172 The turning point L POV My first instinct was to leave the room since Cassidy was here .


    Thest 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 rmed .


    Now that the door was open , I could hear piercing screams and loud shoutsing from all over the ce .


    Ramseys body became tensed as if poised for a fight .


    He pulled away from What happened ? Why are you crying ? She was shaking her headnguidly .


    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 wouldeter .


    Ille 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 ept 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 beening 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 coldnessing 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 ? Cassidyughed , 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 red .


    y 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 bitterugh .


    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 , L .


    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 L , 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 dide 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 , L ? 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 ce .


    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 ept ? What I want ? sheughed manically .


    I want you to suffer , L .


    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 m .


    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 tter 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 , na?ve 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 , L ? 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 , angr 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 , L , he said quietly .


    Today , you will join me and take over this world .