BOUND BY FATE: ENTANGLED WITH MR HELL

Chapter 22: Unspoken Questions

Rosa's POV

I couldn't sleep.

I lay in my bed, staring at the moonlight pouring in from the tall window, washing the floor in silver. My thoughts tangled around each other like thorny vines.

His words kept replaying in my head.

> "Stay away from Edward."

That was all Bryant said before walking out, leaving me alone with questions I had no answers to. He didn't look angry. He didn't look jealous. He just… looked unreadable. As always.

I shifted under the silk covers, letting out a frustrated sigh.

He called for me after weeks of silence, fed me, looked me in the eye… then dismissed me with a warning. What does he really want from me?

Part of me knew I shouldn't care.

But another part—the part that foolishly smiled when he gave me his shirt, the part that burned when he touched me, the part that trembled when he protected me—was beginning to ache for his presence.

Am I just another pawn in this palace?

Or is there something real between us?

I sat up, hugging my knees to my chest. The moonlight lit the edge of my face, making the reflection in the vanity shimmer like something out of a dream. I got out of bed and walked barefoot to the mirror.

And there she was.

> "Lora…" I whispered.

My wolf's glowing eyes stared back at me from the reflection.

> "He's hurting too," she said softly.

I blinked.

> "What?"

> "Bryant. He's not just distant. He's conflicted. I can feel it every time you're near him."

I looked down, chewing my bottom lip.

> "Then why push me away?"

> "Because he doesn't know how to pull you closer."

Silence passed between us like a heavy wind.

> "What should I do?" I finally asked.

> "Be patient. But stay alert."

She paused, eyes darkening slightly.

> "And beware the other scent I caught at the court meeting. There's danger circling us."

A chill crawled down my spine. I clutched my arms.

> "You mean Matilda?"

Lora didn't answer. Her image slowly faded from the mirror, and I was left alone again.

But this time, with purpose in my chest.

I would not be weak. I would not be passive. If I was going to wear this Luna crown, then I needed to stop waiting for someone else to protect me.

Even if my heart was beginning to beat too loudly for someone I should never trust.