Page 129 of A Monarch's Fall

“Selene,” she called as she burst through the doors. “I’ve been looking for you everywhere we need to talk…” she trailed off as she noticed Valen. “Well, you found what we needed to talk about,” she said.

“I’m afraid we’ve never met. I am Valen Ardens,” he introduced himself.

“Eww,” she said, disgusted, and looked back at me. “He was with Percy,” she said accusatorily.

“I’ve already explained and revealed this,” he said tiredly, “I’ll be going now, but I’m sure we’ll be in touch. Think about my offer, Selene,” he said as he cautiously walked past me.

I contemplated stopping him from leaving, but realistically, it was not in my best interest. I worried about his guessing that Percy was my soul match, but there was nothing he could reasonably do with such information. Percy was locked in my room, my entire guard ensuring her safety, and I would never allow her to be taken from me again. He could be an ally as much as I hated to admit it.

Heidi watched him like a gross bug she didn’t want to get too close to as he passed, then turned to watch him curiously as he left.

“You could hear his thoughts?” I asked.

“Loud and clear, there are no enchantments protecting him,” she said and turned to me her eyes wide with worry.

“What is it?” I asked, immediately regretting letting him leave.

“He was thinking that he wanted to be far gone before the opening ceremony and The New Foundation strike,” she said.

“I received a letter from Adamantia a few days ago, informing me of a potential attack at the closing ceremony,” I informed her.

“It was definitely the opening ceremony he was thinking about; he’s leaving Borealis tonight,” Heidi replied.

I nodded, “And so will you be, with Percy,” I told her.

She looked upset. “I can’t, Selene. What about my grandmother and our council members? We’re all here for the Royal Conference; I can’t just leave them,” she told me.

“I understand. Then tomorrow, you will ensure that Coactus is delayed from joining the ceremony. Preferably, that your House fails to attend,” I instructed.

“I can do that… I think,” she agreed. “But what are you going to do? Tell the King?” she asked.

“No. My father has betrayed me. I don’t know where he stands. I need to speak with Percy, and then I will decide what to do with this information,” I explained.

“She’s not well,” Heidi said. “I mean, mentally that is; physically, she seems fine — calm down, scary protective vampire. After you barged past me this morning, which was rude,” she chastised me, “I found Percy having a panic attack. When I questioned her about how she was rescued, she thought of people, someone died, Ana was with her, and so was Valen. That’s why I came looking for you,” she explained.

I nodded in understanding.

“I apologise for my mood this morning, Percy has been withdrawn, and not herself. I now believe my father isresponsible in some way. I was upset, but that is no excuse,” I apologised.

Chapter thirty-two

The Truth Sets You Free.

Percy Flores

Iheard the muffled sound of commotion outside the room, Selene barking commands that I couldn’t quite make out. I made my way to the door to try to listen better, but it pushed open and I stumbled back.

Selene stepped into the room, eerily calm, and shut the door behind her.

“It’s time to come clean, pet,” she said as she walked towards me, her predatory gaze set on me.

I stepped back, and she matched me, until the back of my legs hit the arm of one of the armchairs, and I fell clumsily backwards, ending awkwardly in the chair, my legs over the arm. The hint of an amused smile crossed her lips as she leaned over me, her arms boxing me in.

“I had an interesting encounter with a ghost,” she told me, in a low voice, her lips so close to mine, her dark as night hair falling around me like a curtain separating us from the rest of the world.

“A ghost?” I asked.

“Mm-hmm,” she hummed in agreement, “Well, he should have been a ghost, sadly, he was very much part of the corporeal world,” she continued.