Defy The Alpha(s) novel Chapter 204

Chapter 204: To Be A Rogue

"Lila!" Violet shouted, her voice nearly lost in the unrelenting downpour. Rain blurred her vision, and though she’d been holding onto Lila’s hand moments ago, a sudden rush of debris carried by the wind had wrenched them apart.

"I’m here, Princess!" Lila called back, and in an instant, she was by Violet’s side. "Just don’t let go, no matter what."

And yeah, Lila didn’t need to say it twice.

Violet silently vowed never to let go of her hand again.

The rain pelted them mercilessly, and in that moment she made a mental note: If she ever dated again, she’d make damn sure the guy didn’t have lightning powers to control the weather, because this was pure torture.

When the doors of the dining hall finally came into view, Violet nearly collapsed onto her knees in relief. Right then and there, she could have knelt down and praised the lord for deliverance from Alaric’s angry rainstorm.

But instead of heading straight inside like any sane person would, to her surprise, Lila suddenly tugged her toward the side of the building, away from view.

Confused, Violet asked. "What are you doing?" She glanced around, but unsurprisingly, there wasn’t a single person lingering outside in this miserable storm.

But Lila merely grinned. "You can’t make an entrance looking like a drowned rat, can you?"

Before Violet could get a word out, Lila reached out and touched the sodden fabric of her clothing. A strange sensation washed over her, like a deep warmth sinking into her skin. Then, before her wide eyes, Violet watched as every drop of water rose from her clothes, suspended in midair like vapor. Then it fell at their feet in a wet splash.

Violet gasped. "That was... cool."

"You flatter me, Princess," Lila responded, dipping her head politely.

A question hit Violet and she hesitated before asking, "If I’m Fae like you, when are you going to teach me to do the things you do? You even said I could do greater."

Lila had been draining the last of the moisture from Violet’s hair, but at her words, she stilled, just for a fraction of a second. It was subtle, but Violet didn’t miss how her expression briefly tensed, as though something weighed on her mind.

Yet Lila smoothed it over in a second, adding, "Soon, Princess. Soon enough."

"Fine... if you say so," Violet replied, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

Lily was hiding something. Violet was sure of it. But this wasn’t the place or time to press for answers.

"All done." Lila stepped back, gesturing for Violet to check herself.

Indeed, Violet was as dry as if she’d never stepped into the rain at all. She watched as Lila performed the same trick on herself, drying every last drop from her own clothes and hair.

"Won’t it look suspicious that we’re not soaked through?" Violet asked, remembering the pourdown just beyond the wall.

Lila shrugged. "You’re about to stir up a whole commotion just by walking in there. Trust me, they’ll be more interested in how the Rogue Queen is received than in why you’re not dripping wet."

When Violet thought about it, it actually made sense.

"Besides," Lila went on, ""the second we step out into the rain again, the water will fall on us. But we’ll be inside so fast, we won’t look like miserable, drenched rats."

Violet couldn’t help but be impressed. No matter the situation, Lila always had a way to ensure her comfort and safety. Must be nice to have someone like that on your side.

Then Lila’s expression turned thoughtful. "If anything, what I am worried about is how we’re going to get back with the food. Not all of it can be sealed, and even with packages, the rain will find a way to ruin it."

"Don’t worry," Violet assured her, "we’ll surely figure something out."

"If you say so." Lila flashed a sudden, eager grin. "Alright, princess, let’s go. On the count of three."