CHAPTER 29 – Aira in the Rogue King’s Chamber
POV: Aira
Cold.
That's all she felt at first.
Not from the air—but from the way the world seemed to pause when he stepped into the cell again. The Rogue King.
His boots echoed on the stone floor as he walked toward her. His aura was suffocating—so thick and dark it felt like a shadow had swallowed all the oxygen.
Aira tried not to meet his gaze. But her instincts screamed as his eyes landed on her.
He said nothing. Just lifted her as if she weighed nothing.
His arms were strong, his body radiating heat. She wanted to scream. To fight. But she couldn't.
Not because she was too weak—but because around her, the other girls were watching. Terrified. Paralyzed.
If she screamed… if she fought… would he hurt them?
So, she stayed silent.
Lila moved slightly, her lips parting to speak—but Aira shook her head just enough to stop her. Don't. Please… don't.
The Rogue King carried her through the hallway, past the burning torches and jagged stone walls, until they reached a set of obsidian doors.
They opened.
The chamber inside was… beautiful. Velvet-draped windows. A carved canopy bed. Silken curtains. Rich furs. A hearth glowed warmly in the corner.
It looked like a royal suite.
He carried her in and gently laid her on the bed.
The soft cushion beneath her was almost offensive. Like mocking her suffering.
Aira's pulse raced. Why had he brought her here?
Was he going to touch her?
No. He couldn't.
But instead of reaching for her, he stood back and motioned toward the door.
"Bring her food," he said, his voice low, smooth, and dark like midnight oil.
A minute later, a silver tray was brought in by a hooded servant. Fresh bread, steaming soup, fruit, water.
Aira didn't move. Not an inch.
The Rogue King took the tray himself and sat beside her on the bed.
"You haven't eaten," he said, almost gently. "Don't be afraid, little one. I won't hurt you."
His voice was calm, but she felt no warmth. Only calculation.
He lifted the spoon of soup toward her lips.
She didn't budge.
She didn't look at him. Didn't even blink.
He chuckled softly. "Stubborn. That's fine. We have time."
His fingers brushed her chin, trying to coax her mouth open.
She flinched away. She may have been scared, but she wasn't broken.
Not yet.
He tilted his head slightly, observing her. "You'll come around," he whispered. "You're too special not to."
Aira still didn't speak.
Then, as if hearing something she didn't, the Rogue King suddenly turned his head toward the chamber doors.
His entire body tensed. His jaw locked.
He growled—deep and guttural.
Trouble.
Something had pulled his attention.
He rose slowly, walking toward the door.
But before stepping out, he paused.
He turned, eyes locking with hers one last time.
"You'll wait for me, won't you, little wolf?"
His hand reached for something at his belt—a syringe.
Before she could react, he pressed it into her arm. A sharp sting.
"No—"
Her vision blurred.
Darkness clawed at her edges again.
The last thing she heard was the sound of the door closing.
Then… nothing.