Rhylie's POV
As we walked to Zane's chamber, I could see the way his thoughts were elsewhere. He wasn't here with me, not completely. His mind was on her.
Scarlett.
I clenched my jaw, forcing myself to keep smiling. The mate bond between them was already in play, and I could see it in the way he looked at her. He was being pulled toward her, and I knew if I didn't do something, I would lose him.
But I wasn't about to let that happen.
I've waited too long for this
Scarlett may have thought she could walk into Zane's life and take my place, but she was wrong.
, not my headache if she was indeed his mate from the goddess. The curse was only just beginning, and she had no idea what was waiting for her in the darkness.
I smiled to myself, already planning my next move.
Scarlett was in for a shocking episode of her life because I always make what's mine, mine
Scarlett's POV
The first rays of sunlight Entered through the window of my chamber, casting rays and shadows across the stone walls. I sat up slowly, the exhaustion heavy in my body Sleep had come in after countless counting of the ceiling walls haunted by images of the cursed tree, the man and his words, Zane and my revenge, and his first mate
So that's Zane's first mate, I said with a scoff, swinging my legs off the bed. I wasn't sure what I had expected, but after our first meeting last night, I knew one thing for sure she was going to be a problem.
I pushed the thoughts of Rhylie aside and focused on more pressing matters. The witches had kept secrets from me, but I wasn't about to let them dodge my questions this time. They had to know more about the curse, about why I was connected to it. I had to figure out how to control whatever it was that had awoken within me.
I stood and dressed quickly, my mind racing as I prepared to face the day. I had dismissed my maid because I could handle myself
As I stepped outside, the cool morning air brushed against my skin, bringing a brief sense of calm. The sky above was a brilliant shade of blue, and for a brief second, I allowed myself to enjoy the peace before the chaos that was surely waiting for me.
I made my way toward the witches' quarters, determined to get some answers. But before I could reach the entrance, a voice stopped me in my tracks.
"Well, well, look who's up bright and early," Rhylie's voice chimed from behind me, the sickly sweet tone getting on my nerves.
I turned slowly, bracing myself for whatever games she was about to play. There she was, looking far too polished for someone who had probably spent the night looking for a way to get on my nerves. Her long, dark hair flowed down her back, and her lips were pulled into that annoying smile she always seemed to wear when she was about to stir trouble.
"What do you want, Rhylie?" I asked, keeping my tone flat.
Rhylie's eyes gleamed as she looked toward me, her fake concern oozing from every word. "Oh, I just wanted to make sure you were settling in properly. I know it can be... overwhelming, being the newcomer in such a tight big pack." She tilted her head, her smile never changing. "Especially when you don't quite belong."
I felt a spark of anger flare inside me, but I kept my expression neutral. I wasn't going to give her the satisfaction of seeing me angry "I'm fine, thanks. And I don't need your help."
Rhylie's smile widened, but there was something sharp behind her eyes. "Of course. But you should know, Scarlett, things can get... complicated here. Zane and I have a lot of history. You wouldn't understand the bond we share."
There it was. The power play. She was trying to get under my skin, and I wasn't having it.
I raised an eyebrow, crossing my arms over my chest. "Oh, I'm sure you have history. But let's be clear, whatever bond you think you have with him?....hold on, I also have a bond with him, after all the goddess must have sensed that she made a mistake making you his mate because why else would she make me his mate also". I said, taking triumph in the look on her face
Rhylie's smile faltered for just a second, but she recovered quickly, her eyes staring at mine. "You might think you've won, Scarlett, but this isn't over. Zane isn't some prize to be won in a competition. He's mine, and he always will be."
I let out a soft, mocking laugh. "You know, for someone who claims not to compete, you're defensive. What's wrong, Rhylie? Afraid you're losing your grip?"
Her eyes flashed with anger, but she quickly masked it with that same sickly sweetness. "You'll see, Scarlett. Zane may be feeling the pull of the mate bond for you, but it won't last. He's loyal to me. You're just a distraction."
I smirked. "We'll see about that. Like I said before, if I'm a distraction, I know because I'm very beautiful, and you are what? A mistake"
Without waiting for a response, I turned on my heel and headed toward the witches' quarters. I could feel her eyes burning into my back, but I didn't care. Let's cry in her jealousy. I had bigger problems to deal with.