***************
Chapter 366
~Snow’s POV~
The mont Zara was gone, my father leaned back in his chair, studying intently. "Stay," he ordered when I stood up, ready to leave.
I exhaled quietly. I had a feeling this was coming.
For a brief second, I wondered if this was about my stepbrother—or worse, Ivan. But to my surprise, it wasn’t.
"You’ve been distracted lately, son," my father said bluntly. "What is it?"
I stiffened.
I masked my expression imdiately, but I knew my father. He could read better than most people.
"It’s nothing, Dad," I lied smoothly. "Just that those roaches of witches want Zara. And I... I need to stop them."
He studied for a long mont before nodding slowly. "Okay. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask. The pack is yours. I am only standing in for you until you’re ready."
I gave him a curt nod. "I know. Thank you, Father."
His lips quirked in approval. "Good. Then focus on what’s ahead."
He stood, signaling the conversation was over.
"Oh, and one more thing," he added as I reached the door. "Your trip... you leave tomorrow morning. Be prepared."
I let out a slow breath before nodding once. "Understood."
As I stepped out of the office, my mind raced.
Tomorrow morning. That’s just what I do not need. Fine, after my trip, I will tell Zara everything.
A part of was relieved to be leaving for a while—to put so distance between and Vera.
But another part of dreaded it.
Because deep down, I knew. By the ti I returned, everything might be different, especially Zara.
*************
~Ella’s POV~
I sat on the couch in my room, absentmindedly running my fingers over my bandaged leg. The past few days had been a ss of emotions, pain, and confusion. My body was healing, but my mind felt cluttered.
Just as I was lost in my thoughts, a knock ca at the door.
Before I could answer, Ares strode in, his tall fra dominating the space. He didn’t bother waiting for an invitation—typical.
"Morning, sweetheart," he drawled, smirking as he leaned against the doorfra.
I rolled my eyes. "Who let you in?"
"Zara," he shrugged. "I told her I’m taking you out for a walk, maybe the park, maybe the movies. Stretch your legs a little."
I blinked. "What?"
"You heard ," Ares said, crossing the room and plopping down beside . He draped an arm over the back of the couch, his body angled toward mine. "You’ve been cooped up in here too long. A little fresh air won’t kill you, princess."
Zara suddenly appeared at the door, arms crossed. "Are you sure about this, Ares?"
"Absolutely," he answered without missing a beat. "I’ll take good care of her."
Zara gave a questioning look. "Ella?"
I was about to answer when a sharp headache suddenly struck, making wince. My fingers pressed against my temple as a wave of dizziness washed over .
"Ella?" Zara’s voice beca concerned.
I blinked rapidly, trying to steady myself. My gaze flickered toward the hallway, and that’s when I saw her—Vani.
Sothing in tensed, and images flashed through my mind for a brief mont. Dark blue energy. A sinister smirk. A voice in my head.
My breathing quickened. What was that?
"Ella?" Zara placed a hand on my shoulder. "Are you okay?"
I forced a smile, shaking the feeling off. The mory—if that’s what it was—felt like a dream, slipping away before I could grasp it.
"I’m fine," I muttered, waving a hand dismissively.
"You don’t look fine," Zara said, her brows furrowing. "If you’re not feeling well, you can stay and rest—"
"No," I cut in quickly. "I’m good. I need this."
Zara hesitated but eventually sighed. "Alright. Just be careful."
Ares grinned. "She’s in safe hands."
I wasn’t so sure about that.
***************
At the Park
The fresh air helped clear my mind a little. The park was peaceful, the soft rustling of leaves filling the quiet space around us.
Ares and I strolled side by side, his hands in his pockets, while I focused on steadying my steps. My leg still ached, but I could manage.
"So," Ares said, glancing at . "How does it feel to be out and about again?"
I smirked. "Like I’ve been let out of prison."
He chuckled. "Careful, Ella. If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re starting to enjoy my company."
I scoffed. "I’d rather have a root canal."
Ares clutched his chest dramatically. "Ouch. Right in the heart."
I rolled my eyes, but I couldn’t fight the small smile tugging at my lips.
We found a bench near the lake, and I sat down with a relieved sigh, stretching out my injured leg.
Ares dropped down beside , spreading his arms across the back of the bench. "So... you and Kent."
I tensed. "What about him?"
Ares’s playful deanour darkened slightly. "Do you really think he’s done with you?"
I looked away, watching the water ripple against the breeze.
"He’s engaged," I muttered. "He has Vera now."
Ares let out a humourless laugh. "And you believe that ans anything?"
I shot him a glare. "What do you want to say, Ares? That I’m scared? That I’m waiting for him to co after ?"
His jaw clenched, and he turned toward fully. "I don’t want you to wait for anything. I want you to be prepared. Because the mont he cos sniffing around, I will kill him."
Sothing about the intensity in his eyes sent a shiver down my spine.
"You talk a lot of stuff, Ares," I said, tilting my head. "But do you really an it?"
His eyes flickered with sothing unreadable before his smirk returned. "Try ."
There was a challenge in his tone, one I wasn’t sure how to respond to. But there was also sothing else. The tension between us thickened, an invisible force pulling closer.
I didn’t know whether it was because I felt protected or was beginning to fall for him, but I wasn’t thinking when I moved.
One second, I was sitting, and the next, I was tugging his shirt, pulling him closer. His eyes widened slightly, surprised—but only for a mont.
Then his smirk vanished.
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