Chapter Seventeen – The Masked Stranger’s Return
221 Words
The festival of moons bathed the kingdom in firelight and song. Lanterns floated into the sky like stars set free, and laughter spilled through the streets. Yet Evelina’s heart was restless.
Amidst the crowd, a hand brushed hers. She turned—and froze. The masked stranger stood before her once more, cloaked in shadows, eyes burning with secrets.
“You should not be here,” she whispered, breathless.
“And yet I am,” he replied, his voice low, urgent. “I could not stay away, not when the King watches you like a hawk ready to tear its prey apart.”
Her chest tightened. “If he sees us—”
“He already suspects,” the stranger interrupted, stepping closer. “But you must know, Evelina… the rebellion is real. You are not alone.”
Her lips parted, her pulse quickening. Before she could respond, a familiar presence cut through the crowd—the Alpha King. His gaze found hers instantly, sharp and unyielding.
The masked man vanished into the sea of dancers, leaving Evelina standing frozen, torn between two worlds.
The King reached her, his voice dangerously soft. “You are hiding something again.”
And though her face betrayed nothing, Evelina knew her heart had just been caught in the fire.
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✨ End of chapter seventeen
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