Alright... let’s make this fun for all of us. 😌

Here’s how I’m rewarding you, my special readers, and the ink to my pen.

1. Hit a top ranking for a week straight → mass release of 3 Chapters.

2. Send a super gift → mass release of 5 Chapters.

Now for the real mischief, these are the rewards. Also, this is where the real chaos lies.

1. Top interactive reader in a week → gets a shoutout 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

2. One-time super gift → gets a Chapter dedicated to you.

3. Repeated super gifts → you start getting little spoilers + future hints.

4. Highest Golden Ticket sender of the month (20–30 range) → you get a permanent role in the book

Yes, an actual role. 😅🥹 Immortality secured.

Let’s build this story together 🤍

.....

The faint rustle of fabric, and the soft clink of jewelry could be heard from Adele’s chamber.

Adele stood before the mirror.

Her reflection stared back at her, still, composed, and untouched by the weight pressing against her chest.

Behind her, her maid moved with careful precision.

The laces of her corset slid through the practiced fingers of the maid, tightening gradually. The fabric hugged Adele’s waist, pulling her posture straighter, firmer, and more regal.

Adele’s hands rested lightly at her sides.

Her chin was lifted.

Her expression was calm.

"Turn slightly, my lady," the maid murmured.

Adele obliged without a word. The corset tightened again, then again.

Adele’s breath shortened slightly, but she said nothing.

The maid continued. The laces pulled harder this time. Too hard for her to continue breathing.

A sharp pressure bit into Adele’s ribs, forcing the air out of her lungs in a sudden, unexpected rush.

Her body reacted instantly.

"Stop." The word came out sharp and annoyed.

The maid froze.

Her fingers stilled against the laces.

Adele’s reflection did not move immediately. Her gaze remained locked on herself, but the neutral look in her eyes had shifted.

"Are you trying to break my ribs," she said slowly, her voice low, "or simply test how much discomfort I can endure before I notice?"

The maid swallowed. "My apologies, my lady—"

"Loosen it." She commanded, cutting the maid off.

The maid obeyed at once. Her fingers fumbled just slightly as she eased the tension.

Adele inhaled slowly.

The breath filled her lungs properly this time, steadying the brief flare of irritation that had risen in her chest.

Her shoulders relaxed by a fraction.

"Careful hands, I said," Adele added, softer now, but no less firm. "Not clumsy ones."

"Yes, my lady."

The room settled again. The corset was adjusted this time, with precision. Firm, but not suffocating.

Adele watched the process through the mirror. Her expression smooth back into composure. She lifted a hand slightly, adjusting a loose strand of her black hair near her temple.

A knock sounded at the door just then.

The knock was soft but delibrate enough to make the maid pause.

Adele did not turn towards the door. "Come in, Father." She said, already knowing who has that knock.

The door opened, and the air in the room shifted immediately.

Adele’s spine straightened instinctively. Through the mirror, she saw him, she saw her father, Alpha Blackfen..

The maid lowered her head quickly and stepped back when he walked in, while Adele remained where she was.

"Father."

He did not respond immediately.

His gaze moved over her reflection first, assessing, measuring, and taking in every detail of her appearance.

Only after a moment did he speak.

"I have not had the time to see you since the ball."

Adele inclined her head slightly. "Yes, Father."

He stepped closer. His reflection now stood behind hers, their eyes meeting through the mirror.

"Preparations have been... demanding," he continued.

Adele nodded once. "I understand." She said calmly.

She understood enough not to ask for more.

Silence settled briefly between them.

The maid resumed her work, quieter now, and more careful under his presence.

Adele’s fingers curled lightly against her palm, hidden from view.

Her mind lingered on why he was here.

"We will not be leaving today." The words cut through her thoughts cleanly, just before she would process them completely.

Adele stilled. Her eyes shifted to him, and her breathing paused for half a second too long.

"I see," she simply said, not questioning him.

Her voice did not crack.

Alpha Blackfen watched her closely.

"Lord Varent has expressed interest," he continued. "He would like to become better acquainted with you. He might chose you next ball."

Adele’s fingers tightened slightly at her sides.

This time, it was harder to hide. Her gaze flickered to him again for just for a second, before steadying again.

"Today?" she asked.

"Yes." The answer came without hesitation. "We will visit the seer tomorrow."

The air felt thinner.

Adele’s reflection stared back at her, but for the first time since she had stepped before the mirror, she didn’t quite recognize the calm expression looking back at her.

Colour drained from her face.

Her lips parted slightly before she pressed them together again.

"Yes, Father." The words came out softer than before.

Alpha Blackfen’s gaze did not miss the look behind her eyes. "Is there a problem?"

Adele shook her head immediately. "No." She steadied herself. "No, Father," she repeated, slower this time.

He watched her for a moment longer.

"Do not embarrass me." He warned after a moment of silence.

Adele’s spine straightened further. She lifted her chin, and her expression smoothed completely.

"Yes, Father."

Alpha Blackfen held her gaze through the mirror for a moment longer.

He turned to the door, and opened it. He walked out immediately, and closed it behind him.

The room exhaled after getting left.

The maid remained still for a moment before carefully resuming her work.

Lord Varent.

Adele’s jaw tightened faintly at the thought of him. The memory of his hands. His voice, and the simple disgust of him not obeying her simple request when she said no to him

Her stomach turned, but her face did not show it.

"Faster," she said quietly to the maid.

The maid startled slightly. "Yes, my lady."

Adele inhaled slowly. She held onto the thought of seeing the seer tomorrow. She clung to it quietly. Surely, she wouldn’t have to be with Lord Varent after that visit.