Page 55 of The Alpha King’s Hidden Mute Mate

It won't be because I'm finally allowed,

But because I no longer care about your permission."

The sentence pricked my chest like a needle.

I don't know how long I stood there. When I came to, darkness had fallen outside, sunset's glow streaming through the window, casting orange-red light across the floor.

I glanced at the wall clock—seven forty-five.

Leah's concert was starting soon.

I folded the papers and slipped them into my pocket. For some reason, I didn't want to leave them in this empty room, didn't want them forgotten with the dust.

I left the room, headed for the rose garden.

Eight p.m., rose garden.

The moon was bright, silver light washing over the blooming roses, giving them a soft halo. A temporary stage stood in the garden's center, surrounded by dozens of chairs and white-clothed tables laden with refreshments and wine.

Not many guests—maybe thirty or forty. They clustered in small groups, wine glasses in hand, conversing quietly, waiting for the concert to begin.

I sat front row center, holding a glass of whiskey I hadn't touched. My gaze rested on the stage, fingers tapping my knee, heartbeat faster than usual.

Leah finally appeared.

She wore a silver-white gown covered in tiny crystals that sparkled in the moonlight. Her golden hair fell loose, crowned with a delicate rose garland. She looked like the Moon Goddess herself descending to earth.

She smiled at the audience, curtsied gracefully, then walked to the microphone at center stage.

"Good evening, everyone." Her voice was sweet and gentle. "Tonight, I'd like to share a new song I recently composed."

I waited quietly.

Leah took a deep breath and began singing.

"Moonlight falls on me like clothes that cannot warm—"

My fingers clenched the armrest.

That opening. Identical to the first line on Mia's manuscript.

"I've walked a million roads but cannot escape my shadow—"

My breathing quickened.

"They call the chains protection,

So I danced in shackles."

My head exploded.

These words. These were Mia's words. I'd just read them in her room—word for word.

I stared at Leah on stage, watching her sing those stolen words with emotion, watching her close her eyes in feigned rapture, watching her bask in applause that should have belonged to someone else—

Nausea churned in my stomach.

Then she moved to the second verse. But that's when I noticed something wrong.