Scarlett (Second Edition) by Karima Saad Usman novel Chapter 81

cian’s POV

needed Gregory’s help for trade in the North, but every time I saw him casting those lingering looks at Scarlett, my stomach tightened with anger.

He was being more than friendly, and she, for some reason, seemed to welcome it, laughing a little soo warmly at his jokes, her eyes shining just a bit t brightly. I knew I couldn’t reprimand her in front of him; that would be unfair and humiliating. So, I gritted my teeth, forcing myself to stay silent, to swallow down the bitter frustration building up inside me. I didn’t let out a breath until she elegantly turned him down when he asked her to dance. Th bought me a small wave of relief, but it didn’t wash away my worry entirely.

Why was I even worried? Scarlett was ours-claimed and marked. Yet, I couldn’t shake the nervous tension that gnawed at me, the lingering fear that ma ast maybe, Gregory was getting to her. He looked at her with a hunger that made my blood boil, as if he were ander her spell. And maybe he was-Scarle had changed so much lately.

We used to say she wasn’t the prettiest, maybe because she never had a reason to care about her looks, or perhaps because life hadn’t been kind to her before. But now, with love and care, she’d blossomed.

She was, without a doubt, the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen-not just because of the mate bond, though that intensified everything. She’d filled out, her body becoming curvier and more alluring, her skin glowing with health. Her beauty was intoxicating, a kind that could drive any man wild.

And Gregory knew it. He was clever and slick, weaving tales of the Northern lands, promising her freedom and power-things that any woman here. restricted by our culture, might secretly yearn for.

He knew what he was doing, trying to sell her this dream of freedom in the North, a place where he claimed women had a say, where they had choices. Scarlett was smart, though. She never gave away her true lineage, but even without words, her appearance told her story. Her tanned skin, her dark, wavy hair, her unmistakable Southern grace-they all gave her away. Gregory didn’t care, if anything, he seemed even more determined. That sleek charm he was using was only skin-deep, and I knew better than to trust it.

I could see the challenge glinting in his eyes as they rested on the mark on her neck-our mark. It should have deterred him, should have been a warning. out instead, it seemed to provoke him. It was as if he took our claim as an/invitation to test his own strength and charm, to see if he could break through what was ours. Anger surged within me, a primal urge to confront him, to make it clear that Scarlett was not his to pursue. But I restrained myself, knowing

what a reckless move that would be.

Gregory was no ordinary rival. He was from the West and his region had a Valkin Alpha who wielded magic, a power we couldn’t match. If w did anything to Jum, it could spark a war between the West and North, a war we were most likely to lose. Ela had already told us we’d never possess such power, and it

would be madness to start a war over a few flirtatious glances. I couldn’t risk the lives of my people over this, even though every insties streamed to

protect Scarlett, to stand guard over what was mine.

T

So, I stayed silent, simmering with unspoken rage, knowing I had to let it go for the sake of our people, for peace. But that didn’t make it any easier to

watch.

The party was in full swing when the wine was served, and Scarlett, with a polite smile, excused herself, leaving me with a strange seupe of unease. The wine had an odd taste, faintly bitter, leaving a tingling sensation on my tongue that set off alarms in my mind. I tried to link with Scarlett, iNSUARLOVY wanting to check on her, but found an unsettling silence in place of our usual connection. It was as if a wall had gone up between us. I pushed down the rising dread, reasoning that no one would dare harm her, and forced myself to focus on the gathering around me.

Moments later, Clay leaned in, his brows furrowed. “Is it just me, or is there something wrong with this drink?” he whispered, glancing around cautiously Relief washed over me, knowing I wasn’t alone in sensing something amiss.

ing?” I asked, though I could barely keep my words steady. The warmth from the wine was speshing to last, we SESCHTE,

10:07 am Pppp

Chapter 81

Maxwell shook his head. “I don’t feel right. Something is off about this wine.” His expression mirrored my own growing suspicion.

Gregory was still seated across from us, his eyes glinting with a strange satisfaction. Even in my haze, I knew we couldn’t show any weakness. We had to pretend everything was fine, despite the fog settling over our minds. This was no ordinary drink. Yet here we were, vulnerable and exposed, while Gregory observed us with a cunning look in his eyes.

Noticing my gaze, he lifted his glass in a mock toast, a sly smile playing on his lips. I forced myself to smile back, keeping my expression composed, though every muscle in my body was tense. I turned away, summoning a nearby kitchen worker with a quick wave.

“Alpha,” she greeted, her head lowered respectfully.

“Who’s in charge of the food and drinks tonight?” I asked, keeping my tone steady.

“Luna Scarlett, Alpha,” she replied, and I bit back a frustrated sigh. Of course, Scarlett had arranged it, but she wouldn’t have done this alone.

“Who else is involved? She wouldn’t have handled all the details herself,” I pressed, watching her face for any sign of hesitation.

“Bianca, Alpha,” she answered, and I managed to ask her to fetch Bianca. Linking wasn’t working, and we needed answers, now.

It took longer than I would’ve liked for Bianca to arrive. By then, Gregory had retired to his quarters, though his followers were still indulging in the food and drink, laughing and chatting like nothing was amiss. I couldn’t help but wonder if he had drunk the same wine as us or if we were the only ones

affected.

Comments

Michele Gremillion

1 Comments

All 4 of them were drugged, I wonder what gregory’s game is. I hope the alpha realize Scarlett is drugged as well.

7 days ago

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Scarlett