155
~Belinda's POV
The moment I returned to the palace with Dolph, I didn't waste time. My heart was beating fast, not from fear but from anger. The thought of Lisa still being here, still breathing, still stealing the attention that belonged to me—it burned me from the inside. I knew I couldn't delay anymore. I had to act.
As soon as we entered the gates, I dismissed Dolph and Richard with a sharp wave of my hand. "Stay close to Richard," I whispered to him before he left, "I'll call for you later. Don't wander too far."
He nodded silently and they slipped away like a shadow.
I straightened my dress and walked quickly down the corridor, the familiar smell of stone and polished wood filling my nose. My heels clicked against the floor, echoing as I made my way toward the council room. That's where Kael and Rowan usually were at this time of day, and if I was lucky… Damon too.
I pushed the door open without knocking.
