Chapter 261

The crisp morning air carried the scent of pine as Lillian stepped onto the balcony of Sebastian Blackwood’s estate. The sun had barely risen, casting golden streaks across the sprawling gardens below. She tightened the silk robe around her, the fabric whispering against her skin.

Last night had been… unexpected.

Her fingers traced the faint mark on her neck—Sebastian’s claiming bite. The memory of his lips against her skin sent a shiver down her spine. She had never imagined she would be mated to the most powerful Lycan in the country, let alone under such circumstances.

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.

“Lillian?” Beatrice’s voice was muffled through the door. “Are you awake?”

Lillian turned, her bare feet padding across the cool marble floor. She opened the door to find her best friend holding two steaming mugs of coffee. Beatrice’s eyes widened as she took in Lillian’s disheveled appearance.

“Oh my Goddess,” Beatrice breathed, stepping inside and shutting the door behind her. “It’s true, then? You and Sebastian—?”

Lillian accepted the coffee, the warmth seeping into her palms. “It’s… complicated.”

Beatrice snorted. “Complicated? You’re mated to the Lycan Chairman, Lillian. That’s not complicated—that’s life-changing.”

Lillian sighed, sinking into the plush armchair by the window. “I know. But it wasn’t exactly planned.”

Beatrice perched on the edge of the bed, her expression turning serious. “What about Donovan?”

Lillian’s grip tightened around the mug. Donovan, her former fated mate—now engaged to Victoria, Sebastian’s daughter. The irony wasn’t lost on her.

“He made his choice,” Lillian said quietly. “And I made mine.”

A sharp rap at the door made both women jump.

“Miss Lillian?” Theodore Whitmore’s smooth voice carried through the wood. “Mr. Blackwood requests your presence in his study.”

Lillian exchanged a glance with Beatrice. “I’ll be right there.”

As Theodore’s footsteps faded, Beatrice leaned in. “What do you think he wants?”

Lillian set down her untouched coffee. “I have a feeling I’m about to find out.”

Sebastian’s study was bathed in the soft glow of morning light, the scent of aged leather and cedar filling the air. He stood by the window, his broad shoulders silhouetted against the sunrise.

“You wanted to see me?” Lillian’s voice was steady, though her pulse betrayed her.

Sebastian turned, his golden eyes locking onto hers. “We need to talk about last night.”

Lillian swallowed. “What about it?”

He closed the distance between them in three strides, his presence overwhelming. “You’re my mate now, Lillian. That means certain… expectations.”

Her breath hitched. “Such as?”

A slow, predatory smile curved his lips. “For starters, you’ll be moving into my wing of the estate.”

Lillian’s heart pounded. “And if I refuse?”

Sebastian’s fingers brushed her jaw, sending sparks across her skin. “You won’t.”

Before she could respond, Marcus Grayson burst into the room, his expression grim.

“Sebastian, we have a problem.”

Sebastian’s grip on Lillian tightened imperceptibly. “What is it?”

Marcus hesitated, his gaze flicking to Lillian. “It’s Donovan. He’s challenged you to a duel.”

Silence.

Then—

Lillian’s blood ran cold.

Sebastian’s smile turned lethal. “Tell him I accept.”

Victoria nodded, her fingers twisting nervously in her lap. The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife. I knew I had to ask—now, before the moment slipped away.

“What exactly did you see earlier, Victoria?” I pressed, keeping my voice steady. “You said you saw Lillian shooting him?”

She swallowed hard before turning to face me, her blue eyes dark with accusation.

“She did it on purpose.”

A heavy sigh escaped me as I dragged a hand through my hair. I knew Lillian—better than most—and the idea of her intentionally hurting someone was absurd.

“She wouldn’t do that,” I murmured, shaking my head.

Victoria’s arms crossed over her chest, her glare sharpening.

“She can’t be trusted, Father,” she stated coldly.

I frowned. “What do you have against Lillian?”

She blinked rapidly, as if trying to clear her vision. “What?”

“You used to be friends,” I reminded her. “Then you found out she was once mated to your fiancé. That can’t be the whole story. What’s your real problem with her?”

Victoria’s lips pressed into a thin line. “She was never my friend. She lied to me. Betrayed me.”

“Her only mistake was not telling you the truth about her past with Donovan.”

“She still wants him!” Victoria burst out. “Donovan told me—”

“Donovan also lied to you, Victoria,” I cut in firmly. “If you’re going to blame Lillian, then you should hold him just as accountable. It’s not fair to treat her like she’s the villain here. She didn’t want to hurt you—that’s why she kept quiet. There’s nothing more to it.”

“But—” she started, but I raised a hand.

“I need you to let this go, Victoria,” I said, locking eyes with her. “This grudge isn’t healthy for either of you. Oliver was badly injured—”

“That wasn’t my fault!” she snapped.

“I’m not saying it was. But right now, we need to focus on him, not our own selfishness,” I said firmly. “Can you put your anger aside for your brother’s sake? He’s going to need you in the coming weeks while I’m away, and I’d like to leave knowing you’re thinking clearly.”

She bit her lower lip, her gaze dropping to the floor. Silence stretched between us before she finally exhaled and gave a reluctant nod.

“Fine,” she whispered.

“So, tell me,” I pressed again, hoping for a different answer this time. “What did you really see?”

She hesitated, her fingers tightening around the hem of her sleeve. Then, slowly, she lifted her eyes to mine—glossy with unshed tears.

“It was a mistake,” she admitted softly. “Lillian was the one who fired the arrow into his leg, but she was aiming at the target. Her timing was off… I don’t think she meant to hurt him.”

I let out a slow breath and gave a reluctant nod. Lillian—I needed to check on Lillian immediately. The moment I confirmed Oliver was unharmed, the sharp claws of fury loosened their grip on my chest, leaving behind only a gnawing unease. It was unsettling how quickly the anger had dissipated, replaced by this restless concern that churned inside me like a brewing storm.

The hallway stretched before me, its polished floors reflecting the dim evening light filtering through the windows. My footsteps echoed softly as I moved, my mind racing.

Why this sudden shift?

One moment, I had been ready to tear through anyone who stood between me and Oliver. Now? Now all I could think about was Lillian’s face when she had seen Donovan with Evelyn. The way her shoulders had stiffened, the flicker of hurt in her eyes before she masked it.

I clenched my fists.

She shouldn’t have had to mask anything.

The door to her room was slightly ajar, a sliver of golden light spilling into the corridor. I hesitated, then knocked lightly.

"Lillian?"

No answer.

Pushing the door open further, I stepped inside. The room was empty, the bed neatly made, her scent faint—like she hadn’t been here in hours.

My pulse spiked.

Where was she?

A rustle of fabric made me turn. Beatrice stood in the doorway, her arms crossed, one eyebrow arched.

"Looking for someone?" she drawled.

"Where’s Lillian?"

Beatrice smirked, but there was no real amusement in it. "Oh, now you care?"

I gritted my teeth. "Beatrice."

She sighed, relenting. "Roof. Said she needed air."

Without another word, I turned on my heel and headed for the stairs.

The rooftop was quiet, the night air crisp. Lillian sat on the ledge, her legs dangling over the side, her back to me. The wind played with her hair, tossing dark strands across her shoulders.

For a moment, I just watched her. The tension in her posture, the way her fingers gripped the edge of the stone.

Then I stepped forward.

"You shouldn’t sit like that."

She didn’t turn. "Why not? Worried I’ll fall?"

Yes.

But I didn’t say it. Instead, I moved closer, leaning against the ledge beside her. The city lights stretched below us, a sea of gold and shadow.

Silence settled between us, thick and heavy.

Finally, she spoke, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Did you find Oliver?"

I nodded. "He’s safe."

A small exhale. "Good."

Another pause. Then—

"I’m sorry."

I frowned. "For what?"

She finally turned to look at me, her eyes glinting in the dim light. "For making you choose."

The words hit like a punch.

I opened my mouth—to say what, I wasn’t sure—but she stood abruptly, brushing past me.

"Lillian—"

She didn’t stop.

And just like that, the moment shattered, leaving me standing alone under the cold, indifferent stars.