Page 117 of Ruthless Kings of Obsession

"You really believe he can change?" There's no judgment in Ares's tone, just genuine curiosity.

I turn in his arms, meeting his gaze directly. "I believe he's finally willing to try. And maybe... maybe that's enough for now."

His hand comes up to cup my face, thumb brushing my cheek with familiar tenderness. "Just be careful," he murmurs. "Change is good, but some people only pretend to transform when they're really just waiting for a better opportunity to strike."

"I know." I lean into his touch, savoring the simple comfort of it. "But I also know what it's like to be trapped by who you used to be. To want to evolve but not know how."

Understanding flickers in his expression. "Like when I first started modeling? When everyone thought I was just a pretty face playing at being successful?"

"Exactly." I press a soft kiss to his palm. "Sometimes people surprise you. Sometimes they actually become more than their past would suggest."

He studies me for a long moment, something thoughtful in his gaze. "You're too good for this world sometimes," he says finally. "Too willing to see the potential in people who don't deserve your faith."

"Or maybe," I counter gently, "I just understand what it's like to be underestimated. To have people decide who you are based on who you used to be."

His smile turns soft, almost sad. "Just don't let your compassion blind you to danger. We can't lose you – not to The Blind One, not to Domino's redemption arc, not to anything."

"You won't lose me," I promise, reaching up to trace the perfect lines of his face. "I'm too obsessed with all of you to go anywhere."

His laugh vibrates through his chest. "Speaking of obsession," he murmurs, leaning down until his lips brush mine, "should we tell Matteo about this little development with our resident problem child?"

"Later," I whisper against his mouth. "Right now, I just want to focus on making dinner without any more emotional revelations or complicated conversations."

"Mm." He pulls back slightly, though his arms remain secure around me. "Need help with the sauce?"

The normalcy of the question makes something warm unfurl in my chest. Because this is what we've built – this strange, beautiful family where intense emotional moments can transition seamlessly into domestic tasks.

"Always," I say softly, turning back to the stove. "Though you might want to put that gun away first. I meant what I said about no weapons at the table."

His answering chuckle carries equal parts amusement and promise.

"Yes, my Queen. Whatever you command."

Trouble In Microscopic Paradise

~GEMINI~

"These decorations are fucking ridiculous," Sia mutters, glaring at the elaborate Christmas display adorning the private study room we've claimed. Tinsel and twinkling lights reflect in the floor-to-ceiling windows, making everything feel almost magical despite her scowl.

Ishya rolls her eyes, though her usual perfect posture seems slightly strained. "At least they're festive. My Lords won't even acknowledge the holidays exist."

I study them both from my perch on one of the overstuffed armchairs, noting the subtle changes since our fight club days. Sia looks sharper somehow, like recent events have filed her edges to dangerous points. And Ishya... something about her seems more haunted, though she tries to hide it behind careful smiles.

"Speaking of Lords," I begin carefully, watching their reactions. "How are yours handling everything?"

Sia's laugh holds no humor. "You mean besides being complete psychopaths with mood swings that could give bipolar disorder a run for its money? Just peachy."

"At least yours show emotion," Ishya counters, her accent more pronounced with fatigue. "Mine just... watch. Always watching, never intervening unless it benefits them directly."

The bitterness in her tone makes something in my chest ache. Because I know, despite everything complicated about my situation, how lucky I am to have Kings who actually care.

"They've been distracted lately though," Sia adds, something careful entering her tone. "All of them. Even the ones who usually micromanage every breath we take."

"Distracted?" I lean forward slightly, interest piqued. "By what?"

The two Maidens exchange a loaded look before Ishya speaks: "Strange things have been happening. Health issues that don't make sense. Students getting sick with symptoms that don't follow normal patterns."

"Like what happened to Scarlett," I say softly, remembering that particular revelation.

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