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"El," he breathed with sincerity, "I had no idea he was going to do that. We'll find a way out, even if it means running away together. I'll protect you from him, and we can live the life you've always dreamed of."

"Run away together?" I muttered. "Why would I ever go anywhere with you?" My anger sizzled within me as I finally finished a sloppy braid. I stood and headed toward my partitionas Cal rushed in, grabbing my shoulder before I could disappear behind it.

"Stop this—this isn't you, El!" he complained, desperation evident in his voice, a tactic he'd used countless times to get his way.

My only answer was a glare as I shrugged his hand off and continued behind the partition, changing into the new training attire Levon had bought me.

I brought my hands to my eyes, trying to push away the dreaded reality of all of this, knowing deep down that there was only one way out of this—and Levon wasn't part of it or any of my dreams of freedom. I stifled a cry while extreme despair washed over me once more.

"El, please," Calum's voice broke through the heavy silence, but it only stoked the roaring flames of anger within me, banishing the suffocating darkness that had enveloped me.

Stepping out, I confronted him with a venomous glare. "I think I am being myself for the first time in my life, Calum. I told you I am done playing your games. I'm not some trophy you get to take wherever you want," I snapped, the air crackling with the intensity of my frustration. His golden eyes turned dark as he shook his head, his hair swaying with it.

He loomed over me. "So now that you're somecontestantof the king, you think you're superior over us?" he scoffed, his words dripping with condescension and bitterness. "Remember that I've been the one on your side your entire life. I wasn't the one who left. I've been the one rooting for you since we first met, and I will always root for you, El. You're not a trophy to me."

"All you've done is keep me weak," I retorted, my voice trembling with suppressed rage. "Playing your sick game ofwho-is-better.You've never rooted for me but caged me in your life so no one else could have me.So I couldn't succeed.Neverhave you asked what I wanted. You're just as prideful as your uncle."

"Like you're any better?" he seethed with venom.

"No. I'll never be better—that's the point," I shot back, my anger boiling over. "I won't ever meet your kingly expectations, and I'm done playing. What we had was some made-up—"

The door swung open, revealing Aoife. Her expression shifted from bright anticipation to dark tension as she sensed the palpable anger between us.

"Then win this wretched thing so we can be done with you once and for all," Calum hissed, storming past and slamming the door shut behind him. My anger boiled within me, threatening to burst through my clenched teeth.

"You two—" Aoife started to protest.

"Please don't," I interrupted, grabbing my boots and hastily lacing them up.

"You understand that his parents left him too. I know he can be difficult, as can you, but you two are all you have left. Don't spoil something good," Aoife implored, her voice tinged with concern.

Was it ever good? We had fun as children, but things had changed. I had changed. I couldn't stand idly by, letting my life slip away under their control. The world was vast, daunting, and full of more pressing concerns than worrying about Calum's feelings.

Aoife let out a long breath, her frustration palpable. "I'm angry too, Eliah. Jesri had no right—"

"He does, that's the issue. He's a Lordandmy guardian, remember?" I retorted sharply, seeing the hurt in her eyes. I couldn't handle any more emotions today. "I'm sorry. I need to get ready."

I needed to forget.

She squeezed my hand, her expression softening. "You're better than this."

"They've left me no choice."

I left the room, resisting the urge to return, seek solace in her arms, and unleash my frustrations upon the world.

Just a bit longer. I could keep up the façade for a little while longer. But one thing remained resolute: I would not allow myself to become the wife of Lord Winslow.

I returned from my run, my body drenched in sweat and my muscles protesting with each step. There was barely enough time for a quick bath before my fitting. The tailor sighed impatiently as Aoife assisted me in slipping into the new gown. Bathed in crimson, the gown boasted a stunning array of gold and black gems, intertwining along my figure before seamlessly blending into the hem of shimmering silk that billowed like liquid gold while hints of black tulle adorned the sleeves.

Despite its beauty, the dress reminded me more of a queen preparing for her death than for a glamorous event. I pushed aside the unsettling image and focused on the details of the attire.

I was stunning with a newfound elegance and no longer a little girl wearing the childish attire Jesri had imposed on me. I was no longer bound by compliance and refused to adhere to a life devoid of joy. Through years of enduring pressure and hardship, I had transformed from mere coal into a resplendent diamond.

Aoife skillfully arranged my hair into an elaborate coronet, intertwining red, black, and gold ribbons. As the othermaids applied cosmetics, they painted my face into someone unrecognizable as the head maid drew out a large box. Our collective breath caught as she unveiled the box containing a stunning black diamond necklace.

"King Thealor offers courage for the night," the maid announced.

I couldn't help but scoff, earning a disapproving glance from Aoife as she clasped the heavy necklace around my neck. It felt eerily reminiscent of those dark, phantom fingers, still lurking and ensuring I knew they were watching and waiting.