Page 31 of The Alien's Vicious Starflash Manor

In my absence, workers have managed to clear away most of the debris and begin laying new foundation stones, but it will be months before the wing returns to its former glory. If it ever does.

Like so much else in my world, some damages cannot be undone—they can only be covered up and rebuilt into something new.

The rest of the manor stands as it always has: a sprawling testament to Icecaix architecture, with its soaring white walls and delicate blue accents that mimic the eternal winter of our realm.

The central portion, housing the dining rooms, sitting rooms, great hall, and my private chambers, still presents its usual austere face to the world, though the scent of smoke lingers even here.

And the eastern wing remains untouched, its spires reaching toward the starry sky.

“It looks like something out of a fairy tale,” Izzy says softly.

Lara adds with bitter irony, “That’s fitting.”

At my signal, Tenyt rushes ahead to open the doors, and Khrint follows him to alert the staff that we have returned.

As I turn to lead the Evans sisters inside, I tell myself this will all be worth it in the end.

The sisters’ footsteps echo behind me as we enter Starfrost Manor, their human warmth radiating through the chilled air like trapped sunlight.

I force myself not to look back at them—particularly at Lara. My awareness of her presence burns against my skin even without visual confirmation.

“Welcome home, Your Lordship,” Khrint murmurs as we cross the threshold.

The words ring hollow.

I pause in the grand foyer, allowing myself a moment to appreciate how the ice-white walls reflect the moonlight streaming through the high windows, the way the pale blue trim looks even darker in the glow of the single magical Caixlight floating through the air.

The marble floor gleams like fresh snow, and I notice how Lara and Izzy unconsciously draw closer together, their shoulders touching as they take in the austere beauty of their prison—Izzy for the first time, Lara with the dejection of a longtime inmate.

“The kitchen is that way,” Lara says, gesturing toward the back of the house. “We should probably?—”

“No.” The word emerges sharper than intended, frosted with command. “You’re not servants any longer.”

Both sisters freeze, and I catch the flash of suspicion in Lara’s eyes. She’s right to be wary. Every step of my plan depends on transforming these Earth girls into something the Icecaix Court will accept—or at least fear enough to follow.

I turn to my valet, fighting to keep my voice steady despite the way my pulse quickens at the thought of what comes next. “Have the blue suite prepared. Light fires in the bedchamber and the sitting room.”

As Khrint leaves to take care of my request, Lara’s intake of breath is sharp, a crack in her composure. I finally allow myselfto look at her directly, and the confusion and hope warring on her face sends an unwanted shiver through me.

I step closer, drawn by her warmth despite my better judgment. “You’re to be presented at court. Both of you. So we can’t have you sleeping in the kitchen.”

Lara’s eyes narrow. “Why not? You were fine with me sleeping in the kitchen before.”

My voice cools to match the temperature of the marble beneath our feet, and I force myself to step back and turn toward the stairs without answering her question. “Allow me to show you to your rooms. You should rest tonight. Tomorrow, we begin preparing you for your roles at court.”

“And what roles would those be?” Lara’s question carries an edge sharp enough to draw blood.

Again, I ignore her. My footsteps echo through the foyer as I head toward the stairs, listening for the sisters to follow.

Soon, I tell myself.Soon everything will align. I will do what must be done.

But even I’m beginning to doubt the lies I tell myself.

CHAPTER 9

LARA

That fucker is going to have us join the Ice Court?

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