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Eyes narrowed and with an uneasy feeling curling low in her belly, Violet asked, "What do you mean, bonded with me?"

Roman exhaled heavily, dragging a hand through his already ruffled green hair. "It must have happened that day I shifted into my cat’s form."

The skeptical look that flickered across Violet’s face made Roman’s expression darken. He clenched his jaw before saying, "I’m not kidding, Violet. My animal side is an extension of myself. We are one and the same. Even though I override it as its owner, it still affects me nonetheless."

"And what exactly does this animal side want?" she asked, suspicion still in her voice.

Roman swallowed, "I shift mostly during the night, and after its walk, it..." He hesitated for a second before finishing, "it wants to rest close to you."

There was a beat of silence until her outburst.

"Are you fucking kidding me right now?!"

Violet muttered something under her breath, something that sounded an awful lot like,’ Is this your latest tactic to get into my pants?’

Roman’s brows twitched in irritation, but his voice remained calm.

"I might have played games before, but I kid you not this time.

" His eyes burned into hers, unwavering.

"I have no control over this. It’s never happened before.

If it had, I would have never risked spending time with you.

Moreover... You are partially responsible for this as well. "

Violet’s expression flashed with anger.

"Don’t you dare put this on me."

Her voice was razor-edged, cutting through the tension like a blade.

"Don’t you even dare."

She stepped closer, eyes burning with anger. "I already paid the price, Roman. You cashed in the favor of using Kitten Roman and turned me into a Rogue, remember?"

Roman’s lips parted, but no words came out. His head dipped slightly, and he whimpered.

Violet stilled as a soft, mournful sound left his lips. It was instinctual, sounding like that of an animal. When Roman lifted his head, his usually bright green eyes had dulled melancholic

For a second, just a second, the look nearly enchanted her into compliance. Nearly being the word.

Violet shook her head, breaking out of whatever enchantment that was. "It’s not happening." she said firmly.

"Violet—" Roman’s voice was low, almost pleading. "I give you my word—"

"Sorry," she cut in smoothly, her tone laced with mockery. "But your word bears no weight. Have you forgotten?"

She tilted her head, watching as his expression stiffened. "Right now, you’re like the child who cried wolf."

Roman’s hands curled into fists at his sides. "Then what do you want me to do?" His voice rose with frustration. "I didn’t ask for this unexplainable, spellbinding connection. I just seek time to understand it, and break it."

Violet took a step closer, their atmosphere heated.

"So far, since I arrived at this school, you’ve humiliated me in front of everyone by pissing on me, or do you think I’ve forgotten that?

You’ve played and betrayed me like a fool.

Even now, you tried to seduce me just to get what you want.

.." she shook her head, "You’re indeed a fox as they call you. "

Letting her words sink in, Violet tilted her chin up and locked eyes with him as she continued. "What makes you think I don’t want retribution? What makes you think I don’t want to see you suffer?"

Roman didn’t speak.

Violet’s lips curled coldly. "And I do hope you suffer well. This thing? I hope it eats you alive."

She turned sharply, making it clear that this conversation was over. "I hope you stick to our deal and don’t pull me out of my bed for this matter again."

She had barely taken a step away when—

A massive thunderbolt shattered the sky.

Both Violet and Roman froze as the sound ripped through the night, and seemed to shake the very foundation of the earth. But it didn’t stop there.

Lightning slashed violently across the sky, illuminating the forest in eerie white flashes. The roar of the storm followed, rolling through the air like an angry god’s wrath.

Then the sky opened up and the rain poured. It was sudden and violent, soaking them within seconds. Cold droplets pelted down, crashing against the ground and turning the earth beneath them into thick, clinging mud. The wind howled through the trees, bending them, and twisting their branches.

"Fuck!" Violet hissed, throwing her hands over her head as she turned on her heels, running toward shelter.

This wasn’t the work of some imaginary angry god, but a cardinal alpha. It was undoubtedly Alaric’s handwork. She thought he had calmed earlier but it seemed not to be the case.

Does the guy not sleep? Violet thought as she ran to the door without a care for Roman.

He’d find his way here, he’d find his way back.

Violet hardened her heart, and went in.

Whatever game he was playing this time, She wouldn’t fall for it.

Bond her ass.

Violet rushed inside, and slammed the door shut behind her. But the moment she turned, she nearly screamed.

A flash of lightning streaked across the sky, briefly illuminating the dark room and in that moment, she spotted Lila, standing silently by the doorway.

Violet’s pulse skyrocketed. "Shit! Lila, what the hell?!"

Lila blinked at her, utterly unfazed. "Where are you coming from?"

Violet forced a neutral expression, brushing off the damp strands of hair stuck to her face. "I couldn’t sleep and was patrolling the area when the rain started," she said smoothly, keeping her voice light.

If Lila suspected anything, she didn’t show it. Instead, she simply exhaled and said, "You should go and rest, Princess."

Violet nearly sighed in relief.

She was about to nod when a thought struck her. Yes, Roman that bastard had nearly caught on. No way was she risking that again.

"Lila," Violet started. "Can you... dial down on the ’Princess’ a little?"

Lila’s brows furrowed, confusion crossing her face.

Violet gave a half-hearted shrug, trying to keep her tone casual. "It’s just... I don’t want the wrong people catching on."

Understanding dawned in Lila’s expression.

She nodded. "Sure, Violet."

Violet let out a breath. "Thank you."

With that, she turned toward her room, heart still hammering in her chest.

As Violet shut the door behind her, she exhaled deeply, pressing her back against the wood.

This has been one strange night.