Page 83 of Ruthless Kings of Obsession

Matteo hadn't said anything at all – he'd just ordered the kitchen staff to prepare six small meals a day, each perfectly balanced for maximum nutrition. The silent command in his eyes had been clear: Eat, or there would be consequences.

"I promised them I'd get back on routine after this week," I tell Hannah, though we both know the upcoming term at Leighton won't make that easy. "The training schedule starts again on Monday. No more excuses."

Because Leighton University isn't going to play nice anymore, I think but don't say.Not after everything that's happened. Not with six Kings and their obsessed Queen taking center stage in this deadly theater.

My hair catches the morning light as I turn, the silver strands falling in waves past my shoulder blades. It's grown even longer during our recovery period, now reaching my lower back like a cascade of moonlight. The length makes me look softer somehow, more feminine – a dangerous deception that I plan to use to full advantage.

"Hannah," I say quietly, watching her reflection in the mirror. "I need one more thing from you."

She pauses in her adjustments, meeting my eyes with that perfect blend of efficiency and deadly grace that makes her so valuable. "Of course, Miss Prescott."

"I need you to get me everything you can find on The Blind One." The name falls between us like a blade, sharp and certain. "Every whisper, every rumor, every scrap of information about the university that burned. I want to know exactly who we're dealing with."

Hannah's expression doesn't change, but something shifts in her posture – becoming more predatory, more focused. "That could be... dangerous information to pursue."

"More dangerous than what we've already survived?"

Her smile is slight but genuine. "Fair point. I'll begin immediately." She moves toward the door, then pauses. "Your Kings are still waiting downstairs. Should I tell them you'll be down soon?"

I study my reflection one final time – the too-thin frame wrapped in expensive fabric, the silver hair falling like a war banner, the look in my eyes that promises violence dressed as grace.

"Tell them their Queen is ready to play her part," I say softly. "And Hannah?" I catch her gaze in the mirror. "Make sure Domino's treatment facility understands exactly what happens if they fail to keep him in line."

"Already handled," she assures me, her smile turning sharp. "The staff there are... highly motivated to ensure his cooperation."

I nod, satisfied. Everything is falling into place – the Kings, the university, the carefully orchestrated dance of power and obsession we're about to begin.

Let them think I'm fragile, I think, watching Hannah slip silently from the room.Let them see the weight loss, the soft hair, the delicate features.

They'll learn soon enough that sometimes the most dangerous predators are the ones that look like prey.

After all, isn't that what Queens do best? Hide razor blades behind sweet smiles, conceal deadly purpose behind graceful movements, wrap vengeance in velvet and silk until it's too late for anyone to escape?

I smooth down the too-short skirt one final time, letting my fingers brush against where Knifey rests against my thigh.

Some things never change, even if everything else has.

An idea flickers in my mind, and suddenly, I’m smiling far too wide at my own reflection, staring into her eyes like a manic ready to betray her own.

Why don’t we start being the Ruthless Queen of Obsession the right way?

Give the world something to talk about.

Breakfast With Kings

~ARES~

The morning light streams through floor-to-ceiling windows, catching the gold accents that seem to be everywhere in our new residence. Matteo's taste in real estate is as impeccable as it is excessive – the property sits in Leighton University's most exclusive neighborhood, where normally only distinguished alumni of particularly elite status are permitted to reside.

The breakfast room alone probably costs more than most people's entire homes. Vaulted ceilings adorned with intricate crown molding draw the eye upward, while custom chandeliers cast warm light across the massive table where we've gathered for our first morning meal as official residents. The walls are a subtle cream that makes the gold architectural details pop – every doorframe, every window trim, every carefully considered accent designed to remind visitors that this is a home built for royalty.

Or in our case, I think with carefully hidden amusement,for a very specific kind of obsession.

"The security features are impressive," Marcus comments, spreading butter on what looks like freshly baked bread. He sits across from me, his usual lab coat replaced with our university uniform that somehow makes him look even more clinical. "I noticed at least three different types of biometric scanners just between my suite and here."

"Four, actually," Zander corrects from beside me, not looking up from his phone. His recovery has been remarkably swift, though I catch the occasional wince when he moves too quickly. "There's an infrared system built into the doorframes that monitors body temperature and movement patterns."

I take another sip of my perfectly prepared coffee, savoring the rich flavor while studying our new surroundings. The breakfast table itself is a masterpiece of design – thick mahogany polished to a mirror shine, large enough to seat twelve comfortably but currently arranged for our more intimate group of six. Matteo sits at the head, naturally, his presence commanding even in early morning casualness.

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