Grateful

Meanwhile, Alex was holding his own against the knights, his movements swift and precise. He dispatched one of them with a well-placed strike, then turned to face the other.

They closed the door so that Selena could not witness any of what was happening.

Nicholas watched the door close with a scowl on his face, his plan unravelling before his eyes. He hadn't expected Alex to be so skilled, and the realisation only fueled his rage.

Selena took advantage of his distraction and yanked her arm free, stumbling back a few steps. "This ends now, Nicholas," she said, her voice shaking with fury.

But Nicholas wasn't ready to back down. He reached for her again, his eyes wild with desperation.

"You're not leaving me," he growled.

Nicholas grabbed ahold of Selena again, but this time Selena took a deep breath. She was not about to be taken under his control again.