#Chapter 22: Tactics

Ella “What?” I sniffled, wiping at my nose with the back of my hand—much to the chagrin of the nearby stylist, who looked like she was about to have a conniption as she rushed over to dab fresh powder on it. “The camp I was sent to had… methods. Harsh methods, but effective.” Something dark flickered across Liam’s face, and for a moment, I saw a hint of a man who had suffered deeply at the hands of others. “But I did learn a few tricks for speaking under pressure.” He looked around the room, his gaze landing on Lilith, who was arranging flowers in a vase nearby. “Lilith!” he called. “Can you help us for a moment?” Lilith set down her flowers and hurried over. “What is it, dear?” “I need your help preparing Ella for the press conference,” Liam explained. “We’re going to simulate the chaos she’ll experience out there.” Lilith looked confused but nodded anyway. “Alright. What do you need me to do?” “I want you to be as distracting as possibl