r someone who resembled her exactly, anyway. Selene leaned out and traced the tiny gold inscription at the bottom of the frame, her fingers shaking. Blackwood, Vivienne Blackwood. Her stomach churn

locked, was th

t... A noise. Gentle and delicate murmur. Selene's heartbeat quickened. She turned back to face the photo, and for a split second, she thought the woman's lips

ocked the door?" Damien remained silent. Rather, his eyes shifted to the picture behind her. He appeared... uneasy for the first time since she had met him. Selene took a step forward, holding on to her sole weapon. "Who was she?"

here was no request. She knew pushing him now wouldn't get her answers, even though she was feeling defiant. Selene then passed Damien after taking one final glance into Vivienne Blackwood

couldn't tell how long she stood there. Then there was a knock. The door swung open as she turned. Damien then entered. Selene folded her arms. "I believed you wanted me to be in my room. You changed your mind?" Her sarcasm was disregard

u believe I'm concealing something?" He muttered. Selene won't be sidetracked. "I am aware that you are." Damien's mouth twisted. Dangerous and slow. His voice wa

e morning, Selene saw him checking the mansion's surveillance feeds in the security wing. She inhaled. "Vivienne Blackwood was who?" Nathaniel stopped. He remained still for a long time. He turned to her slowly after that. He had l

careful step back. Damien didn't even look at him. Selene was the centre of his attention. She didn't cower and straightened. "Will you tell me who she was, or will you just keep staring at me?" Damien's mouth clench

ed. Selene's breathing became laboured. Something unsaid permeated the air around them. From the corner, Nathaniel cleared his throat. "Perhaps we ought to all-" He immediately stopped talking as Damien gave him a glance. Selene's fists clenched.

ne scowled. Her rage turned to curiosity. Just as a woman turned the corner, she moved into the hallway. She was beautiful. Emerald-green eyes, dark red lips, and a figure encased in a garment that hugged all the curves. However, there was something about her that made

than simply a companion. She wasn't welcome here either, based on the way Mrs. Hawthorne was staring at her with a dagger-like expression. Selene's chin went up. "Damien is not present." Isado

ensed. His face became unreadable. Chilly. Inhospitable. "Leave," he said. Selene blinked. Not "hello." What are you doing here, anyway? Simply leave. Isador

l, lingering glance before turning back to her. She then approached Damien and positioned a finger that had been manicured beneath his chin. Selen

he moved to stand next to him. "Who was she?" Quietly, she asked. Damien avoided eye contact with her. "Some

hispered. Selene grinned. "You say that as if I'll quit." There was a flash in his eyes. Then Damien moved closer, too quickly for her to respond. She was close enough to smell the subtle