Chapter 256

AURELIA’S POV I ran. Tears blurred my vision, hot trails down my cheeks as I fled the courtyard. My chest felt tight, my lungs burning, but it didn’t matter. I just needed to get away—from his words, from Kael’s fury, from the humiliation clawing at me like thorns. Seduce men. Lure them. No wonder no one wants you. I had heard whispers like that before, but never from his mouth. That cut deeper than any blade. I turned the corner, nearly colliding with a figure. My heart sank instantly. Seraphina. She leaned against the wall with a smirk curling her painted lips, her arms crossed as if she had been waiting for me. Her eyes glittered with amusement, and I knew—she’d heard everything. “Well, well,” she purred. “Why the tears, dear sister? Nothing Darius said was wrong, was it?” I froze, my fists trembling at my sides. “You’re infamous for it, after all,” she went on, her smile widening. “Seducing men, luring them into your chambers to warm your bed. It’s practically your reputation, Aure