Transmigrated as the Crown Prince's Mate
Chapter 66: The Villain in Someone Else’s Story...

Chapter 66: The Villain in Someone Else’s Story...

Damian’s face showed warmth for a brief moment, and the softness in his eyes made Evelina’s heart flutter.

But just as quickly, she noticed a dramatic shift.

His muscles stiffened under her gentle touch, like a spring that was about to snap.

Evelina felt the change immediately. A feeling of unease came over her, and she leaned back to figure out the source of his sudden discomfort.

Her brow furrowed in concern, and she studied his face, searching for any signs of distress. "Damian?" she called softly. "What’s wrong?"

He shook his head, his hand tightening on her waist as if grounding her in place. He leaned in again, brushing his lips over hers in a fleeting kiss, but then froze, pulling back sharply mid-kiss.

He tilted his head slightly, narrowing his silver eyes as if he were trying to listen more carefully.

"Act normal," he said in a low voice, almost whispering. "But I think we’re being watched."

Evelina’s eyes widened slightly in alarm, but she bit back her immediate response. Damian’s steady hand on her waist reassured her, and she nodded faintly.

"How do you know?" she whispered, keeping her tone as neutral as possible.

"Use your wolf," Damian murmured. "Feel for the presence."

Evelina closed her eyes, inhaling deeply as she focused inward. Relia stirred in her mind, grumbling at the sudden demand but obeying. A moment later, a faint presence registered at the edge of her senses.

Someone was nearby. Whoever he or she was, they were trying to blend into the background as much as possible.

"I feel it," she said softly. "It’s... one of the maids."

Damian’s expression darkened, his grip tightening on her waist. "We need to know what she wants or who she’s watching. Now," he instructed firmly. "Announce your exit as casually as you can."

Evelina hesitated, but his determined gaze left no room for argument. She took a step back, smoothing her dress. "I should go," she said, her voice carefully even. "But you—be careful."

Damian nodded subtly, his eyes locked on hers. "I’ll find you," he promised.

Evelina turned and walked out of the room, moving calmly, even though she felt a whirlwind of emotions. As she made her way down the hallway, she stayed alert. She sensed the maid following her, remaining just out of sight.

Behind her, the soft creak of the bed reached her ears, signalling Damian’s movement.

His footsteps were quiet as he closed the distance between himself and the maid. She was unaware of his approach as her focus was entirely on Evelina.

When the maid rounded a corner, she was shocked to see Evelina standing, as if she were waiting for her. She turned around almost immediately, but Damian was there already, his tall frame blocking her path.

"Going somewhere?" he asked in a low and threatening voice. His silver eyes shone like liquid metal, holding her in place as the colour drained from her face.

Damian’s gaze sharpened as he recognized the maid as Selene’s maid, her trembling figure now pinned by his intense silver eyes. "Lily," he said darkly. "Did she send you to spy on me?"

Lily’s eyes widened in panic, and she immediately bowed her head. "M-My Prince," she stammered. "I wasn’t spying. I was just passing by—"

Damian’s hand shot out before she could finish her excuse, grabbing her wrist. "Save your lies," he hissed as he dragged her with a force that left no room for protest.

Evelina trailed behind, her heart racing as she followed them back to Damian’s chambers.

She entered hesitantly, closing the door behind her just as Damian shoved Lily against the wall. The maid yelped, her wide eyes darting between him and Evelina.

"Now, tell me the truth," Damian demanded with a growl. "What did Selene send you here for? What does she suspect?"

Lily trembled under his intense scrutiny. "My Prince, please... I was only following orders," she whispered. "Lady Selene suspected there was something off about the maid who came earlier. She couldn’t pinpoint it, so she sent me to see."

Damian narrowed his eyes. "And what are you going to report to her after watching us together, Lily?"

Lily shook her head. "Nothing, Your Highness. I won’t say anything to her, I swear."

Damian’s lip curled, and he leaned closer, his tone dripping with menace. "And if you tell her anything beyond what I allow, your family won’t be safe. Do you understand me?"

Lily’s breath hitched, her eyes wide with fear. "My Prince, I would never—"

"I don’t trust words," Damian cut her off coldly. "You will return to Selene and tell her the maid was just that—a regular maid. Nothing more. You saw nothing suspicious, and you heard nothing unusual. If I detect even the slightest hint of deviation, I will ensure your family bears the consequences. One member, every day.""

Lily’s head bobbed in frantic agreement. "Yes, my Prince. I swear, I won’t say anything."

"If you do," Damian continued, his tone icy, "your family won’t be safe. One word out of place, one slip-up, and one of them dies. Every. Single. Day."

Lily’s breath hitched, her tears welling up. "Understood," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"To ensure your compliance," Damian added with an unreadable expression, "I’ll be taking your younger sister hostage for now. Consider her as collateral. She’ll remain unharmed so long as you keep your mouth shut. Any slip, and you’ll lose more than your loyalty."

Tears streamed down Lily’s face as she bowed her head. "I won’t say anything, My Prince. I swear it."

Damian studied her for a while before nodding. "Good." His voice was cold and final. He stepped back, releasing her and gesturing toward the door. "Now leave."

Lily wasted no time, bolting from the room as soon as Damian moved aside.

Evelina stepped forward cautiously, her eyes flicking between Damian and the door where the maid had just exited.

"Was that... really necessary?" Evelina asked quietly.

Damian turned to her, his gaze softening only slightly. "I will do whatever it takes to protect you," he said simply. "Even if it means becoming the villain in someone else’s story."