I closed my bedroom door gently, but inside me, everything was thunder. My heart still raced, as if my body hadn’t realized the mission was over. I slipped off the dress with slow, ceremonial movements, savoring each second that had passed. I had done it. For him. And I didn’t feel dirty. No. I felt… powerful.
The fabric fell to the floor, forming a soft circle at my feet. I pushed it aside with my bare toes and lay down on the bed, wrapping myself in the sheets as if they were the branches of a secret forest. The stone vial still hung between my breasts, as if refusing to detach itself from the act it had enabled. I closed my eyes. I pictured his face. Vix. Those bottomless black eyes, that mouth that spoke the truth with venom… and yet, had chosen me.
My breathing slowed. I smiled, pro
