The King’s Daughter

Confrontation

I had only taken a few steps forward when I heard the sound of slow, deliberate footsteps echoing behind me, and I knew instinctively who it was.

‘Serene.’

She was the shadow that always loomed in the corners of my life, slipping through the cracks like venom seeping into an open wound. I could already picture her smug expression—always so proud, always so certain that she was untouchable.

And right now, I didn’t have the energy to care.

“Well, isn’t this interesting?” Her voice, silky and cruel, rang out, echoing down the empty hall. I stopped mid-stride, exhaling a soft, annoyed breath before turning to meet her gaze. Dylan, still frozen in the spot I left him, stood between us—his focus shifting sharply to Serene.

She emerged from the dark, her dress sleek and perfect, her arms crossed over her chest as she sauntered forward. “I didn’t expect to find both of you here,” she added, her smile dripping with malice. “This almost feels like old times.”

I bit down the sharp retort that threatened to escape and tilted my head with a false smile. “Serene. Always such a pleasure.”

Her eyes narrowed briefly, but she recovered quickly, flicking her gaze over me with unmasked disdain before turning to Dylan. “I’m surprised you’re still wasting your time here, Dylan,” she said sweetly. “Surely, you can see how she’s embarrassing you… us… and everything you’ve built.”

Even though her words were casual yet it tasted like poison, and Dylan’s silence stung more than I would admit. His expression hardened, and the subtle softness—the tiniest c***k I thought I’d seen before—vanished as if it had never existed.

Serene smiled victoriously, as if she’d just pressed a knife to my throat. “You have to admire her, though,” she added with mock admiration. “Coming here, playing dress-up, parading around like she belongs in the kings castle. Isn’t that adorable?”

I clenched my fists, my nails biting into my palm, but I smiled anyway. She wanted me to react. She wanted me to fight her—to defend myself and grovel like I once did in the past, but I wouldn’t play her game anymore.

“Careful, Serene,” I said smoothly, meeting her gaze without faltering. “Jealousy makes you look desperate.”

Her smug mask slipped for a split second, however, Dylan stepped in, his voice a low growl as he turned to me. “Stop this. Both of you.” His eyes bore into mine, darker than before and more angrier and colder than they tend to be. “Is it true?” he demanded suddenly.

I blinked. “Is what true?”

“All of it,” he uttered. His hands fisted at his sides as his frustration rolled off him in waves. “You’re standing here, letting her spew accusations like it’s nothing. You’re not even denying it!”

Hearing that, I laughed softly, the sound devoid of any emotions, and looked at him with something close to pity. “Why would I deny anything, Dylan? Does it really matter what I say? You’ve already made up your mind.”

Something flickered in his expression—frustration mixed with confusion—but Serene was quick to delve in, driving the blade deeper.

“Of course she won’t deny it. She can’t, Dylan. She’s always been good at pretending, though—like a leech hiding behind a pretty smile.”

“Careful, Serene,” I snapped, my voice sharper now as my control wavered. I turned my gaze back to Dylan, my pride refusing to let me look away. “You’re a fool if you’re still listening to her.”

Dylan’s eyes burned into mine, unrelenting and filled with disgust—disgust that cut deep despite everything. “What are you really doing here, Chloe?” he demanded harshly, his voice like steel. “Are you here to fool yourself into thinking you belong here? To embarrass yourself, your family, and my pack?”

I paused, my head jerking back slightly as though he’d slapped me.

‘My pack.’ The way he said it—like I was something to be ashamed of, something filthy to wipe off his shoe—made my chest ache more than I would ever admit.

He stepped closer, his towering figure swarming mine like it used to, but this time, I didn’t flinch. “You shouldn’t be here,” he said through gritted teeth. “You’re making a mess of yourself. Come with me—now.”

I stared at him for a long time as I had spaced out for a moment, shocked by the sheer audacity. And then… I laughed. A slow, mocking laugh that echoed through the hall.

“Are you serious?” I said incredulously, shaking my head. “You think you can command me? You think you still hold any right over me?” I scoffed, stepping back with exaggerated mockery. “Poor Dylan. Is your ego that fragile, or have you just convinced yourself you still matter to me?”

“Don’t push me, Chloe,” he growled, his voice icy cold ad his anger barely contained.

“Or what?” I snapped, my own fury rising to match his. “What will you do, Alpha? Drag me back to your pack? Chain me to your side again like you did for years? Keep me locked away, miserable, while you give your heart to her?”

Dylan’s eyes burned with rage now, his expression a mixture of anger and disappointment. But I didn’t care—not anymore.

I straightened my spine, my chin lifted high, and forced every ounce of power I could into my words.

“You are nothing to me, Dylan,” I said clearly, deliberately. “Nothing but a bitter mistake and a painful lesson I will never repeat.”

Serene let out an amused hum, but she said nothing. She didn’t need to. Dylan looked like he was barely restraining himself, his shoulders stiff and his hands shaking with fury.

I turned on my heel without another glance, my heels clicking against the floorboards as I walked away with my head held high. They could choke on their accusations. They could wallow in their self-importance. I would not bend to them—not now, not ever again.

The heavy silence stretched as I reached the end of the hallway, but before I disappeared into the dark, I heard Dylan’s low growl echo behind me—angry, raw, and aimed entirely at me like a swirling wind.

“This isn’t over, Chloe.” I heard him yell!!!

‘We’ll see about that.’ I said, forcing myself not to shiver as his words lingered in the empty hall.