GRACE

I had a plan set in motion.

The maids eyes were wide with shock and horror as they started to prepare me for whatever occasion Damon had planned.

I ignored every one of them. If Damon wanted me to go then I’ll go. He didn’t say what manner he expected me to be dressed in.

They finished with my hair and I stood up like a corpse, my lips sealed and my eyes dead.

I walked out of my room for the first time since I got here and the guards cleared their throat, stiffening their back as the flanked me and escorted me towards a hall.

Sounds of laughter, smell of food and mixture of different scents hit all of my senses at once and my body recoiled.

These were the people who took my mother from me. I balled my palms into fists. I was going to make them pay, starting from Damon.

They opened the doors for me and the hall went silent. Like a flower, the guards who flanked me heavily, eased out and let me step out into the hall.

Whispers erupted like a viscous flame. I caught Damon’s eyes, boring into me with disdain.

His eyes had turned to slits and where he stood, his nails dug into the chair. He may look royally pissed but a certain hunger lurked behind those eyes.

A devising smirk curved on my lips as I walked with confidence. The shortness of the gown so dangerous, men coughed and cleared their throats, others couldn’t stop their eyes.

I walked towards him and extended my hand towards him. Damon was livid.

He didn’t want people knowing I was mute then I was going to drain every patience he had till he had no use for me and tossed me out of the palace.

Damon stood up from his seat, his eyes not leaving mine and he held my hand. His grip was firm. Too firm and a slight gasp left my lips.

My body tensed as he dragged me onto the podium, heart was beating twice as fast as we shared breaths. Then before I could allow the mate bond control me, I pushed myself off him and sat on the spare seat.

I could see the fury radiate off of him. Damon wanted my obedience, he was going to get my undiluted hate and defiance.

They continued with people paying their respects but with my silence and lack of interest, I already knew most people hated me on sight.

By the time the party had gone underway, I decided this was the best time to achieve my goal.

‘I’ll like to use the restroom’ I silently said but Damon ignored me.

‘Would your council love to hear how mute I am about using the ladies room or do I have to show them? Your highness?’ I mocked and Damon looked at me with annoyance.

Soon, a guard trailed me toward the ladies’ room. We passed the kitchen, and I didn’t wait for permission before I slipped inside and pretended to be hungrily stuffing food into my mouth.

Disgusted, the guards turned away, giving me the moment I wanted.

A smile flickered as I tore through the pantry. There it was.

Widowsmite. Birth control in its deadliest form.

I swallowed the bitter herb, masking its taste with more food before heading to the bathroom as planned. I wasn’t going to give Damon the chance to use me to help himself.

He was my enemy even if he was my fated mate. I walked into the bathroom and the guards stayed outside.

I barely touched a stall door when filthy hands seized me, groping.

I spun in shock to see a short drunk, his eyes dripping with lust.

“You must be Damon’s new toy,” he slurred. “Dressed like that, you’re asking for a lesson.”

Revulsion spiked instantly. I dodged his grab and made for the exit, but the door was already locked.

Shit.

My fists pounded the wood.it was too late.

He yanked my hair, hurling me across the tiles. Pain lanced up my spine as he climbed over me. I scratched at his face then slapped him, hard.

The air went stiff and my heart thundered in my ears. His eyes shifted from hunger to murder.

His hands locked around my throat instantly as my dress tore beneath his grip.

I fought, nails clawing, breath burning. A silent scream ripped through me.

Then his fist cracked against my face. Stars burst in my vision.

My ear started to ring when the door suddenly got blown off of its hinges.

My eyes widened when claws suddenly burst through the man’s chest. Blood splattered across my face and crimson eyes appeared out of nowhere.

The man screamed in agony as Damon threw him through the walls putting an end to his agonizing screams.

Damon’s wolf radiated terror and fury but his hands were so gentle helping me to my feet.

This was the second time he protected me. Something in my heart pulled at him. A piece of wall shreds had cut him across the cheeks. My wolf was compelled.

I reached out a hand to smoothen the cut that now oozed blood when memories flooded my head.

I pushed Damon away from me violently. Did he offer a hand to my mother right before he slit her throat?

“Come back here,” he ordered but I refused. Walking straight to the exit.

“Grace!!” He yelled and I froze.

I ran. Straight to my room, banging the door shut.

What was this!?

How did he know my name?

My mind was in chaos, I pulled at the blood spattered dress only to hear the shriek of a crow behind me.

Father.

The crow shrieked, impatient, as I tore the note from its leg.

“Be my eyes. Avenge your mother, I’ll gut Damon myself.” It read.

My hand trembled. I ripped fabric from my gown and scrawled two words.

Yes. Father.

The doorknob rattled. Damon’s scent filled the room. The hinges groaned before giving way.

The crow vanished just as the door splintered and Damon stepped inside. His eyes went straight to the pen in my hand. The ink bleeding into torn fabric.

“You’re a spy?!” he asked, voice molten with rage.

Blood drained from my face.

He knew.