Chapter 84 Chapter 84

Chapter 84 Chapter 84


~JOSIE

Teeyana ran into my room; I recoiled, wondering why she was acting so uncultured. Beads of sweat appeared on her forehead and lips.

I blinked, gently dropping the lip balm I had been applying. Before I could make another movement, she bolted over to my side and went on her knees, head bent.

Her actions surprised me. Her vigorous breathing was making the room feel suffocating; I peered out to check if she was being chased, but I sensed no one nearby.

"My lady, there's trouble," she cried out. Her shaky voice became incoherent as she started rambling.

"Calm down, Teeyana. Calm down," I said in a stern voice. I flipped my hair back and crossed my legs.

"Now, speak," I declared, watching her intently.

Wasn't it just an hour ago that she had told me the job was done? Why was she acting this way?

"My lady, the Alpha is already involved in this matter," she blurted out. A grin appeared on my lips — of course, I had expected Mikael to be involved.

There was no way he wouldn't be. "I made a slip-up, my lady. One of the maidens saw me in the kitchen, though she had no idea what I was doing there," Teeyana confessed.

I set my feet on the ground. I understood her fears, but I was going to have it sorted out. I drew closer and held her chin. "You don't have to be afraid, Teeyana. I have your back." My smile must have caused some turbulence within her.

Staring into blank space, I mused. "She must have lost her child. I can't wait to see how broken she is," I laughed manically.

"No… that's the problem. It was her handmaiden who ate the food," Teeyana dropped the bomb, and it sent a spark through me.

My red eyes flared. "What!"

My claws elongated as my aura filled the room. How could she say that wench had survived?

That she was still carrying his child!

Teeyana scrambled back, trembling at the sound of my voice. "I-I don't know how… she was supposed to—" My palm met her cheek, followed by a resounding slap.

"One simple job and you couldn't even do it properly," I snapped.

Teeyana sobbed harder, her head resting at my feet. "My lady, I swear… I thought she was going to eat it. I promise never to make this kind of mistake again — please have mercy," she pleaded, weeping endlessly as if her life were on the line — which was true. If I didn't come to her aid she would be gone in the blink of an eye, and Teeyana was precious to me.

"Fine — stay low for now while I tend to the matters at hand. Who is the maiden that saw you?"

"Thank you! Thank you, my lady! Yes, I will stay low until you call for me," she rushed her words.

Once Teeyana had left, I paced around the room. I needed to leave and find out where Mikael stood on his investigation. I was sure that if he had known about Teeyana, she wouldn't still be here — and if she were caught, her loyalty would no doubt remain with me.

Teeyana wouldn't utter a word.

\~~~

I could have gone through the front door of Mikael's office, but instead I decided to use the wall and stay behind the corridor. He was with the secret witch, and I knew he only called her for important missions.

"My mate is being attacked under this roof. The food she ought to have eaten had poison in it," Mikael said. I was glad I had used the potion to hide my scent and heighten my senses, or I wouldn't have heard a word.

"Alpha, that poison is used to terminate pregnancy. If the Luna had taken it, she would have lost her life instantly," Zera said; I heard her smack her lips together.

"We need to release the Luna's wolf, Alpha! If not for the handmaiden's wolf, she wouldn't have survived this," her tone held caution — almost as if she were restraining herself from saying things that could cost her her head.

A clatter of objects sounded; I had almost slipped where I stood. Using my claws to tighten my grip on the wall, I hoped the sentinels patrolling the pack would not find me there.

"No — if her wolf comes back, there is no way I can save Nyra. She bears the mark! I can't…" he bellowed, gnashing his teeth.

Mark?

"What mark?" Zera asked. "If I know what mark she has, maybe there is something I could do to help?" she suggested.

Mikael sucked in a deep breath. "No, Zera, it's not something you can work on. This has been a struggle for me all this while — once I am ready I will tell you," Mikael answered.

I furrowed my brows. What had he been working on all this time?

What struggle had he been having that… I trailed off, eyes widening in recognition.

The anti-celestial mark!

Nyra was the wolf with that mark, and he had been hiding her from his godfather.

I couldn't hide my excitement. This was such good news — now I knew how to get rid of that wench.

"I think we should tell the Luna. She has every right to know!" Zera urged.

A smile found its way to my face. Once I had dealt with the maiden they had caught in the cell, I would take care of my little Luna.

Perhaps the failed plan hadn't turned out so badly after all. I already had good leverage, and this new plan would serve me well.

I dropped down from the wall, dusting my hands as my feet landed on the ground. I scanned my surroundings before stepping away from the building, walking towards the grove as if I had come from the woods.

Once I reached a hidden spot in the pack, I sent for one of the guards who had pledged his loyalty to me.

"Beta Josie," the lanky sentinel called. I handed him a paper.

"Give this to the new prisoners. I want this job to be clean and simple — no unnecessary complications," I instructed. He stared at the paper before nodding.

"Yes, Beta."