Chapter 25. Ugly Duckling

Lilly’s POV

Beta Zack slowly approached me, his eyes filled with urgency. I could sense the weight of his unspoken words hanging in the air between us. My heart raced as I braced myself for the confession he was about to make, hoping it would bring clarity to the turmoil brewing inside me.

Suddenly, Lex stiffened, and an unknown emotion flickered across his face. I glanced at him, wondering what had triggered his reaction, but my attention quickly returned to Zack.

“Just say it,” I urged, my voice barely above a whisper. The tension thickened around us, leaving me both anxious and curious about the truth he was holding back.

“I know you have been through a lot,” Zack said. “But I need you to trust me just this once. I promise you that neither I nor anyone else will hurt you. Please, just come with me and listen before you leave again.”

Again? I narrowed my eyes at him, confused about what he meant by ‘again.’

His expression softened, reveal