Everything was going accordingly. Selena had somewhat gotten King Khael to give her his complete trust, but there was this deep feeling that resonated inside her that she refused to acknowledge.
King Khael no longer treated Selena like a slave, instead, he even enrolled her along with his men to learn how to fight and defend himself.
Every night, human women were brought to him—tributes from conquered lands, meant to satisfy his unquenchable hunger. The rumors were endless. Some said he was insatiable, a beast in both strength and appetite. Others claimed that no woman could truly satisfy him, that despite the endless stream of willing—or unwilling—bodies, there was still something missing.
Selene had dismissed the rumors at first, treating them as nothing more than exaggerations of a cruel king's depravity. But then, she had seen it herself—the line of women led through the palace, the way Khael barely acknowledged them, taking what he wanted without attachment, without feeling.
Yet, no matter how many were offered, his golden eyes always found their way back to her.
It was maddening.
Selene could feel it, the weight of his gaze whenever they were in the same room. It was a hunger that had no reason, no logic. He thought she was a man. And yet, he desired her.
She had seen the frustration in his face, the way his jaw tensed when she walked too close, the way his hands flexed at his sides as if he fought some unseen battle. It was dangerous, this game they were playing. But no matter how carefully she avoided it, there was always the looming question of when—when would Khael give in to the pull neither of them could deny?
A knock at her door made her tense.
"Come," she called, schooling her expression into something neutral.
One of the guards stepped inside. "The king has summoned you."
Selene exhaled slowly. This was becoming a pattern. She was being called to him more and more frequently, and she wasn't sure how much longer she could keep up the facade.
She followed the guard through the halls. her heart was steady but her mind raced with thoughts. Why did he want to see her this time?
The moment she stepped into Khael's chamber, she knew something was different.
He stood near the great hearth, his broad shoulders tense, his expression wad unreadable. But there was something in the air, something heavier than usual.
Selene kept her posture relaxed. "You called for me, Your Majesty?"
Khael turned, his golden eyes burning into hers. "The new tributes arrived today."
Selene felt a prickle of unease. "And?"
Khael studied her for a long moment. "I thought you might want to see them."
A strange chill ran down her spine. That was not what she had expected him to say.
She hesitated only a fraction before nodding. "Lead the way."
Khael walked ahead, and Selene followed, her pulse quickening with each step. Something wasn't right. Why would he summon her for this?
The moment they reached the lower halls, the answer hit her like a blade to the chest.
A line of human women stood before them, clothed in sheer fabric, their eyes downcast, their expressions a mix of resignation and fear. Some were trembling, others staring blankly ahead.
And in the middle of them, was Lyra.
Selene stopped breathing.
Her sister looked thinner than before, her brown hair falling loosely over her shoulders. Her hands were clenched into fists at her sides, her lips pressed together in defiance—but Selene could see the fear lurking beneath it.
No. This wasn't happening.
Her body locked up, every instinct screaming to move, to do something. But she couldn't—not here, not now.
Khael's voice cut through the storm in her head.
"Interesting, isn't it?"
Selene forced herself to turn toward him, her face a carefully constructed mask. "What do you mean?"
Khael's gaze lingered on her, as if he was searching for something. "You don't seem particularly… pleased by this batch."
Selene's hands curled into fists at her sides. She had to be careful—one wrong move, one crack in her disguise, and everything would fall apart.
"I don't see why my opinion would matter." Her voice was steady, but inside, she was screaming.
Khael tilted his head, studying her like a predator toying with its prey. "No?" He stepped closer, his warmth radiating against her. "And yet, I see something in your eyes. Something like…" He smirked. "Disgust?"
Selene forced herself to scoff, though it took everything in her not to snap. "Why would I be disgusted? You are a king. You take what you want."
Khael chuckled, but there was no amusement in it. "Yes. I do." His eyes flicked toward the women, then back to her. "And yet, no matter how many I take, I still find myself looking at you."
Selene's stomach twisted.
His voice was low, dangerous. "Tell me, little prince—why is that?"
She met his gaze, her pulse hammering in her throat. "Perhaps you enjoy a challenge."
Khael exhaled through his nose, shaking his head slightly. "Perhaps." He turned away, giving a casual wave to the guards. "Take them to the chambers."
Selene's heart lurched.
She had seconds to react.
She swallowed down the panic clawing at her throat and took a step forward, feigning disinterest. "If I may, Your Majesty."
Khael raised an eyebrow. "You have a request?"
Selene forced a smirk. "I was thinking… if you truly enjoy a challenge, why not let me break one of them for you?" She turned her gaze toward the women, forcing herself to not look directly at Lyra. "See if I can mold one to your liking before you even touch her."
Khael's lips twitched as he considered her. Then, to her relief, he chuckled. "You continue to amuse me, little prince."
He gestured toward the women. "Fine. Choose one."
Selene felt like she might be sick, but she kept her composure. She walked past the line of women, forcing herself to slow, to not tremble.
Then, when she reached Lyra, she let her fingers brush ever so slightly against her sister's hand—a silent message.
Lyra didn't react, but Selene knew she understood.
She turned back to Khael. "This one."
Khael's eyes gleamed. "Very well. She is yours."
Selene gave a shallow bow, then turned, leading her sister away with carefully measured steps.
She didn't breathe again until they were out of sight.
Now, she just had to figure out how to get them both out of here alive.