Chapter 18: A Terrible Beginning

Chapter 18: A Terrible Beginning
LEONA
I sat at the grand gates of the palace, my hands gripping the straps of the small bag I'd packed. My heart raced with nervous anticipation, the bag reminding me of everything I had to lose today. The cool air brushed against my skin, and I took a deep breath, steadying myself. This was it—the chance I'd been waiting for, to get closer to Alpha Zane and, more importantly, to uncover the truth about Gina's death.
As I sat there, the memory of Haelyn's hug rushed back. When I'd told her I got the job, she'd held me so tightly, her voice soft but filled with worry.
"Be careful, Leona," she had whispered. "And don't forget, you're not a burden to me."
I squeezed my eyes shut, pushing the memory away. I couldn't afford to get distracted by emotions now. Fiona needed me, and the palace might hold the answers I desperately needed.
The sound of approaching footsteps broke my reverie. I looked up to see a woman walking toward me, her posture straight and her expression unreadable.
"Are you the new maid?" she asked, eyeing me curiously.
I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. "Yes, I'm Leona."
The woman studied me for a moment before offering a curt nod. "I'm Mrs. Marlowe, the head maid here. Follow me."
I wheeled myself forward, following her through the palace gates. The grandeur of the place was breathtaking—high ceilings, grand tapestries, and marble floors. It was beautiful but intimidating.
We passed through several halls before reaching a narrow, plain corridor that led to the maid's quarters. It was a stark contrast to the opulence of the palace, but I didn't mind. This was my place now.
She stopped in front of a small room, the door creaking slightly as she opened it.
"This will be your room," she said curtly.
I wheeled inside, taking in the bare walls, the small bed covered in plain white linens, and the narrow window that offered a view of the palace garden. It wasn't much, but it was mine. For now, that was enough.
Mrs. Marlowe handed me a plain maid's uniform. "Change into this. When you're done, report to Alpha Zane's chambers to clean."
I nodded, trying not to react to the subtle judgment I saw in her eyes as she glanced at my wheelchair.
"Make sure you do your duties properly," she added. "We don't have time for mistakes here."
Her words stung, but I didn't show it. I had no choice but to follow through.
"Yes, Mrs. Marlowe," I replied quietly.
She gave me a brief, cold smile and left the room.
With a deep breath, I began to change into the uniform. The fabric was stiff and uncomfortable, but it didn't matter. I had to look the part. After I finished dressing, I wheeled myself out of the room, the cleaning supplies in hand, and set off toward Alpha Zane's chambers.
The long corridors felt endless, and the sense of being watched seemed to grow with each turn. It made my skin crawl, but I couldn't afford to be distracted. I had a mission, and I would not let fear or discomfort stand in my way.
When I arrived at his door, I knocked softly, but there was no response. After a brief pause, I slowly pushed the door open and wheeled myself inside.
Inside, the room was luxurious—rich fabrics, heavy curtains, and a large four-poster bed. It was beautiful, but something about the room felt empty, like it had been untouched for a long time.
I wheeled further into the room, shutting the door behind me. I began cleaning as instructed, but my mind was elsewhere. I had to find something—anything—that could lead me to the truth about Gina's death. I wasn't here just to clean.
I moved toward the desk in the corner, scanning its surface for clues. The papers scattered across it didn't make sense, but one letter caught my eye.
It was partially folded and tucked under a stack of books. My heart raced as I reached for it, my fingers trembling. Just as I was about to open it, the door suddenly slammed open, causing me to jump.
"What are you doing in here?"
I froze, my heart pounding in my chest. I turned to see Alpha Zane standing in the doorway, his piercing grey eyes locked on me.
I quickly pushed the letter back onto the desk, trying to appear casual. "I—I was just cleaning. Dusting the table, like I was told."
His gaze didn't soften. He studied me for a long moment, his suspicion clear. "I see," he said slowly. "Leave."
I nodded quickly, my breath catching in my chest. I didn't dare argue. With shaking hands, I wheeled myself toward the door and out into the hallway, my heart pounding in my ears.
Once I was safely outside his chambers, I paused, pressing my back against the cool stone wall. My breath came in short, shallow gasps. That had been too close—way too close. I couldn't afford to be caught. Not when I was so close to uncovering the truth.
But the feeling of being so near and yet so far filled me with a quiet determination. I had found something. A clue. And I wasn't about to give up now. I had to find the truth. No matter what it took.
After my encounter with Alpha Zane, I made my way back down the corridor, trying to collect myself. As I wheeled myself toward the maid's quarters, I ran into Mrs. Marlowe once again.
She was standing at the end of the hallway, her sharp eyes scanning the halls with the precision of someone who didn't miss a thing.
"Leona," she called firmly. "I need you in the kitchen. Go and help with the preparation of dinner."
I nodded, not daring to question her. "Yes, Mrs. Marlowe," I replied quietly, already turning toward the kitchen.
When I arrived at the kitchen, the door creaked open and I was met with the warm, earthy smell of food and the bustle of other maids working and chatting. But the moment I entered, the room fell silent. The atmosphere shifted, and I felt several pairs of eyes on me.
I took a deep breath, trying to remain composed despite the sudden tension in the air. I wasn't here for their judgment—I had a job to do. But still, I couldn't help but feel the sting of their stares.
A girl with blonde hair, who looked to be a few years younger than me, was the first to speak. She looked me up and down with a sneer.
"Oh, she's the new maid, huh?" she said. "I'm surprised they even let someone like her in. I mean, what's she gonna do? Wheel around and clean with that... thing?" She motioned toward my wheelchair, her tone mocking.