Lila’s POV
Gods, I thought he’d never leave this morning. As soon as I was sure Tobi was gone, I bolted, taking the secret passage from our chambers, darting through the kitchens and out the back garden gate. My boots hit the earth like I was breaking free, and in a way, I was. No more silk. No more corsets. No more being someone I wasn’t.
I reached the cabin, tore off my palace attire, and changed into my human clothes—cotton, elastic, comfort. The air filled my lungs differently once I was dressed like me again. Free. Alive.
The gym was already humming when I arrived. Oscar was slamming punches into a heavy bag, his muscles coiled like tension wires. I jumped into the ring and strapped on my gloves, cracking them together just to feel something hit.
“I know, I know—I’m late. Couldn’
