Chapter 14.
Damien's steps sounded heavy as he entered the small study in the Vale mansion. Elara was already waiting for him there, sitting with her arms folded across her chest. The afternoon air was stiff, as if the room itself was holding its breath, waiting for the inevitable argument.
"Elara." Her voice was low and controlled, but there was a clear challenge behind the tone. "You're still not sure who exactly is standing in front of you, are you?"
Elara looked at her with sharp eyes. "I never asked for a game like this, Damien."
Instead of backing down, Damien flashed a thin, heart-wrenching smile. He moved closer, just an inch away from Elara's face. "Then..." he whispered, "try to distinguish me from Adrian."
Elara was surprised when she saw the change in expression on his fac
