"Dungeon master?" Luka queries.
"Madame Ellora wields paperwork like it's a whip," I respond.
The guys nod in amusement as they help me pack up my life to move from one castle-like prison to another.
My mates are carrying down the last two boxes, and I've got a photo of Teddie and me in hand, when the dungeon master herself appears in the entryway, blocking our exit.
"Princess Brylee," Madame Ellora says in that stiff tone.
I pause like I've been sneaking out of class and am about to get scolded.
Her heels clack loudly, echoing on the marble floors as she approaches. Her perfect bob is slicked down and curled under, her eyeliner immaculate. But her smile wavers, and then she does something unexpected.
She reaches out and clasps my upper arms. When she does, her eyes are surprisingly misty.
"I'm so glad you and your brother are okay. I just can't believe"—she releases me and shakes her head as her hand rises to her chest—"that they got in here!"
Oh no. Is she about to cry?
"It's not your fault. And we're both fine. The alphas did an amazing job protecting everyone." I can't believe she buys my smile even though my words all come out through gritted teeth.
I’m covered in bruises that I’m certain even my foundation isn’t concealing. But not everyone can handle the truth. And even if she could, Madame Ellora doesn't need to be racked with guilt over what happened to me. There's nothingshecould have done to prevent it.
My parents’ guards however...
Clearing my throat before the anger brewing in my belly erupts into words, I turn to Luka. "What time were we supposed to meet my mother?"
It's my subtle cue that we need to get moving.
He flicks out his phone to check the time.
But before he can answer, Madame Ellora speaks, graciously taking the hint.
"Well, I'll leave you to it, I suppose. Brylee, your mother did say that you'll be attending classes remotely. I'm so happy we'll get to see you, even if it's from afar."
That freezes me in my tracks.
Remote class?
Fucking hell.
Now I wishIhad a vase I could smash.
But I don't, so I simply give a little finger wave to the professor as I scurry toward the steps.
"Can't wait!" Such a lie. I would love to wait forever.
But that's a problem for future Brylee to unravel.
Unfortunately for her, problems keep stacking up.
23
BRYLEE
We arriveat the castle via an underground tunnel that only royalty is allowed to use, which emerges in a small parking garage on the castle grounds and is disguised to look like a cutesy old barn.
Once our driver parks and opens the door for us, Luka glides out and then holds out a hand to help me.
