Chapter 361: I knew it.
MARIA.
I was fed up with everything.
Every second I remained seated at that table felt like torture. The suffocating atmosphere, Vincent’s presence, the constant need to watch every word and every expression—it was all becoming too much for me to bear.
Still, I couldn’t just get up and leave abruptly. That would only make Vincent suspicious, and the last thing I wanted was his attention focused on me.
So I forced myself to remain calm.
I offered a polite excuse, carefully masking my frustration, before finally stepping away from the table.
The moment I was out of the dining area, I felt a small sense of relief wash over me.
I just wanted to be home...back with Noah...back in the only place that still felt safe.
Taking a deep breath, I made my way into the garden.
The cool morning air brushed against my skin, and for the first time that morning, I felt like I could actually breathe. The garden wasn’t visible from the dining area, giving me a moment of privacy away from all the suffocating conversations and fake smiles.
I closed my eyes briefly and inhaled deeply—fresh air....that was all I needed or so I thought.
"Maria!" The familiar voice cut through the silence.
My entire body froze instantly, and my heart skipped a beat. Slowly, almost afraid that my ears were playing tricks on me, I turned slightly.
And then I saw him.
Noah.
My breath caught in my throat.
How?
How had he recognized me?
I was still wearing the mask and no part of my face was visible, yet somehow, he had known.
"I knew it!" Noah exclaimed.
Before I could even react, he crossed the distance between us and wrapped his arms tightly around me.
The warmth of his embrace shattered every wall I had been desperately trying to hold together.
I couldn’t stop myself.
I hugged him back just as tightly.
For a moment, neither of us said anything, as we simply held each other. As though making sure the other was truly there and as though neither of us wanted to let go.
Noah finally pulled back just enough to look at me and without hesitation, he reached up and removed my mask.
The moment my face was revealed, a bright smile spread across his features. A smile I had missed more than words could ever describe.
His eyes softened as they searched mine.
Then, unable to contain his emotions, he leaned forward and pressed his lips against mine.
The kiss was filled with longing and desperation, days of separation, days of worry and days of missing each other.
I responded immediately, pouring the same emotions into the kiss.
"I’ve missed you, Maria," Noah murmured between breaths, his voice rough with emotion.
Every word made my chest tighten.
We became completely lost in the moment, forgetting everything around us, forgetting where we were, forgetting the danger and forgetting that we were standing outside in the garden.
Eventually, Noah pulled away, breathing heavily, as his forehead rested briefly against mine and then he looked at me with determination.
"Let’s get out of here, Maria," he said immediately.
But my body stiffened, not because I didn’t want to leave. Goddess knew I wanted nothing more than that.
But because I knew Vincent, I knew exactly how dangerous he could be and leaving wasn’t as simple as walking away.
It would take planning and strategy as the smallest mistake could have terrible consequences.
Noah’s expression immediately shifted when he noticed my silence.
"What’s wrong, Maria?" he asked softly.
But I remained silent.
After a while, I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart.
"Look here, Noah, you can’t tell anyone I’m the one under this mask," I said firmly, my voice low but serious.
As the words left my mouth, I clenched my fists tightly at my sides. The pressure of my nails digging into my palms was the only thing keeping me grounded.
Noah’s expression immediately changed.
The warmth that had been in his eyes moments ago disappeared, replaced by something much darker. He took a slow step backward, creating a small distance between us.
"Do you want to be the Lycan Princess?" he asked.
There was no teasing in his voice, no sarcasm and no humor, only complete seriousness.
My eyes widened instantly.
"No way, Noah!" I said without hesitation. "I would never be a Lycan Princess, okay?"
The very thought of it made my stomach twist.
I shook my head firmly before continuing.
"If we run away from here now, he will definitely catch up with us in no time."
The words came out more urgently than I intended, because they were true.
I knew Vincent.
I knew how powerful he was.
How determined he could be when he wanted something.
And right now, that something was me.
"No, he won’t, Maria," Noah replied immediately, his answer was so quick that it almost sounded automatic like he had already convinced himself of it.
I sighed heavily. "Look, Noah, this is not the time to work on impulse or emotions." I stepped closer and lowered my voice. "I know exactly what he’s capable of doing."
Every word carried the weight of experience. The danger wasn’t something I was imagining.
He had threatened me with Noah’s life again and again. And I knew he would actually do it.
For a moment, Noah remained silent, and then he dragged a frustrated hand through his hair.
"Okay, fine," he muttered. "But seeing you walking side by side with him is pissing me off." He added, as his jaw tightened.
The jealousy and frustration in his eyes were impossible to miss.
Despite everything, a small chuckle escaped my lips.
"Relax, Noah," I said, smiling softly. "It’s just a matter of time."
His expression softened slightly at my reassurance.
Then a thought suddenly crossed my mind.
"Oh, that’s right," I said. "Did the quadruplets accompany you? I mean, are you all on the same side, or were they invited over?"
Noah rolled his eyes dramatically.
The gesture was so exaggerated that I almost laughed again.
"I guess we’re on the same side," he replied.
The obvious reluctance in his voice made me smile even wider. Some things never changed.
For a brief moment, it felt almost normal between us, like we weren’t surrounded by danger and like we weren’t trapped in a situation that could fall apart at any second.
I smiled deeply at his reaction before reaching for the mask.
Carefully, I placed it back over my face.
Once it was secure, I adjusted it and straightened my hair, making sure everything looked exactly the way it had before.
I couldn’t afford any mistakes.
"I’ve been out for too long, Noah," I said reluctantly. "I need to hurry back before he starts getting suspicious."
Noah frowned but nodded. "Alright," he said. "But you have to find a way for us to meet." He added, as his voice became serious again. "We need to discuss a new plan with the rest."
I nodded in agreement.
"I will."
For a moment, neither of us moved, as neither of us wanted to end the conversation but we both knew we had no choice.
Taking one last look at him, I turned around immediately and hurried away.
The smile faded from my face as I rushed back toward the dining hall.
With every step, the reality of my situation settled heavily on my shoulders once more.
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