The grand dining room stood eerily silent, the air heavy with anticipation. I had dismissed all the maids in a fit of anger, their startled faces disappearing through the wide doors. Only Magnus and I remained, standing in front of Selene, who clung to him like a frightened child.
I turned to one of the lingering maids before she could leave. “Where is Grandma Gwen?” I asked, my voice sharp yet laced with concern. The last thing I wanted was to disturb her with what was about to unfold.
“She’s at a sleepover at her friend’s place,” the maid replied hesitantly.
A sly smile spread across my lips. “Perfect.”
The doors shut with a soft thud, sealing us in with Selene. She clung tighter to Magnus, her voice trembling in false innocence. “Magnus, I’m scared. Aria is scaring me!”
Her attempt to play the victim only fueled my anger. I laughed, a sharp, mocking sound that echoed through the room. “Oh, Selene. Drop the act. Magnus already knows your little secret—that you’re not human and your pitiful slavery story was nothing but a lie.”
Selene’s face contorted, her mask slipping. She turned to Magnus, hoping for support, but he slowly peeled her hands off him and stepped back. The betrayal in her eyes was almost amusing.
I smirked darkly. “What’s the matter? Cat got your tongue?”