Olivia adjusted the sleeves of her gown, turning away — and for a heartbeat, it seemed she would leave without another word into the corridors of the palace.
Jo let herself exhale softly—
Until Olivia stopped mid-step.
She turned back, head tilting slightly, a predatory glint flashing in her eyes.
"You," she said lightly, gesturing toward Jo. "Walk with me."
Jo’s pulse skipped, but she obeyed without hesitation, trailing after the queen along a shaded stone path lined with blooming hydrangeas.
They walked for a moment in silence before Olivia spoke again, her voice deceptively casual.
"Tell me more about yourself."
Jo chose her words carefully, each one a shield.
"There’s little to tell, your highness. I am an omega from the Dark Slayer Pack. I recently chose to leave my pack and
