Chapter 13: The Thorn Prince's Game
Damon's estate was nothing like Bryant's.
It wasn't cold or silent.
It pulsed.
With life. With laughter. With danger beneath silk.
Guards didn't stand at attention—they lounged like predators. Music drifted through marble halls. Firelight kissed everything gold.
And in the center of it all:
Damon Kings.
Seated on his throne-like lounge, wine in one hand, a wicked smile on his lips.
"You came," he said. "I didn't think he'd let you."
Evelyn stopped a few feet away. "He doesn't own me."
"No," Damon said. "But he's trying to."
She didn't sit when he gestured.
Didn't smile.
"What do you want?"
"Conversation."
"Try again."
He stood, lazy and fluid, circling her like a cat with curiosity and claws.
"Has he touched you yet?" Damon asked.
"No."
"Has he kissed you?"
Silence.
He chuckled. "Then I'm ahead."
Evelyn's spine stiffened.
"You're disgusting."
"No," he said. "I'm honest. Bryant wants you like a starving man wants poison. He'll drink you—he just hopes he can survive the burn."
"What do you want, Damon?"
He moved closer.
Close enough that she could feel the heat of him, the danger humming beneath his skin.
"I want what I always want," he said, voice low. "Control."
She raised her chin. "You won't get it from me."
He leaned in, lips brushing her ear. "Then give me truth instead."
Her breath stilled.
"What truth?"
"Your scar," he whispered. "It's not just a mark. It's a seal. I've seen one like it before… once. A girl burned to hide who she was."
Evelyn's heart slammed once.
Twice.
"Leave," she said.
He smiled.
"I just opened a door. Whether you walk through it… is up to you."
He stepped away, lazy again.
"Tell my brother thank you for the entertainment. And tell him he's losing."
She left without another word.
But her fingers brushed the edge of the scar as she walked—
And for the first time in years, it felt like something was waking up beneath it
(End of Chapter 13)