Chapter 4 Break The Bond

Mira's POV

Kai's chamber was nothing like Damien's. The moment I stepped in, my eyes widened. The place looked like a palace inside a palace.

Tables overflowed with food, each dish more elaborate than the last, and servants moved silently in the background. Even music was being played, soft and alluring.

Kai himself stood in the center of it all, dressed in a thin robe that clung to his frame. His long hair was free, brushed until it gleamed.

My breath hitched in spite of myself. He was too handsome, almost unreal. For a moment, I forgot everything... but then I reminded myself why I was here.

Still, I played along. I let my eyes wander around the chamber, as if dazzled by the display. He noticed.

"You've never seen such luxury, have you?" he asked, his smirk confident.

Heat crept into my cheeks, though not for the reason he thought. "No... I haven't."

"Good," he said simply, like my answer had pleased him. Then his voice hardened into command. "Eat."

I sat down before the feast. His eyes never left me as I picked up the food. Every bite felt heavy under his watchful stare. I wanted to reach for the dagger hidden beneath my dress, but I couldn't. Not yet. He wasn't close enough.

When I finished eating, he rose and extended his hand. "Come."

My chest tightened, but I obeyed. He led me into his inner chamber, the air thick with tension. My fingers brushed the hidden dagger at my side. Soon.

Kai drew me against him, his hands strong as they slid across my skin. He smoothed my hair back, his lips brushing against my neck.

My heart was beating loudly in my chest-fear and something else I refused to name. His body pressed to mine, heat searing through the thin fabric between us.

I gripped the dagger. My chance.

Then-

A sharp knock rattled the door.

Kai growled low, ignoring it, his mouth lowering toward mine.

Another knock followed, louder this time. I swallowed hard and whispered, "Maybe you should answer it."

His eyes flickered with annoyance, but finally, he snapped, "Enter."

The guard stepped in, bowing quickly. "My king, Rowan is storming this way. He will be here any moment."

Kai cursed under his breath. As his attention turned to the guard, I slid the dagger from my dress. My hand shook violently as I raised it toward my chest.

Fear clawed at me, but I bit down on it. If I cut deep enough, the bond would break. One cut, and I'd be free-

The door slammed open.

"Mira!" Rowan's voice thundered through the chamber.

Startled, my grip faltered, but the blade was already at my chest. Before I could drive it in, Rowan was there-faster than my eyes could follow. His hand clamped around my wrist, ripping the dagger away.

"What the hell are you doing?!" he roared, his eyes blazing with fury.

Kai's head snapped toward us, shock flashing across his features.

"She-she tried to cut herself," Rowan spat, glaring at me like I'd committed a sin against him. "She wanted to sever the bond."

Kai's smirk vanished, replaced by anger, though not as explosive as Rowan's. His jaw tightened. "You would dare?"

Rowan's grip on me was bruising, his face inches from mine. His voice was harsh, his tone lethal. "You will never try something like that again, do you hear me? If you do, I'll end you myself."

My breath trembled, terror flooding me.

"You belong to us," Rowan growled. "And the only thing that can separate you from us... is death."

"Enough," Kai said sharply, stepping closer. "Don't scold her like a child."

Rowan turned on him instantly. "Don't scold her? You kept her locked up like a prisoner, and then you just waltz in here and steal her from my chamber?"

Kai's eyes narrowed. "And what of it? Did you think you could keep her all to yourself?"

Their voices clashed, fury sparking between them.

The tension broke when the door opened again. Serena entered, her elegant gown flowing behind her. The moment her eyes landed on me, her expression twisted.

"What is she doing here?" she demanded, her voice sharp.

Neither Kai nor Rowan answered.

Her lips trembled, and then tears spilled down her cheeks-tears I instantly knew were fake. She clasped her hands dramatically.

"So it's true. You're replacing me with her. You promised me she was only for breeding, nothing more!"

Her gaze snapped to Kai. "Send her away! You always spend your evenings with me. Isn't that what you told me?"

Kai looked away, jaw clenched, refusing to answer.

Rowan suddenly barked, "Enough, Serena!" His voice shook the walls. "Mira is our mate. Not just a breeder. Our mate."

Serena froze, her eyes wide in disbelief.

"No," she whispered, before bursting into sobs. "No, no, this isn't possible!"

She turned and ran, her sobs echoing down the corridor, but not before throwing one last look at me. "I'll get rid of you, Mira. I swear it."

Her words chilled me to the bone.

The chamber fell into silence again, the weight of everything pressing down on me. If this was how they treated their own wife-mocking her tears, ignoring her cries-what was I to them? A lowly breeder, a mate they never asked for? My fear deepened.

Rowan finally spoke, his tone sharp and commanding. "I'll order the servants to remove every dagger from your quarters. If you think of trying this again, don't. I won't let you."

Kai exhaled, disgust flashing across his face. "Leave. I'm not in the mood anymore."

The words stung worse than a slap. I lowered my eyes and obeyed, my heart heavier than when I'd entered.

Serena's POV

I paced around my chamber, fury and fear twisting inside my chest.

"Mira." The name burned on my tongue like poison.

Ever since the brothers had told me a breeder was coming, I had suspected trouble.

But this? To hear Rowan claim that Mira was their mate-their mate-was a betrayal I could hardly process.

All this time, I had believed myself chosen. I had believed I was theirs.

Now I saw the truth: I was only an arranged wife, tolerated, perhaps even liked, but never bonded. They had never felt a mate bond with me.

My heart trembled. "If Mira stayed, my place as queen would crumble. I couldn't allow that."

The door creaked open, and my maid Lily slipped in. At once, Lily noticed the anger etched into my face.

"My lady," Lily whispered, concerned. "What troubles you?"

My eyes burned with unshed tears. "It's that girl. Mira. She's a threat. If I don't get rid of her, I'll lose everything."

A slow, knowing smile spread across Lily's lips. "Then perhaps... I can help. I have a plan."

My gaze snapped to her, a spark of hope lighting in the darkness.

"Tell me," I whispered as Lily leaned closer.