#Chapter 101 – Uninvited

Damon “My King. You need to come. Isabella’s been seen inside the palace grounds.” Ronan’s voice cut through the intimate moment like a blade. Lila froze in my arms. The firelight still danced on her skin, her hand still pressed against my chest—but the warmth between us vanished in an instant. I felt it like a door slamming shut. I exhaled slowly and looked toward the door, jaw tightening. I hadn’t heard Isabella’s name in weeks. Not since I dismissed her from the palace under cover of discretion—no public disgrace, no spectacle. I thought it would be enough. Apparently, it wasn’t. Lila stepped back, her brow furrowing. “Did he say—” “Yes.” I turned to face her fully, gently brushing her hair back behind one ear. “I need to deal with this.” Her gaze searched mine, not panicked, but wary. She didn’t ask me to stay—but she didn’t have to. Her unease was a living thing between us. Worry stirred behind her eyes, sharp and tense. “She shouldn’t be here,” Lila murmured.