KATHERINE"Kath, Vorath told me that Lavinia is like you, and very powerful. That’s why he dared to feed her," Elliot explained."A powerful witch?" I looked at her, almost in fear. I had hoped she would be “normal.” Now, more than ever, I had to protect her."We have to, baby. You’re not alone anymore, Kath. We have to protect each other," Elliot assured me."I need your help reorganizing all the castle staff. We’re going to do a full cleansing of the duchy. I’ll bring Aldo, Tomás, and their families to stay at the castle."I nodded in agreement. They were good, loyal people.The castle’s grand structure came into view as we entered the gardens, and for the first time, I felt an undeniable sense of belonging.I was no longer the false Duchess. I would take my place legitimately. I wouldn’t allow any more snakes to conspire within my own home.*****NARRATORIn the Duchy of Thesio…Salvatore materialized in a hidden corner of the stables behind the Blue Mountain Tavern.This was where

A FEW DAYS LATER…ELLIOTI sign my name on the line with mixed emotions. In truth, I feel somewhat guilty. I accused and tortured an innocent man—to some extent.But I was the first to make the mistake of trusting him completely.He had started as a butler in my parents’ service, and I had known him for years.However, in the end, all that trust, including his bond with the housekeeper, had led to the vilest betrayal.I take my seal and finally finalize Mr. Wallace’s retirement.He will leave for the countryside to live with his daughter. I granted him a generous pension, partly to ease my conscience.Our farewell was stiff, and I confess it left a bitter taste in my mouth.Knock, knock, knock.The door is suddenly tapped gently."It’s our mate." Vorath immediately perks up, shaking off his earlier boredom and huffing."Come in," I say, pushing the papers aside.The scent of lavender floods the room as soon as she enters, making our mouths water. She carries a tray with a coffee pot,

ELLIOTI stood up from the chair, my thighs tense, feeling her rushed breaths against my abdomen, her nails digging into my ass, the tightness of her throat vibrating around my cock.I closed my eyes, on the verge of falling apart, about to come, already picturing her swallowing every drop of my release."Grrr, fuck, I can't take it anymore, Kath, my mate…" My wolf howled in pleasure, always pushing me toward my primal form.I saw Katherine slide a hand between her legs, still kneeling, lifting her dress obscenely. I knew she was touching herself while pleasuring me—I could smell it, hear it in my mind.She caressed her pussy, imagining it was my fingers, while her head bobbed up and down on my throbbing length.Her sinful mouth worked me over until I was teetering on the edge."Nmmm… yes, I’m coming, Kath… I’m coming…" I growled through clenched teeth like a beast, thrusting faster, standing in front of her, gripping her hair in my fist.My balls tightened, releasing my seed… so blis

NARRATORKatherine watched the lively scene in the dining hall, observing the struggles of their guest families.Though they had started to relax, their discomfort with many things was still obvious.They had discussed it, and they would live in houses near the forest, under the castle’s protection.The women would take on important roles under the Duchess’s administration, serving as her support.By the time night fell, Katherine had already arranged for them to stay in the guest wing, with the servants at their disposal.She stopped by to check on Freya, who was still recovering but much better.Then she remembered the chest and asked her about it."I think I saw it once. I believe your mother opened it with a stone of the same material," the elderly woman replied from the bed, wrapped in blankets, a bandage around her head.Lavinia had just left after reading to her.Katherine remained puzzled by the mystery.So much had happened that she hadn’t had time to examine that object.At

NARRATORKath’s eyes were drawn to a shadow beyond the window, near a poplar tree.They looked like piercing eyes devouring her, sharp rubies glowing in the dark. The dominant aura almost reached out to her, but suddenly…"Duchess, get up, we’re leaving."Elliot grabbed her arm, pulling her out of the trance.He slammed the window shut, his gaze locking onto the same spot Katherine had been staring at—yet now, there was nothing there."What? What’s going on? Is there a problem?" Brenda stood up, visibly nervous despite trying to mask it."Nothing. I have nothing else to think about. I accept your proposal.""Oh? Just like that?" She could hardly believe Elliot would accept so easily, but of course, it was still a gift that had practically fallen into his lap."Good, I knew you’d help me. Thank you so much, Elliot… I mean, Duke, for remembering the old times.""Precisely because I remember that we once supported each other…"Elliot suddenly turned to face her, placing Katherine behind