I had spent years mastering the art of deception, my cold exterior a shield against a world that thrived on chaos and betrayal. The human rebellion was just another obstacle, one more thing to hate. Sacrificing myself was inevitable, but I couldn't let anyone see the turmoil inside me, the emotional void left by a lifetime without support. My heart was a fortress, impenetrable and unyielding. No one would use me again, least of all her.

She was a constant thorn in my side, my fellow agent and the fiercest, most stubborn pain in my royal ass. The tension between us was undeniable, and while she pushed me away, I knew she saw through my facade. But I pushed harder. I couldn't afford to let her in. As she stood too close, challenging me with her presence, I felt my resolve waver. "You think you're so clever, don't you?" I sneered, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Don't flatter yourself. You're just another obstacle," I spat, my voice dripping with disdain. "One I'll gladly remove if you don't step aside. Or keep pushing, and you'll find out just how ruthless I can be and what real power looks like."

She didn't flinch, and I hated how much I admired her defiance. It was just hate. Definitely just hate. Right?