Chapter 172
172 The turning point Lyla POV My first instinct was to leave the room since Cassidy was here .
The last time I saw her and at an enclosed space like this was that time at the cafe.
Since then , we havent met at close quarters like this .
Cassidy ! Ramsey called out alarmed .
Now that the door was open , I could hear piercing screams and loud shouts coming from all over the place .
Ramseys body became tensed as if poised for a fight .
He pulled away from What happened ? Why are you crying ? She was shaking her head languidly .
Theyre attacking everyone at the Festive ground .
Creatures without form and its my fault .
Shit ! Ramsey turned to Seth who despite everything still had a neutral expression on his face .
Quick , fetch me the Gammas and Lenny .
I need him now .
He was already walking to the door , brushing past Cassidy who was sobbing .
He didnt have time to question how the attack was her fault .
That would come later .
Ill come with you , I volunteered , falling behind him .
No , stay here .
Youll be safe and no matter what , do not open the door for anyone .
Seth , youre with me .
Before I could protest and insist , the door to his room closed with a click , leaving me and Cassidy locked in .
I stood in stunned silence , my heart pounding as I heard him barking orders to people outside .
His refusal to accept my help stung , but I had no time to dwell on it .
The air in the room shifted , growing thick with an unspoken tension .
Gingerly , I walked to the door and tried to pry it open but it refused to give way , as if it had been locked from outside .
The sound of Ramseys footsteps and Seths quiet one faded down the hallway , leaving an oppressive silence in their wake .
I turned , suddenly feeling afraid , to see Cassidy with tears streaming down her face , take a step towards my direction .
I took another step backward , until I was almost at the door .
As I watched , something chilling happened Cassidys tears that had been coming in torrents a second ago simply stopped .
Like someone had turned off a faucet .
I had a bad feeling about this .
Cassidy wiped at the remnants of her tears on her cheeks , a cold smile spread across her face as she advanced towards me , her movements predatory .
There was a menacing glint in her eyes .
I warned you didnt 17″ she said in a cold tone .
Her voice carrying none of its usual sweetness she always had when she was around Ramsey .
I told you to say away from Ramsey .
But no , you couldnt listen .
You couldnt help yourself .
You had to meddle , didnt you ? 172 : The turning point I took a cautious step back , my mind racing as I fought to keep my voice steady .
The woman standing in front of me was nothing like the woman that had burst into the room sobbing .
There was something dangerous , almost sinister about her .
I mean , Ive had several confrontations with her but never had I perceived this sort of coldness coming from her .
This isnt what you think … I said , fighting the anxiety gnawing at my insides .
I didnt mean to intrude .
Its just that Ramsey … I was only trying to … I stuttered .
Oh , isnt it ? Cassidy laughed , producing a hollow sound .
The innocent little mate or should I say Moonsinger , always running to Ramsey with her problems .
Always finding excuses to be near him .
She moved closer , her eyes glinting with something that made me wish , I had Nymeris with him .
If I ask questions Id appreciate if I get responses ASAP I wasnt trying to do anything , Cassidy .
I promise .
I was only trying to … Trying to what ? she interrupted me with a glared .
Play the savior ? Be the hero ? Or maybe she took a step closer you were just trying to warm your way into his heart , stealing him away like the little parasite you are .
My jaw tightened .
Thats not fair , Cassidy .
I wasnt trying to steal him from you .
Ramsey is free to make his own choices , just like you are and me too .
She let out a bitter laugh .
Choices ? You think this is about choices ? You think I havent seen the way you look at me , the way he looks at you ? You dont belong in this world , Lyla .
You never have .
Cassidy youre not thinking straight , I tried to reason with her , though every nerve in me was screaming danger .
Whatever you think is happening tween Ramsey and me … Stop lying! her voice cracked like a whip .
Ive watched you since you came here .
You little , piteous acts .
You think I didnt see how you wanted to practically fuck him that day at the training ground and how you pretended to be unwell so he could carry you ? My jaw dropped .
I wasnt faking that , Cassidy .
I truly sick .
I was out for a few days you could … I dont want to hear it , she stopped me again .
Poor , helpless Lyla , who needs everyones protections .
Who needs Ramseys attention .
Her lips curled into a sneer .
Did you really think I wouldnt notice how you look at him ? I knew I could argue back and forth regarding this and she wouldnt believe me .
So , I squared my shoulders , trying to be brutally honest .
Youre right about one thing I did come to see Ramsey today .
But not fo the reasons you think .
I came because Im scared .
Because somethings happening to me that I dont understand … Oh , please .
Cassidy rolled her eyes .
Spare me your pathetic excuses .
You know what your problem is , Lyla ? Youve always thought you were special .
The girls with supernatural powers who lives amongst us .
The one everyone needs , she took another stp , her voice dropping to a whisper .
But youre nothing .
Just a weak little girl with lots of Daddy issues, whos about to learn her place .
If Im so insignificant , why do I threaten you so much ? I shot back , even as my pulse raced .
Tzz The herning point If Im so insignificant , why do I threaten you so much ? I shot back , even as my pulse raced .
Youre going to be his mate , Cassidy .
Youve won .
What more do you want ? Something flickered in her eyes .
I continued quickly , Besides Ramsey deserves to choose his own path .
And if he doesnt choose you , maybe thats something you need to accept ? What I want ? she laughed manically .
I want you to suffer , Lyla .
I want you to understand what true powerlessness feel like .
You think youre cleaver , dont you ? Standing there , pretending you do not want him .
I took a deep breath , willing myself to remain clam .
You dont have to do this , Cassidy .
Whatever anger you have , whatever jealously this isnt the way Jealousy ? she hissed .
You think Im jealous of you ? Dont flatter yourself .
Im not jealous disgusted .
Disgusted that someone like you could dare to think youre worthy of standing beside him .
Im Youre insane , I whispered , finally letting my fear show because this wasnt just jealousy I was seeing in Cassidys eyes this was something else entirely .
Something inhuman .
Instinctively , I stepped back , my back brushing against the door .
Cassidy followed after me , her side widening .
No dear .
Im just tired of pretending .
Cassidy , listen to me , I said with a shaky voice .
The fear in my chest was building .
Ramsey doesnt need us fighting over him .
hes dealing with enough as it is .
This … this isnt helping anyone .
But Cassidy wasnt listening , her gaze had darkened , her lips was curled into a twisted smile .
Oh , sweet , naïve little thing .
You still dont get it , do you ? This sisnt about helping Ramsey .
This is about eliminating you .
My heart was pounding furiously now .
I had hoped to reason with Cassidy , but it was painfully .
clear that she had no interest in talking things through .
Cassidy , I pressed further into the door .
Dont do something youll regret , I warned .
She tilted her head , her smile widening .
Oh , I wont regret it .
In fact , Ill enjoy every second of it .
She came towards me at where I was leaning on the door .
She raised her hands up as if to strike me .
I closed my eyes , fearing the worst .
I waited for her blow but instead , she grabbed my shoulders and pushed me from where I was leaning on the door .
When I opened my eyes , she was staring at me with eyes filled with hatred .
You want to know what true power feels like , Lyla ? Let me show you .
When I saw her reaching for the door , for a brief moment , I felt a flicker of relief , thinking that she might be leaving .
Instead , she opened the door and a man walked in .
I saw his feet first , before my eyes travelled to his face .
My blood turned to lee in my veins .
As the man , tall and imposing , with sharp , angular features and a piercing gaze that seemed to cut straight through me .
His presence was suffocating , the air around him was heavy with an aura of malice .
172 The turning point Xander smiled , the smile reaching his grey eyes .
Hello , Lyla , he said quietly .
Today , you will join me and take over this world .