"Deal," she says, shaking on it with a smile that Balu mirrors.
"Oh, before you go, here's a little bonus to our deal," Balu adds smoothly as she turns to leave. "John's being punished for taking you out of the castle."
She doesn't feel obligated to tell Ella this, yet she can't resist.
Maybe it's the satisfaction of imagining Ella storming into Steffen's study, confronting him, questioning his decision. She's certain Ella will rush to defend John, and once she does, Steffen might feel betrayed. A rift might form between them, one that Balu could use to her advantage.
It's a gamble, but what's the harm in trying? If she doesn't spice things up, who will?
Besides, she isn't the villain here. Or so she tells herself.
People can say what they want, she's only fighting for what's hers. She was the first woman in Steffen's life. She deserves his mark, not her. Ella is a nobody, yet she poses the biggest threat to Balu's place in his world.
She owes everything to Steffen, he saved her once, took her in when she had no one. She should be grateful, should let go. But how can she when his kindness is the only thing anchoring her to him?
Ella doesn't waste a second. As soon as Balu's words sink in, her feet carry her through the corridors, her heart pounding with urgency. The moment she reaches Steffen's office, she shoves the door open without hesitation, barely registering the way his piercing gaze snaps to her in irritation.
His brows arch in question, displeasure radiating from him at her unannounced and undeniably rude entrance.
"Are you punishing him?" she demands, her voice laced with frustration.
Steffen doesn't immediately answer. Instead, his expression hardens. He doesn't like the way she's standing before him, unafraid, challenging him, questioning a decision that, as king, he has every right to make.
"Is that why you're here?" His voice is sharp, carrying a sting that she ignores.
"Of course," she snaps back. "I want to know why you're punishing him."
"He deserves it," Steffen replies plainly, shifting his focus back to his laptop. "He took his queen out of the castle and risked her safety."
"I compelled him to take me out," she argues, standing her ground.
Steffen's jaw tightens. "And he should have known better than to give in to your request," he counters.
There's a flicker of something unreadable in his expression, something she doesn't quite understand. He hasn't punished her for leaving without his consent, yet here she is, pleading for another man's sake.
He tells himself he doesn't care, he can ignore the way her concern for John gnaws at him, but his clenched fists against the desk and the way his teeth grind together betray him. He stares at her for a long moment, then blinks, forcing his attention back to the screen.
"You can't punish him. It's unfair."
Her words strike a nerve, and his fingers flex as he suppresses the growl rising in his throat.
"Nothing is unfair when it is the king's decision," he states, his tone final. His authority is absolute. No one challenges him, not his men, not his enemies, and certainly not her.
"Please," she pleads, her voice softer now, her frustration ebbing into something closer to desperation. "He did nothing wrong. I am to blame. If anyone deserves punishment, it's me. Don't make him suffer because of my stubbornness."
She lowers her gaze to the floor, her lashes heavy with unshed tears.
Steffen watches her, his fingers curling into fists once more. He should stand by his decision, should send her away without another word. And yet, the moment she turns and reaches for the door, he says nothing.
He lets her leave.
But will he really go through with punishing John?
"So, how did it go?"
Ella flinches at the voice, whipping around to see Balu stepping out of the shadows, her arms folded across her chest.
"Tell me, what did he say to your protest?" Balu presses, smirking knowingly.
Ella scowls. "Ask him yourself."
She doesn't have time for Balu's games. She has bigger problems to deal with.
"And don't forget our deal," she adds, her voice firm. "I want out of here. The sooner, the better."
With that, she turns and storms off, the door slamming shut behind her.
Balu clicks her tongue, muttering under her breath, "Bitch."
All she wanted was a little information. But that stupid human won't give her a damn thing.
Not that it matters. Soon enough, Ella will be gone. And when that happens, Steffen will be hers to win over.
The departure is swift. Everyone is prepared to leave for the city.
Balu stands beside Ella, ready to share a ride with her. It's the perfect opportunity. If she can get Ella alone, she might just find a way to help her escape. The only problem? Convincing Steffen.
"Ella should ride with me," Balu suggests casually, though her intent is anything but.
Steffen doesn't even hesitate. "She's riding with me," he states firmly.
Ella swallows hard as his gaze flickers to her, silently instructing her to get into the car. He's already holding the door open for her.
She hesitates. "Don't I get to protest?"
The look he gives her is all the answer she needs.
With a scowl, she stalks toward him, sliding into the car with reluctance. She doesn't bother hiding the irritation in her eyes, and from the way his lips twitch, she knows he's aware of it. But he doesn't care.
He won't risk leaving her alone, not out of fear that she'll run, but because the dangers lurking outside are far too real. She isn't just carrying her own life; she's carrying his bond, the connection between them that he refuses to acknowledge.
He tells himself that's the only reason he wants her close. It has nothing to do with the way the thought of losing her gnaws at him.
Nothing at all.
Ella huffs, folding her arms. If she could, she'd wish him dead. Well, maybe not dead, just... unconscious. Long enough for her to escape.
She can only hope Balu figures something out. Because if not...
She might never break free of Steffen's grasp.
Silence settles in as she takes a seat beside him in the car.
With a low hum, the vehicle moves, the driver following the lead of the first two cars in the convoy. It's a grand display of power, an entire procession of council members present for the mission, their presence signifying the importance of what lies ahead.
"He's been redeemed from his punishment," Steffen finally speaks, his tone flat, betraying the tight hold he has over his emotions. The words feel foreign on his tongue, restrained, as if they cost him something to say. And perhaps they do.
Even now, he questions why he feels the need to tell her this. Why does it matter whether she thinks well of him? Why does her mood, dark and distant, weigh so heavily on him?
Ella turns her head slightly, not fully facing him, her expression unreadable. "Why are you telling me this?"
The truth? Because he wants to make her happy. But admitting that isn't an option—not for a man like him, one with a steel heart and a pride that won't allow such weakness. Instead, he huffs in response, flicking his gaze to the dark screen of his phone. With a touch, it lights up, the glow reflecting faintly in his cold eyes.
Damn her. She knows. He's certain she can see the effort he's making, yet she feigns ignorance. He shouldn't have given in to her words. Shouldn't have lifted John's punishment. He should have made an example of him, stripped him of his title, at the very least.
Yet, he hadn't.
"So," he drags out the word, uncertain of what to say next. He wants to continue the conversation, but every attempt dies in the weight of her glares and her unwavering attention on the passing trees, their branches dancing with the wind.
He exhales slowly. Even for someone as hardened as him, he can't help but admire nature's artistry.
The drive stretches on in silence until they finally arrive.
The mansion stands before them, vast and isolated, a fortress of wealth and power. Acres of meticulously cultivated grass and towering trees surround it, offering both beauty and seclusion.
Steffen steps out first, holding the car door open for her. Without a word, he leads her forward, past the guards who stand at attention. The doors open before them, granting entry into a grand foyer illuminated by massive chandeliers, their crystals jingling softly in response to the wind filtering through the glass windows.
Ella's gaze sweeps over the paintings adorning the walls, their arrangement eerily reminiscent of his castle.
One of his properties, she realizes.
She follows him through the corridor, her mind turning over the implications.
"You don't have to worry. You'll be safe here," he assures her. He isn't sure if she needs to hear it, but he says it anyway. Maybe because, despite everything, he wants her to trust that he will take care of her, at least until he uncovers the mystery surrounding her.
Ella barely reacts. "I know. Now, can you tell me where I'll be staying?" Her tone is indifferent, detached.
She doesn't care for his reassurances. Why should she? She has no intention of staying under his control for long. She isn't some helpless damsel in need of protection.
Before Steffen can respond, another voice slips in smoothly.
"I'll handle that."
Balu steps forward, catching both their gazes.
"You're probably busy, and I'm free," she adds, her lips curling slightly. "Besides, the council is waiting for you."
She's right. The council expects him, waiting to discuss Teslime and the growing threat of his rogue soldiers turning humans into their own.
Steffen gives a short nod. "That's settled then." Without another word, he turns, heading up the grand staircase toward the second floor.
Once he's gone, Ella wastes no time.
"So, how do you plan on getting me out of here?" she asks, her gaze flickering to the guards standing watch. Their eyes never leave her.
Balu sighs, thoughts scrambling for a solution. "I'm thinking about it."
Simply walking her out isn't an option. The guards would intervene. And even if they didn't, she would still have to answer to Steffen when he realizes his mate is missing.
She wants to help. But she has to do it in a way that doesn't lead back to her.
Ella exhales sharply, frustrated. "Don't you have any kind of magic you can use to distract them?"
Balu stiffens. "I'm not a witch, girl," she corrects, her eyes dark with warning. "I'm a Night Sucker."
One of the guards shifts at the mention, a towering figure with an intimidating presence. His stare alone could unnerve anyone.
Ella rolls her eyes. "Fine. Vampire. Do you have any useful power?"
Balu's lips twitch. As a matter of fact, she does. She had hoped to avoid using it, its effects tend to linger, and she doesn't want them crawling after her, enslaved to her command.
But desperate times call for desperate measures.
With slow, deliberate steps, she approaches the guards. A single finger lifts to her lips as her eyes gleam with a rich, fiery glow. Her lips part, murmuring a riddle meant for her own ears, the words curling through the air like an enchantment.
The guards stiffen. For a brief moment, their eyes mirror hers, a flash of ginger-red before fading back to normal.
Then, the effect settles in.
"Pretty," one murmurs, his gaze hazy as he reaches for her neck.
"Goddess," another sighs, pressing reverent kisses to her fingers.
Ella watches, smirking. "Impressive."
She hadn't expected this. Who would have thought Balu could hypnotize men into doing her bidding?
"Stop staring and get out of here," Balu orders sharply.
Ella doesn't need to be told twice. She slips through the doors, moving quickly, her heart pounding as she reaches the gates of the Organization.
Cool air fills her lungs as she finally steps inside.
A cage.
She isn't sure she'll make it out of this one.
A voice cuts through the tension.
"You finally show up."
It's sharp. Cold. A demand rather than a greeting.
Another voice follows, even harsher.
"You failed your mission... and yet, you dare return?"
Ella steels herself, her mind racing.
This is only the beginning.