I still have time before I have to meet up with Eloise.
With a couple of hours left entirely to myself, the thought of returning to the quiet apartment to sit with my own racing thoughts felt suffocating. I needed to move. I needed to be somewhere that didn't feel weighted down by ancient bloodlines, royal expectations, or impending wars.
But as I reached the heavy front doors of the residential wing, I paused, my hand resting on the iron handle. I knew better than to just slip away unnoticed. Demetrius would absolutely give me a hard time if I went wandering the massive compound alone—especially with the threat of my father hanging over us. He was a fiercely protective Alpha, and out of respect for his peace of mind, I wasn't about to sneak out like a thief in the night.
I turned towar
