.
There was a look in his eyes I couldn’t quite place. It was dark and yet exciting. He looked at me like he wanted to devour me
Lust. Hot and sizzling
The air around us became tense, electrifying and 1 bit my lips, squeezing my thighs together as I tried to ease my own desire
Zion raised his nose to the air as he sniffed my arousal.. his nostrils flared up as he watched me
I swallowed.
Before I knew what was happening. Zion pulled my ja
his lips crashing on
mine.
My first kiss
His kiss was fierce, like he wanted to consume me. I barely had time to think, to breathe. I just let him take control.
His tongue pushed into my mouth, searching, claiming. There were no words, just the raw heat between us. I whimpered against him, my body trembling as he held me tighter, pressing me onto the ground
my skin to the moonlight–my intimate part quivering and leaking liquid.
In one move he pushed the dress over my thighs, baring my
Hot breath fanned my core. A firm grip to my hips. I yelped in surprise as he licked me thoroughly. Hungrily.
Pleasure coiled inside me, building fast, and I was about to break when Zion pulled away for a moment, I could only whimper on hearing the rough sound of fabric tearing.
In a second he was positioned between my thighs, and rubbed against my entrance before thrusting in without a warning
“Ahhh I cried.
Pain and dull pleasure rushed through my body. He growled against my skin, pushing deeper and stretching me to take him. His grip was bruising. hat movements ruthless as he yanked my thigh apart to bury himself to the hill
He pulled back, dien slammed into me again- harder. And again. And again.
My moans broke into raped cries as he drove into me faster, I felt him everywhere, his heat, raw strength, the way he stretched me. filled owned me My nails dug into his arms; skin slapping against skin, raw and primal.
The world blurred, and my toes curled in pleasure as i convulsed beneath him.
