Chapter 225
Daphne
I'm mid-pounce, claws flexing, ready to startle my sweet little bunny into another squeak, when a notification pops up across my vision like an unexpected slap.
[POPPY LONGEAR HAS LEFT THE HAREM]
…Wait. What?
I skid to a halt on the mattress, blinking. That can't be right. I had a whole multi-stage plan for Poppy's dramatic exit—slow burns of jealousy, a public scene or two, maybe a few whispered rumors to light the match. It was supposed to be my chaos to orchestrate.
"System," I call silently. The world drains of color instantly; time freezes mid-breath. Nima is paused on the bed, wide-eyed and adorable, mid-flinch from my nearly-pounce. The familiar purple orb floats into view, humming like a smug little cat.
"What happened?" I demand.
